Apartamentos THe Las Gaviotas

Apartamentos THe Las Gaviotas is a sprawling property made up of seven clusters of apartments spread out over several non-contiguous city blocks. Four of the clusters are set in pairs across a small park from each other, but the three other blocks are each about a five-minute walk from the front desk and the restaurant. Though this arrangement may not sound convenient, the path from all apartments to the common areas is flat and pleasant, and there is free shuttle service for guests with mobility issues. In addition, each block has its own small pool, which means guests on a self-catering or bed-and-breakfast rate don’t have to walk to the common areas often.

This layout allows for a quiet atmosphere throughout. The reception is busy at peak times, but the rest of the property is relaxed and peaceful. Our apartment was in Block 8, which is the busiest one due to it being home to the pool bar, but it was still quiet for the most part. This laid-back, relaxing vibe draws lots of Norwegian couples in the winter, but the property is popular with Spanish, German, and British families in the summer, when the vibe is a little livelier around the pools. 

Common areas are simple but cute at Las Gaviotas, with some contemporary touches that show attention to detail. The lobby is decorated with burlap and silver accents, along with white vinyl couches and armchairs, and funky white plastic chairs with branch-like designs. The restaurant has a more traditional Spanish feel, complete with white wooden furniture placed along wall-to-wall windows, wooden ceilings, and cheerful pink striped pillows.

Las Gaviotas is a decent option for travelers wanting something simple close to the beach, but the extra fees can add up, and the atmosphere may be too quiet for some. Those traveling with children may prefer the family-friendly THB Flora, though it is farther from the beach. Neighboring Nautilus Lanzarote is an excellent alternative in this price range for travelers with mobility issues, as all apartments are fully adapted. Those with a bigger budget may want to compare rates at Las Costas, a beachfront property offering stylish rooms, a kids’ club, and a large family pool with sea views.  

The hotel is located in Matagorda, a serene beachfront community directly adjacent to the airport. Blocks one through four are across the promenade from a pleasant, sandy beach, but blocks six, seven, and eight are about a five-minute walk from the seafront. There is a cute park with art installations a two-minute walk from the hotel, and Matagorda shopping center -- housing a small array of restaurants, shops, bars, and a supermarket -- is within a five-minute walk of all blocks. Guacimeta Beach, a narrow stretch of sand directly adjacent to the airport and known for its great plane-spotting opportunities, is also within an easy walk of the hotel. Central Puerto del Carmen, which features a hopping promenade lined with tons of shops, bars, and restaurants, is a 10-minute drive away. The property's location a five-minute drive from the airport is convenient, but noise from planes taking off and landing may be annoying to some.

Las Gaviotas offers 133 no-frills, one- and two-bedroom apartments set in clusters around small pools. All units have fully equipped kitchenettes, separate living areas with double sofa beds, and patios with direct access to the pool. However, decor ranges from basic to contemporary. Standard Apartments got new windows and doors in early 2018, but the style is overall straightforward and a tad dated, with a neutral palette throughout, brown tile floors, plain white walls, and basic wooden furniture painted white. Big headboards, metal accents on shelves and lamps, and IKEA-style furniture with clean lines give Superior Apartments a more contemporary (albeit generic) feel. 

Standard amenities are average for the price and include flat-screen TVs and hairdryers. Guests are requested to leave a deposit for borrowing TV remotes, and there are fees for safes and in-room Wi-Fi. Air-conditioning is available in some Standard and all Superior Apartments, but it is only free in the latter. Kitchens are equipped with cooktops, microwaves, and mini-fridges, as well as with coffeemakers, electric kettles, and toasters.

Most bathrooms have simple shower/tub combos with basic white tiles, marble-like counters, and a few sachets of shower gel and shampoo. Renovated bathrooms are nicer and more modern, with brown mosaic tiling throughout and walk-in showers. Housekeeping is provided five days per week, and towels are changed every three days.

There are a few things to consider when picking a block: number eight is the only one that has a pool bar; number six is the smallest and quietest of all; the restaurant is located in block three; and blocks one and four are closest to the beach.  

Las Gaviotas has a total of seven pools -- one in each block. They’re all small and quiet, with a handful of loungers and umbrellas each. Three of the pools have a kiddy section, and four can be heated in the colder months. Guests can use any pool regardless of where they’re staying, which is convenient, as there is only a pool bar in Block 8. It is also the only other place aside from the reception where guests can get free Wi-Fi. 

The hotel offers a range of meal plans, from self-catering to all-inclusive. The all-inclusive package covers local drinks, a small selection of snacks, and buffet meals. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served at the property’s only restaurant, housed in a small but appealing building in block three with outdoor seating. The morning spread is small but tasty, and includes full English breakfast, pancakes, bread, pastries, and coffee or tea. Lunch and dinner are also adequate, but the buffet doesn’t offer much variety.