Arena Dorada Apartments

The Arena Dorada is admittedly humble, but its 84,000 square feet of pretty Canarian gardens make it more charming than its competitors. The main entrance was designed to resemble a traditional colonial-style gate, and the grounds have ample volcanic sand areas shaded by palm trees and dotted with a couple of wrought-iron benches and fountains. The property’s 80 apartments are housed in three low blocks -- two around the pool and one set in the gardens -- which allows for an intimate, quiet atmosphere. The property first opened in the late 1970s, and aside from a few updates (for example, an exposed volcanic stone accent wall was added in the lobby), interiors don’t seem to have changed much since. Off-white tile floors are plain and a little worn, and the pool bar is outfitted with cafeteria-style furniture in neutral hues. Arena Dorada’s relaxed atmosphere and competitive rates make it a popular choice among senior British couples for stays up to several months long in the winter, and for younger couples with toddlers in the summer. However, families seeking something with a more bustling vibe and kid-friendly amenities in this price range may prefer Hotel THB Flora, though it is farther away from the beach. Apartments are more contemporary and better-equipped at the all-inclusive Relaxia Lanzaplaya Apartments, which is also within easy walking distance of the main drag and the beach -- but rates are higher there. Couples and groups of friends wanting a kid-free vacation in a similarly relaxed atmosphere may want to compare rates at the adult-only Apartamentos Panorama. 

Arena Dorada Apartments are located on a small, one-way street right off Avenida de las Playas, Puerto del Carmen’s main drag. While the block is quiet, dozens of shops and lively bars, cafes, and restaurants can be found right around the corner from the property. Playa Blanca, one of the town’s prettiest and sandiest beaches, is just down the street as well. Loungers and umbrellas can be rented by the day at the beach, and there is a cute playground right on the sand as well. The Timanfaya National Park, home to several stunning volcanos, takes about 20 minutes by car to reach. The airport is less than a 15-minute drive away. Street parking is free in the area, but spots can be hard to come by.

Arena Dorada has a total of 68 one-bedroom apartments and 12 studios spread over three blocks. All studios are located on the ground floor, while one-bedrooms are either on the second or third floors of all buildings. All units are large and airy, and have small furnished balconies overlooking the gardens and/or the pool. It is even possible to get a glimpse of the ocean from some of them. Decor is low on frills and a tad dated in all, featuring simple pinewood furniture in bedrooms, white floor tiles throughout, and white cabinets and granite countertops in the kitchen. Subway tiles and up-to-date appliances are nice contemporary touches, but the overall style is straightforward, and striped easy chairs and curtains hail from another time. All units are outfitted with open kitchenettes -- complete with mini-fridges, cooktops, electric kettles, coffeemakers, and toasters -- and have small flat-screen TVs with a few international channels, sofa beds for an additional guest, and two twin beds. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, which is rare in apartment complexes in this price range, but air-conditioning is not available in any apartment or studio. Fans, safes, and additional kitchen utensils can be rented for an extra fee.Bathrooms are simple but clean, with small shower/tub combos in apartments, and showers in studios. (Though we were told there are plans to slowly replace all shower/tub combos with showers starting 2018.) Hairdryers are available in all units, but toiletries are not provided. Apartments are cleaned five times per week, and fresh towels are available daily. Bed sheets are changed every seven days. 

The property is light on amenities, which makes it a better pick for travelers looking to relax by the pool or explore the town, than for those wanting a bustling atmosphere or to spend a lot of time on-site. The pool is big enough for laps, and features a few dozen loungers and umbrellas, as well as five Balinese beds available on a first-come, first-served basis. There have been complaints that guests reserve sun loungers in the early morning by putting towels on them, but this seems to only be an issue in peak season. Adjacent is a separate shallow pool for toddlers, but that’s the only amenity for kids here.The poolside bar has an international and regional menu that includes an array of breakfast options, but food generally gets poor reviews. Its happy hour, however, is popular among guests, and there is a long drink menu available during the day that most guests seem to enjoy. Guests with a late arrival or early departure may want to notify the hotel in advance, as the front desk closes at night.