Be Live Experience Lanzarote Beach

Formerly an apartment complex, the Be Live Experience Lanzarote Beach reopened in 2011 as a contemporary all-inclusive hotel with stylish interiors. Its rooms and common spaces were fully renovated, and the property has a fresh feel throughout, with all-white decor and neutral accents, wood-like ceramic floor tiles, and large windows. Although it has a higher room count than many hotels in Costa Teguise, the property itself is compact, and in an effort to maximize the space, some of its features are located in the basement, including the main restaurant and the fitness center. The rest of the common spaces, though, are sunny and airy, especially the lobby and the snack bar, which feature huge windows overlooking the pool deck, and simple contemporary decor with clean lines. The hotel draws mostly middle-aged British and German couples, and the vibe is lively but relaxed. The pool deck is where activities take place during the day, but the atmosphere wasn’t loud when we visited; most guests seemed content just sunbathing by the pool and taking the occasional trip to the snack bar for a bite or a drink. In the evening, the atmosphere is a little more vibrant, with professional shows -- including some of the most popular in Lanzarote -- and an Irish tavern-style pub with DJ sessions, karaoke and themed nights, and (at the time of this review) all-inclusive drinks served until midnight.The Be Live Experience does a good job catering to all types of travelers, with a couple of kid-friendly features, quieter spots for those looking to relax, and a great location within easy walking distance of shops, bars, restaurants, and three beaches. However, those looking for a more kid-friendly property may want to consider the Occidental Lanzarote Playa, though it is located a little away from the center. H10 Lanzarote Gardens is a slightly cheaper option for families as well, complete with a babies’ club, bungalows with kitchens, and free Wi-Fi throughout. In this price range, Hotel Grand Teguise Playa offers a more lively resort-style experience, with plenty of activities and large pools. Rooms, though, are better at the Be Live. 

Be Live Experience Lanzarote Beach is centrally located in Costa Teguise, a small beach community a little north of the airport. The hotel offers direct access to Las Cucharas Beach, known for its fine sand and clear waters. There are several other cute stretches of sand within easy walking distance, including family-friendly Jablillo, and Bastian. The property is located on a small square right off Costa Teguise’s main drag, and there are dozens of bars, restaurants and shops within a two-minute walk of both the main and the rear entrances. A three-minute walk away is Pueblo Marinero, known for having been designed by famous local architect Cesar Manrique and featuring an array of other dining and drinking options. The only golf course in the area (and one of the few in Lanzarote) is less than a 10-minute drive away. Arrecife, home to a handful of historic and cultural attractions -- including San Gabriel and San Jose castles, La Recova Market, and the 18th-century San Gines Church -- is a 15-minute drive away. The hotel is 35 minutes from Parque Nacional de Timanfaya, a must-see attraction home to several stunning volcanos. The airport is just about 15 minutes away by car, and airport transfers can be booked for a fee at reception.

The hotel has 237 rooms spread over six three-story blocks built around a central pool. Rooms were fully renovated in 2011 and feature stylish contemporary decor with beige floor tiles imitating wood, blond wood furniture with metal finishes, textured accent walls, and a neutral palette. The soft tones and clean lines give rooms a fresh feel, while the many light points around the room add some warmth. Large windows open onto spacious balconies furnished with two chairs and a table, and many rooms in blocks 1 through 4 offer sea views (but these units are more expensive). Standard amenities include air-conditioning, LCD TVs with international channels, and minibars. Superior Rooms have living areas with a sofa bed, and a small kitchenette equipped with an electric kettle, a minibar, a microwave, and a cooktop. Safes can be rented for a daily charge, and Wi-Fi is available for a fee (even in the lobby).Bathrooms are clean and contemporary, with spacious walk-in showers, modern hairdryers, and wall-mounted two-in-one shower gel and shampoo containers. All bathrooms have a long window overlooking the exterior hallways, but its frosted glass allows for privacy. The hotel has a special adult-only section known as the Adult Club, which includes accommodation in a Superior Room, and great in-room extras such as free Wi-Fi, espresso makers, robes and slippers, welcome cheese and fruit platter, sound systems, and additional toiletries. Other Adult Club perks include free premium drinks, a private sundeck overlooking the ocean, access to a private area in the main restaurant with international-brand liquors, and personalized check-in. 

Buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served at Timanfaya, the hotel’s main restaurant. The breakfast spread includes traditional Spanish items such as churros with hot chocolate, along with full English breakfast, fruit, pancakes, and several types of breads and pastries. Fresh orange juice is available for a fee. The lunch spread is tasty but rather small, and dinner offers a wider variety, including pasta, pizza, fish, beef, salads, and an assortment of desserts. Drinks are served at the table during all meals. While tasty, some guests complain that food is generally only lukewarm, and that the restaurant’s location in a basement with plenty of tables all crammed together is not the most appealing. The poolside snack bar serves late breakfast, a small lunch buffet, and a la carte snacks in the afternoon. Three evenings a week the space turns into a themed restaurant, serving Spanish, Italian, and Mexican cuisine for dinner. Reservations are required. The standard all-inclusive rate covers local drinks only, but the Premium upgrade includes international-brand drinks at all restaurants and bars. The all-inclusive rate is not 24/7 -- drinks are usually available until midnight.

The hotel has one pool, located in the central part of the property and ringed with a few dozen loungers and umbrellas. Guests are not allowed to place towels on loungers to reserve them in the morning, but the rule is not enforced, and some guests have complained that it can be hard to find a chair in peak season. The pool area is mostly quiet, but those who wish to stay active can join the full entertainment program available daily for guests 13 and over. Mornings generally start with sports, including stretching sessions or aerobics, followed by mellower activities, such as darts, bocce, and ping-pong. There is also a squash court and a small fitness center, but the gym feels a bit like an afterthought, with just a handful of machines placed in the basement. The hotel offers professional shows seven days a week. The evening performances take place outside by the pool in the summer, and are moved to the bar above the lobby in the colder months. The kids’ club offers daily activities for kids between the ages of 4 and 12, including Jenga, arts and crafts, and pool games. There is also a small playground and a kiddy pool on the main deck, and a special party for kids is held every night right before the professional performances.