Bungalows Velazquez

For a hotel that’s smack in the heart of Puerto del Carmen's action, Bungalows Velazquez are surprisingly easy to miss. A small, older sign placed on what looks like the promenade’s breakwater gives the property an unassuming feel, and the cascading layout of the grounds means the property usually goes unnoticed, even for many locals. The bungalows are built on the gentle slope created by the coastline, and the tops of the buildings are below street level, which makes the property virtually invisible from the outside. Despite the modest first impression, the hotel ranks high for charm, level of comfort, and location. The grounds are designed in the traditional local style, with long patches of volcanic sand peppered with cacti, small palm trees, and rocks, and a number of low white buildings with green doors and window frames. There are only 32 apartments on-site, and services are limited here, but the property is a top pick in Puerto del Carmen for travelers wanting a peaceful vacation by the sea. The sound of waves is all we could hear around the pool, and although the soft music from the neighboring seafront lounge sometimes carried to the pool deck, it was never too loud during the day. Guests, most of whom are couples and families with older children, seem to treasure the quiet atmosphere, but those wanting some more excitement don’t have to go far either, as the property is on one of the most bustling, tourist-friendly blocks in town. All this doesn’t come cheap, though, so travelers on a tighter budget may want to compare rates at either Costa Sal Apartments or Nautilus Lanzarote, both of which offer clean, well-equipped apartments close to the beach. Those looking to splurge may prefer the neighboring Lani’s Suites de Luxe, one of the top luxury picks in Lanzarote. Of all the mid-range apartment complexes in Puerto del Carmen, the cheaper Apartamentos Barcarola Club is one of the few that also has a heated pool.  

Bungalows Velazquez have an excellent location right in the heart of Puerto del Carmen. The main entrance is directly on Avenida de las Playas -- the town’s main drag -- which has a huge array of restaurants, bars, and shops; the rear door offers direct access to a small, quiet beach with sandy patches and large volcanic rocks. The local casino and some of the area’s most popular oceanfront cafes are all within a three-minute walk of the hotel. Playa Blanca, a lovely stretch of sand with rentable loungers and umbrellas, can be reached on foot in about five minutes along the promenade. Timanfaya, a stunning national park home to several volcanoes, is about a 25-minute drive away, while the airport is a 10-minute drive. Guests considering renting a car may want to note that there is no on-site parking at Bungalows Velazquez, and finding a spot in the area can be difficult, especially on weekends. 

There are 32 one- and two-bedroom apartments at Bungalows Velazquez, including eight units for two guests, 23 for four, and one apartment for five people. All were fully renovated in 2003 and redecorated again in 2017, so everything looks fresh and well-maintained. The decor style is simple but somewhat charming, with a cute combination of all-white furniture and green accents on headboards, bedside tables, and kitchen cabinets. Table legs made of volcanic rocks, terra-cotta floors, and green window frames with wooden shutters add lots of local charm, while recessed LEDS in bedrooms are a funky touch. Apartments here have all the perks of a hotel -- namely, daily housekeeping with fresh towels -- and the comforts of a private home, including full kitchens equipped with cooktops, microwaves, ovens, full fridges, coffeemakers, toasters, and lots of pots and pans. Dishwashing soap, sponges, and cloths are also provided, and all units have a washer and a clothes line. Living rooms have comfortable couches and spacious dining tables, as well as big sliding glass doors that open onto terraces -- each furnished with at least one lounger and a table with chairs. Some apartments have full ocean views and even direct access to the rocky beach outside, but others overlook the grounds. Bathrooms are clean, but have a more dated style, with green and gray tiles, and shower stalls with glass doors. Wall-mounted hairdryers are available in all, but aside from hand soap, no other toiletries are provided. Individually controlled AC, flat-screen TVs with a few international channels, and free Wi-Fi are standard amenities as well. Safes, meanwhile, require a fee. 

The only on-site feature at Bungalows Velazquez are the pools. They’re both small, though clean and heated year-round, and surrounded by lots of padded loungers and a few umbrellas. The main pool cascades into the smaller one, where there’s a small artificial cove with a curved bench. Both pools offer panoramic ocean views, and the one on the lower deck has a small opening in the wall that allows guests to access the beach. No pool or beach bar are available here, though. Reception opens for just a few hours per day, but late arrivals and early departures can be arranged. There is a security guard overnight, and an emergency number is always available. Additionally, gardeners and housekeeping staff can also be found on-site during the day.