Villas Alondra Villas & Suites

Set at the end of a quiet residential street, Alondra Villas & Suites feels more like a private gated community than a hotel. The reception is set at the bottom of a small hill, completely separate from the rest of the property, while villas are spread over a big area on both sides of the street farther up the slope. Between each villa, cobblestone streets and pretty patches of grass lead to spacious driveways with private parking for each unit. All common spaces -- the restaurant, pool, adult-only lounge, and spa -- are located in a small nook at the end of the property, which helps keep the area around the villas peaceful at all times. Most guests here are families, but the property is also popular with couples drawn by the hotel’s serene atmosphere and intimate vibe. Guests gather at the restaurant and the pool until mid-morning, but the common areas empty out for lunch and in the afternoon, when guests are either in their villa or out exploring the town or island. In the evening, the lounge is a popular spot for a quiet drink. Travelers wanting something closer to the beach may prefer Bungalows Velazquez, which offers multi-room apartments, two small pools, and a location right in the heart of the action. La Isla y El Mar is an excellent alternative for couples who want to splurge a little and don’t necessarily want a villa.  

Alondra Villas & Suites is located on a small, quiet street on the northwestern edge of Puerto del Carmen. There are a couple of small cafes within a few blocks of the property, but the neighborhood is mostly residential and there is little of general interest. The nearest supermarket is about a 10-minute walk away, while Puerto del Carmen’s old city center, home to a number of restaurants and a cute marina, can be reached in about 15 minutes on foot. The nearest beach is a 20-minute walk away, as is the town’s main drag, lined with restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. Though the walk to the center is fairly easy, the way back is mostly uphill and can be challenging. Timanfaya National Park can be reached in about 20 minutes by car, while the Lanzarote Airport is a 10-minute drive away. 

Villas here can be divided into five different categories, but even the entry-level types are large and upmarket. The most basic of all are the Casitas de Campo -- which have two or three bedrooms, a spacious living area, fully equipped kitchen, and pleasant garden with patio furniture -- while the rest of the villas are bigger and feature private pools that can be heated for a fee. Decor ranges from rustic-chic to classically elegant, with soft earth tones throughout, wooden floors, wicker and wood accents, and big windows. Alondra Villas, however, were the first to be built and have somewhat more generic decor that draws heavily on brown and cream hues. Bathrooms in these units are also simpler in style, with beige tiles throughout, cream-colored countertops, and basic taps and showerheads.  Across the board, villas and Casitas de Campo are equipped with the same solid amenities, including large flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and safes. Each villa is provided with a tablet pre-loaded with the hotel’s app, which can be used as an internet hotspot and to contact housekeeping and reception. Kitchens are outfitted with all the basics, such as fridges, cooktops, microwaves, ovens, and washer/dryers, but dishwashers are not available. Housekeeping is provided daily in all rooms, and wine and water are provided in villas on arrival. The smallest villas have two bedrooms that can sleep up to four guests, while the largest are three-bedroom Grand Deluxe units for six guests. Five of these three-bedroom villas have private putting greens with bunkers. 

Although each villa has its own pool (except Casitas del Campo), there is also a shared pool for all guests. It is small, but pleasant and serene, with several loungers on a manicured lawn and shaded areas. Adjacent to the pool is the adult-only outdoor lounge, which features several Bali beds, a large tent for groups, and waiter service. The small spa is relaxing and features Moroccan-inspired decor, a hammam, steam room, cold plunge pool, and massage services.A varied breakfast buffet of fresh fruit juices, eggs, gluten-free options, cheese, meats, fruit, pancakes, and hot drinks is served daily free or charge in the restaurant, which has a lovely outdoor area overlooking the pool. Breakfast can also be delivered to the villa for a fee. The restaurant offers a tasty Mediterranean menu for lunch and dinner, and is particularly popular with couples due to its romantic atmosphere. Though most guests choose the breakfast-only option, the hotel also offers half-board and full-board meal plans, as well as the Half-Board Plus package, which includes four meals per week at a selection of hand-picked local restaurants. Discounted rates are available for a nearby tennis club, but the hotel lacks a fitness center. Reception is staffed until late at night, and there is a security team overnight.