Hesperia Lanzarote

Housed in several low white buildings with dark wood balcony railings, the Hesperia Lanzarote is an attractive property that's part of the Spanish NH Hotels group, owner of hundreds of hotels in Europe, the Americas, and Africa. Dark volcanic stones and sand, palm trees, cacti, and other autochthonous plants give the hotel a strong local atmosphere, while the unobstructed ocean views and sprawling manicured grounds add to the serene vibe. With four pools and lots of green areas, guests have plenty of space to relax and enjoy the sun, which means the atmosphere is mostly quiet and it is rare to see crowds.

The lobby is an impressive space, with a high wooden ceiling, piano bar, and lots of comfy couches in earth tones and a few pops of red. The front desk area is stylish and contemporary, and features an exposed stone wall and a large wooden counter with LED lights. The rest of the common spaces are also appealing at first sight especially the oceanfront pool, complete with a swim-up bar. However, many guests have complained of tired loungers and of widespread maintenance issues. Couples, families, and groups of friends on holiday make up the bulk of guests here.

The property is located on Lanzarote Island, directly overlooking the ocean in quiet Puerto Calero, a residential area that's home to a handful of other hotels. There is a marina as well as a few restaurants and shops within a 10-minute walk from the hotel, but guests can find more options and a livelier atmosphere in Puerto del Carmen, a 10-minute drive away. The closest swimmable beaches are also in Puerto del Carmen. Costa Papagayo’s famous beaches and Timanfaya National Volcano Park are each a 20-minute drive away. Lanzarote's airport can be reached in about 15 minutes.

The hotel has 335 rooms, all featuring furnished balconies (many with at least partial ocean views) and tiled floors. Decor is a little simple and dated, with a blue and beige color scheme, pops of yellow in some rooms, and blonde wood furniture with wicker panels. Plush bed-foot benches add some style, but walls are frequently hung with nothing more than small token art piece and rooms are austere for a hotel that markets itself as a top luxury property. Most bathrooms have deep aquamarine tiles, pink stucco walls, bathtub/shower combos, and wooden furniture, but most have maintenance issues and are in need of an update. Some higher category room bathrooms are more attractive, with dark marble and granite accents and more modern fixtures. All rooms include flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Those traveling with young children may want to consider booking a Family Room, complete with a separate sleeping area for kids. These rooms have either bunk beds or twins, plus fun decor, toys, video games, kid-size robes, and toiletries for children. Suites have jetted tubs, ocean views, coffeemakers, and pillow menus, and while the furniture is a bit less drab, the overall atmosphere is still spartan.

In kind with the many all-inclusive resorts that line the shores of the Canary Islands, the Hesperia Lanzarote Hotel offers the standard amenities one would expect. The hotel has four outdoor pools, including two that are heated year-round. The most appealing is the Drago Pool, located directly overlooking the ocean and featuring a swim-up bar that also has a deck with expansive views of the Atlantic. All pools have lounge chairs and parasols, but guests complain that they are well past their prime and in need of replacement. Those looking to get pampered can opt for a treatment or spend a quiet day at the spa, complete with a sauna, a steam room and a whirlpool. The fitness center is small, but well-equipped with cardio and strength-training machines as well as free weights; there are outdoor tennis courts as well. Additionally, the hotel has three decent restaurants -- including an international buffet, a Mediterranean eatery and an a la carte restaurant serving regional cuisine -- and all-inclusive rates are available. The hotel also has  events space and a piano bar in the lobby. Kid-friendly amenities include a kiddy pool, a kids’ club, a playground, and a mini-golf course. Free Wi-Fi and free parking are also available.