SBH Maxorata Resort

Opened in 1988, this is one of the oldest hotels in the SBH chain in Fuerteventura. The colorful concrete facade doesn't give away the property’s age, but once inside, fading walls and furniture are difficult to ignore. The atmosphere is relaxed and pleasant, but there’s a feeling that the hotel has seen better days. Despite the dated vibe, the lobby is bright and airy, with an atrium overhead and plenty of space for smooth check-in and departure. This 506-room hotel has sizable grounds, and typically attracts German, Dutch, British, and Polish couples and families -- many of them are repeat guests who visit three or four times per year. 

Located on Jandia beach, this large holiday resort had three different buildings all situated on a busy road leading into Solana Matorral. Elevators take guests from the hotel to street level where it’s a five-minute walk to Solana Matorral, with plenty of shops and restaurants. There are various local attractions within a 10-minute walk, including the skeleton of a sperm whale, Jandia Beach, and the Morro Jable Lighthouse. The Oasis Park Fuerteventura (a hands-on zoo) is around a 20-minute drive and there’s a free shuttle bus leaving the hotel daily. Fuerteventura Airport is about an hour away.

This 506-room hotel has a large collection of double rooms and apartments. There is a confusing range of old and new decor in the same room, with tired and worn furniture, but new laminate flooring underfoot. Rooms with neutral patterned sheets and white walls feel much fresher than those with darker decor. Beds consist of two twin beds pushed together. Amenities are fairly basic, with mini-fridges and old-fashioned TVs, but no air-conditioning. There are no tea and coffee facilities, Wi-Fi is available for a fee, and safes must be rented. Bathrooms are clean and bright, with a small bath and shower, marble countertops, wall-mounted hairdryers, and basic toiletries. Standard Doubles come with furnished balconies or terraces, some have sea views. 

In contrast, a series of attractive modern double rooms were being renovated during our 2017 visit. New features include fresh white sheets, neutral laminate floors, open plan wardrobes, mini-fridges, and extended balconies. Bathrooms will have large showers, instead of bathtubs. The resort has 240 apartments that are also undergoing renovation. During our visit existing apartments had a bedroom, open plan living room, kitchenette, and bathroom. As a whole these apartments looked tired, with limited space, but all the necessary amenities are provided including two sofa beds, televisions, telephones, and kitchenettes with a sink, hob, and a full-sized fridge. Bathrooms have a bath and shower. All apartments have good-sized balconies, some with ocean views over looking the Faro lighthouse. 

This hotel was undergoing a huge renovation program which was in progress during our 2017 visit. Future plans include three restaurants, another pool with a sun terrace, and upgrades to existing pools and bedrooms. The main pool area consists of two connecting heated pools, and a separate kids' pool. A separate pool area has a longer lap pool and small kids' plunge pool, both with ocean views, plus a bar with large terrace. There are lots of loungers in the sun or shade. 

Frequent guests at SBH hotels might notice that the bars and restaurants have the same layout across different properties. The buffet restaurant at this hotel serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner on an all-inclusive or half board basis. The 500-seat dining room has panoramic views of the ocean, and serves a rotating menu of Spanish, Canarian, and Italian cuisine. The La Choza pool bar serves a continental breakfast, hot snacks, coffee, and cake for all-inclusive guests. 

Evening entertainment includes three shows a week with professional performers that range from cabaret, magic, and music. An outside terrace area overlooks the ocean, and has plenty of lounge-style seating. A children's club and gym are available but both feel dated, and are due to be upgraded in 2017. There is a small supermarket and souvenir shop, plus vending machines in the lobby. A doctor is available for guests who might need medical attention every afternoon. Limited free parking is available on-site.