H10 Rubicon Palace

Sprawling and bustling, the 584-room H10 Rubicon Palace is one of the island’s better known resorts. Although the property is no longer as grand as it used to be, it still retains much of its splendor: the eye-catching lobby is decked out in wood, marble, and terra-cotta, and its expansive grounds feature ample paths lined with Italianate balustrades, charming plazas lined with low buildings, and big lawns dotted with cacti, palm trees, and flowers. Moreover, the hotel is currently immersed in a multi-million dollar renovations project that will affect all of its rooms, the main pool deck, and the restaurants. The hotel expects to be fully updated by the end of 2017.The wide array of kid-friendly amenities available have long made it one of the most popular hotels for those traveling with children, but we were a little taken aback by the sheer number of kids we saw running around. The main deck was particularly busy and loud, with foam parties, fitness activities, and loud music played through large speakers. Parents were either chasing after their kids or sunbathing on loungers between trips to the snack bar. Granted, there is a slightly quieter area in the oceanfront Villa section, but the overall atmosphere was not quite relaxing there either. The busy vibe spills onto the main dining restaurant in peak season, especially during the dinner service, when the staff struggles to clear tables and find a spot for guests.The H10 Rubicon Palace is a great pick for families seeking a bustling resort-style vacation, but couples looking for some peace and quiet may want to consider the adult-only H10 Timanfaya Palace. The atmosphere there is relaxing, with big, serene oceanfront gardens, yoga and Pilates classes instead of loud entertainment, and good food. Hotel THe Volcan Lanzarote is another upscale option for families and couples looking to stay within walking distance of dining and shopping. Families with a slightly smaller budget may want to compare rates at the H10 Lanzarote Princess, which is located right on Playa Blanca’s main drag and features plenty of kid-friendly amenities.

H10 Rubicon Palace is located on the main thoroughfare running through Playa Blanca and the surrounding area. Directly adjacent is Red Mountain, a stunning volcano with hiking trails and panoramic views. Other than that there isn’t much in the immediate vicinity, but the rear of the property opens directly onto the narrow pedestrian promenade, a popular spot for sunset strolls and morning jogs. While there is no real beach to speak of, guests can walk to a couple of tiny but cute stretches of sand that have no easy access to the water. Central Playa Blanca, home to dozens of restaurants, bars, and shops, can be reached in about five minutes by car. The nearest sandy beach is about a 10-minute drive away, as is Marina Rubicon, a quaint harbor complete with dozens of restaurants, bars, and shops. Timanfaya National Park, which is home to several stunning volcanoes, is 20 minutes from the hotel. The airport can be reached by car in just over half and hour. Free outdoor parking is available at the hotel.

The hotel has 584 rooms, most located in the main building, and about 90 in the oceanfront Villa section. All are airy and spacious enough to fit at least a small seating area with an armchair and a round coffee table, but decor ranges from run-of-the-mill to simple and contemporary. Most rooms have terra-cotta tile floors, somewhat dated blond wood furniture, and generic artwork. Blue accent walls and arched doorways add some style, but the overall feel falls short of the advertised four-star status, especially in standard rooms. Some Superior Privilege Rooms were renovated in 2015 and 2016 and feature a simple but fresh style, with dark laminate floors, wood furniture with clean lines, and all-white decor. All rooms are expected to have the same decor as these units by the end of 2017.  Standard amenities are average for the price, and include flat-screen TVs, minibars (except for standard rooms, which have empty mini-fridges), electric kettles, and free Wi-Fi. Large windows slide open onto furnished balconies or patios, many offering ocean views. Safes are available for a daily or weekly fee. Superior Privilege Rooms offer a number of great extra perks, including Nespresso machines, a wider array of toiletries, robes and slippers, free safes, scales, pillow menus, and sound systems. Junior Suites feature sofa beds. Bathrooms are spacious but a tad old-fashioned, with white wall tiles with blue trimmings, terra-cotta floors, shower/tub combos with glass screens, and simple wall-mounted hairdryers. 

The hotel’s two buffet restaurants offer a varied spread for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but the dining rooms can get chaotic and loud during the busiest vacation periods. There are also three a la cartes on-site, serving Italian, Asian, and American fare, but food gets mixed reviews in all of them. All-inclusive guests get one free dinner per stay at each of the a la carte restaurants; reservations are required. Additionally, the poolside snack bar offers a wide array of sandwiches, salads, desserts, and hot and cold drinks. A few breakfast items are also available for late risers. Privilege guests get free access to a private a la carte restaurant serving traditional Canarian cuisine for breakfast and dinner. All-inclusive rates cover all food and local drinks -- as well as a number of imported brands -- until around midnight. Privilege guests get access to a private lounge serving free premium drinks.

H10 Rubicon Palace has a total of eight pools, five of them for families and three for kids. Two of them have saltwater and three others can be heated in the winter. The largest kiddy pool has a cute pirate ship with a big slide, and there are two smaller ones for babies and toddlers a little away from the hustle and bustle. There are dozens of loungers throughout the property, but there don’t seem to be enough for all guests during the peak season and there have been reports of guests leaving towels on chairs in the early morning to reserve them.

One of the hotel’s top features is the kids’ club, housed in a charming mushroom-shaped building adjacent to the small kiddy pool. It offers a wide range of activities for kids 1 to 16 years old, including pool games, arts and crafts, treasure hunts, and movie nights. The babies’ club features a separate nap room, along with a ball pit and plenty of toys; teens are kept busy with group games, sports tournaments, and video games. The spa is light and pleasant, with a large hydrotherapy area, a garden complete with a plunge pool and loungers, a Turkish bath, a sauna, and a relaxation room with soft music and dim lighting. Treatments are available for an extra fee. Located inside the spa, the small sun-filled fitness center features a handful of cardio and strength-training machines, and its large windows offer serene ocean views. Access to the gym is free three hours per day and when purchasing a day pass for the spa, but there is a fee otherwise. Outdoor sports facilities include beach volleyball and tennis courts, and a mini soccer field.