H10 Timanfaya Palace

The adult-only H10 Timanfaya Palace has a scenic location right on the promenade that runs all along Playa Blanca’s rocky coast. The hotel’s striking white building is surrounded by cute traditional Canarian black-sand gardens dotted with palm trees, and its many minaret-style towers and large entrance lend the property a grand feel only comparable to a handful of other luxury properties in Lanzarote. In an island where the vast majority of hotels were built in the '80s, the Timanfaya Palace is almost a newbie. It opened in 1997, and its year-round upkeep program keeps it in great shape, both inside and out. While the exteriors have a mix of traditional Arabian and Canarian features, interiors are marked by their strong Arabian influences and sleek style. Big, white latticework arches, heavy wooden doors with decorative nail heads, and exposed brick inlays in the gleaming white floors lend the lobby a slight One-Thousand-And-One-Nights feel. Turquoise tiles, wood accents, and a chic combination of white and brown leather chairs round out the polished look. The hotel has capitalized on its location right on the water, with massive greenhouse-style windows in the lobby and the main restaurant, and big gardens and decks overlooking the ocean. Its two outdoor pools have panoramic sea views, as do the mini-golf course, the indoor pool, and many of the rooms. The sprawling grounds and picturesque scenery call for quiet relaxation, and that is exactly what the hotel offers. There is a daily entertainment program, but activities include morning yoga sessions rather than aerobics to the sound of booming music. Professional evening shows are available at the nightclub, but there is also live piano music in the lobby for those looking for something mellower. The overall feel is serene and upscale, and most guests -- the vast majority of whom are older British and German couples -- seem happy to just sit around the pool and enjoy the views and the sun. There is even a clothing-optional sundeck on the rooftop for those looking to avoid tan lines. Overall, the H10 Timanfaya Palace is one of the best hotels in the area, but some may find it a little too quiet. Younger couples and those looking for something with a more hopping atmosphere may want to consider the Sentido H10 White Suites, which is also for adults only, and has a full daily entertainment program, a great spa, and large pools. In this price range, the Hesperia Playa Dorada offers direct access to a lovely beach and is closer to dining and shopping in Marina Rubicon. Beautiful Hotel THe Volcan Lanzarote has a more classic style, large pools, and a separate adult-only section complete with a pool. 

The H10 Timanfaya Palace is located at the end of a two-way street lined with a couple of other hotels. The nearest beach, Playa Flamingo, is just a five-minute walk away, and has fine golden sand and rental loungers and umbrellas. Two breakwaters keep the waters calm, making it a popular pick among families. There are several restaurants, bars, and shops lining the beach, and a few other dining and drinking options can be found within a 10-minute walk of the hotel. There are plenty of other shops, restaurants and bars on Playa Blanca’s main drag, located a pleasant 20-minute walk down the promenade. Marina Rubicon, known for its yachts and varied dining options, is a 10-minute drive away. Timanfaya National Park, home to several stunning volcanoes, is about a 15-minute drive from the hotel. The airport is a half-hour drive away, and transfer services can be booked for a fee at reception.

The hotel has 305 rooms, all housed in a single three-story building surrounded by traditional Canarian gardens with black sand and palm trees. Many have pool and sea views, but lower-ground, rear-facing rooms have unexciting views of the hotel’s parking lot or the walled garden around it. Basic Rooms are a little below street level, so those interested in having good vistas may want to request a room on a higher floor, although those are more expensive. Rooms come in two different decor styles. Most have a purple, white, and wood color scheme that makes them stylish but classic; others feature a chic gray and white palette, complete with white wallpaper with geometric silver patterns, gray bed runners over duvets, a couple of bold red accents, and large headboards with modern designs. There is an ongoing renovations project that will see all bathrooms fully refurbished by early 2018, but those that have not yet been renovated (and the progress is slow) feel a little dated. The big white wall tiles with a row of thinner navy ones are cute yet old-fashioned, as are the beige floor tiles. All but a handful of bathrooms have shower/tub combos with glass screens, but more walk-in showers will be added during renovations. Each bathroom is equipped with an older wall-mounted hairdryer and an array of toiletries.  All rooms have air-conditioning, mini-fridges, and LCD TVs, but safes are only available for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but there have been complaints of spotty service in rooms. Superior Rooms have extras such as Nespresso machines (but coffee is not provided), stocked minibars, robes, and slippers. Junior Suites have separate living areas with an additional flat-screen TV and a sofa bed, as well as Nespresso machines with free coffee, free safes, and daily newspapers. As most other H10 properties in Lanzarote, the Timanfaya Palace has a Privilege package, which offers perks on top of what Superior Rooms and Junior Suites have, including iPod docks, pillow menus, loaner pool towels, extra toiletries, turndown service, and free late checkout if available.

The hotel has two large outdoor pools, both offering serene ocean views, small whirlpools, and plenty of loungers and umbrellas. Although some guests reserve loungers with towels in the morning, there are more than enough for everybody, as there is additional seating on the lawns and sandy areas found a little away from the main deck. Set in the gardens, the glass-enclosed heated pool is a great perk for rainy days, and a rarity in Lanzarote. (One of the few other hotels that has one is the Hesperia Playa Dorada.) A big storm hit the island one of the days we visited the hotel, and guests seemed more than happy to swim and relax in the indoor pool, especially as the action is normally around the main pool, which was closed that day. 

The hotel’s main restaurant serves a varied buffet spread for all three main meals. Breakfast is particularly impressive, with several types of fresh juice, made-to-order eggs, pastries, an array of breads, pancakes, sausages, beans, filter and Nespresso coffee, and everything in between. Lunch and dinner offers a wide array of quality, fresh food, including show cooking stations with beef, chicken, fish, and pork, along with rice, pasta, and veggie dishes. Kasbah is the hotel’s only a la carte restaurant, and serves tasty Mediterranean and traditional Middle Eastern food for dinner. All-inclusive guests can dine here free of charge once every seven days as long as they make a reservation in advance. Privilege guests are offered unlimited dinners at Kasbah, as well free daily breakfast, which includes a small cold buffet and a la carte options.La Geria is a large snack bar located right between the two outdoor pools. It offers a small buffet along with a varied menu that includes small bites and tapas, local and imported drinks, and cocktails. Mike’s Coffee serves fresh coffee, pasties, cookies, and cake in a cute space with wood wall paneling and wooden floors, painted tiles, and big Chesterfield couches.The all-inclusive package covers all food and over 80 percent of the imported drinks offered in the bars’ menus. The Timanfaya Palace is one of the few hotels that offers a 24-hour all-inclusive rate, although only non-alcoholic drinks, sandwiches and fruit are available overnight.

Although the hotel does not offer a full entertainment program, there are some activities in the morning, including yoga, stretching, and Pilates sessions. In the evening, professional shows keep guests entertained, and there is piano music daily in the lobby bar. Those looking to stay active during their vacation can get a full workout at the hotel’s small but well-equipped fitness center, complete with a few cardio and strength-training machines. There is no full spa at the Timanfaya Palace, but there are two massage rooms adjacent to the gym, along with a sauna that guests can use free of charge. There is also a dive center on the premises, and the area right in front of the hotel is known for its great snorkeling. Privilege guests get free access to an exclusive lounge with free newspapers, computers, free imported drinks, a Nespresso machine, and a few snacks. Personalized check-in and out and discounts for spa treatments are also included in the Privilege package.