Hotel Riu Paraiso Lanzarote Resort

Housed in several low buildings, the ClubHotel Riu Paraiso Lanzarote is a sprawling property divided into two sections. Each one has a cluster of buildings and a pool, but most common spaces and amenities are in the main area, which means long walks from some of the rooms to the restaurants. Manicured grounds with large grass areas dotted with palm trees and flowers are appealing, but it is a large and popular hotel, so crowds should be expected. Still, those looking to relax in the sun may be able to find a quiet spot by the smaller pool area, which is a little farther away from the hustle and bustle and has no activities during the day. 

The Riu Paraiso has undergone several facelifts throughout the years, but the property is definitely in need of further investment to be on par with its official four-star category. The main lobby area has been updated with abstract art and a few rectangular ceiling lamps, but despite these more contemporary touches, mirrored surfaces and granite countertops make the space look a bit dated. Rooms are clean, but have old-fashioned decor and basic amenities.

The hotel is located directly on Pocillos Beach, a long stretch of sand situated between Puerto del Carmen and the airport. The area is mostly residential, with just a handful of large beachfront resorts and several gated communities. There are a couple of cafes nearby, but guests will find a wider array of dining, drinking, and shopping options in Puerto del Carmen, which is a five-minute drive away. The airport is just ten minutes from the hotel, and famous Timanfaya National Park -- home to several volcanoes -- can be reached in about 20 minutes. 

The hotel has 598 clean rooms spread across several low buildings, all featuring furnished balconies and small seating areas with a couple of chairs and tiny round tables. Decor is bland and dated, with simple pine furniture, a subdued earth tone palette, thin bedspreads, and beige tiles. Some rooms have a wine-colored carpet and matching accents in lamps, chairs, and curtains. Standard amenities include TVs (small tube ones in Standard units and flat-screen TVs in Superior Rooms), air-conditioning, ceiling fans, mini-fridges, and safes. Coffeemakers are available upon request and Wi-Fi is only offered for a fee in the main lobby area. Bathrooms have small shower/tub combos with plastic curtains, beige tiles, and dated granite countertops. Many rooms have ocean views, and others overlook the pool area. Light sleepers may want to request a room away from the bar area, as there are shows at night and noise carries.

The hotel's main restaurant serves a large buffet in a canteen-style dining room that can get busy and somewhat chaotic during peak season. Food is overall average and guests complain that it can get repetitive after a few meals. Additionally, the hotel offers three other dining options, including an international restaurant, a Mexican joint, and an Asian eatery that gets good reviews. Reservations are required for all three. 

Two kiddy pools (one of them heated in the winter), a kids’ club, an extensive entertainment program for all ages, and a playground keep the youngest guests busy. An array of group activities are offered daily around the main adult pool, so those looking to spend a quiet day in the sun may want to head to the smaller pool, which has a quieter vibe and a swim-up bar. The hotel also has a small fitness center with a handful of cardio and strength-training machines, a spa complete with a sauna and treatment cabins, and tennis, volleyball, and multi-sports courts. Free parking is offered to all guests, but there is a fee for Wi-Fi, and it is only available in the lobby.