Smartline Ficus

Located in a quiet cul-de-sac, Ficus doesn’t look any different from most other apartment complexes in Lanzarote. Boxy, three-story white buildings with green railings and open terra-cotta tiled hallways form an L shape around the pool, and a variety of tropical plants and flowers dot black-sand gardens flanked by low volcanic-stone walls. However, two things make this property stand out from the other similarly priced hotels: its much praised entertainment program and its good food. Truth be told, we found the Ficus a little too loud: arriving at the hotel felt like opening the door to a half-deserted concert hall, with the music bouncing off the walls and the microphone used by the staff turned up a notch too high. Still, most guests seemed to enjoy the entertainment program, and many were eager to participate. While the atmosphere is better suited for travelers seeking a bustling atmosphere than for those expecting to sit by a quiet pool and enjoy a book, there is also a more secluded sundeck where guests can get some R&R away from the music and the entertainment. Although the hotel does not have an extensive program for children, Ficus is one of the top picks among families on a budget. In fact, the hotel has an exclusivity contract with Thomas Cook for 2017 and 2018, which means 100 percent of its guests are British (and mostly families). Still, those traveling in larger groups may want to compare rates at the Galeon Playa, which features large, clean apartments for up to four adults and two kids, and a full kids’ club with daily activities. Apartamentos Sol, located down the street, is a better pick for older couples and for those seeking something quieter. Blue Sea Costa Teguise Beach Apartments is cheaper and right on the beach, but those planning on going all-inclusive may want to note that its food is mediocre. Travelers with a slightly bigger budget may want to consider the H10 Suites Lanzarote Gardens, which offers plenty of kid-friendly amenities, several pools, and free Wi-Fi.

Ficus is located on a quiet street a 10-minute walk from Avenida de las Islas Canarias, a wide street lined with shops, restaurants, and bars. There is a supermarket right down the street from the hotel, and a couple of others can be found within three blocks of the property. While not in the heart of the action, Ficus is conveniently located within a 15-minute walk of Costa Teguise’s main drag and Pueblo Marinero, a charming little square full of dining and drinking options and designed by famous local architect Cesar Manrique. Sandy Las Cucharas beach is also just a 15-minute walk from the hotel, and Charcos Bay is just a little farther away but still within easy walking distance. 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 airport is a also just about 15 minutes away by car.

The complex has just over 100 one-bedroom apartments, all of which were partially renovated in 2014. Old pine doors and closets give away the hotel’s age (it was built in the mid-1980s), but headboards, tables, couches, and kitchens were replaced with simple IKEA-style ones, and the style is now simple but fresh. Apartments are clean and light, with big windows opening onto spacious terraces or patios offering views of either the pool or the surrounding area. Although the only meal plan available is the all-inclusive option, each apartment features a kitchenette with a cooktop, a microwave, a mini-fridge, and a sink.Living rooms are spacious and airy, with sofa beds and dining tables for up to four guests. Fans and other extras such as DVD players and electric kettles can be rented at front desk, but air-conditioning is not available in any room. While free basic Wi-Fi is offered in the lobby, in-room internet access is provided only for a fee. Bathrooms are simple but clean, with walk-in showers and minimal toiletries. Hairdryers can be rented from reception. Housekeeping is available five days per week, and towels are changed twice every seven days. 

The hotel’s restaurant serves a nice buffet spread for all three main meals. Food generally gets good reviews, but there have been complaints that it can sometimes be lukewarm. Show cooking stations offer freshly grilled fish, beef, of chicken, and themed nights add variety. There are reports that the restaurant can be loud and chaotic during the dinner service, with dozens of kids running around and helping themselves to food unsupervised.The poolside bar offers a handful of snacks and drinks during the day, and a small selection of small bites are available at the restaurant between meals. The only meal plan available at the hotel is the all-inclusive option, which includes all food and local drinks until about midnight.

All apartments are built around the main pool deck, complete with a medium-sized family pool and a smaller shallow one for kids. Several dozen loungers line the pool, but during peak season there aren’t enough for all guests, and seats get reserved with towels early in the morning. The hotel has an on-site entertainment team that organizes daily activities, including poolside aerobics classes, dart competitions, and group games. Those seeking some peace an quiet can try to get a lounger on the quieter sundeck located in the rear of the property, where there is no music or activities. The entertainment program also includes live music in the evenings.There is a small black-sand playground located adjacent to the quieter sundeck, complete with a couple of swings, a slide, monkey bars, and foosball and pool tables. Guests traveling with children are offered free access to the kids’ club at the hotel’s sister property Apartamentos El Trebol, located an easy five-minute walk away.