Hesperia Playa Dorada

Set in a big beachfront plot of land, the Hesperia Playa Dorada is a good option for those wanting a relaxing break in the sun. The hotel was built in the 1980s, and interiors range from simple and slightly dated to contemporary. Golden railings, generic wooden furniture, and off-white tiled floors combine with dark patio-style seating topped by fuchsia pillows in the lobby bar, and lime-green accents throughout to create overall pleasant (albeit chain-like) spaces. Additionally, the hotel has a two-tier all-inclusive system (half-board rates are also available), and the private areas for Deluxe guests have a more upmarket feel, with stylish decor in darker hues, and many extra services and freebies. The hotel is popular with families and couples, and the atmosphere is lively, especially in the summer. While there is a separate area for guests seeking a more peaceful spot to relax -- housing a pool and bar -- couples wanting something even quieter may want to check out the adult-only H10 Sentido White Suites, which is right across the parking lot from the Hesperia. Families looking to splurge may prefer the neighboring Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort, featuring cute Canarian colonial-style suites, big pools, and a pleasant spa. Note: The Hesperia Playa Dorada is currently undergoing extensive renovations both in common areas and rooms, and we were told that many features would be changing throughout 2018, so checking with the hotel before booking is advisable. 

Hesperia Playa Dorada Hotel is located between Playa Blanca’s lively marina and the area’s main shopping street. The main entrance is at the end of the hotel’s parking lot, but the back entrance opens directly onto a long, sandy beach and the promenade, offering easy walking access to many bars, restaurants, and shops. It takes about 15 minutes to walk to Marina Rubicon, where guests can find a wide array of dining and shopping options, as well as a number of seaside lounges with live music. The hotel is about a 20-minute drive from Timanfaya National Park, and about a half-hour from Lanzarote Airport. On-site parking is available free of charge.

The hotel has 465 rooms spread over two three-story buildings surrounded by gardens. Laminate floors, big windows, and clean lines make rooms feel clean and uncluttered, but the blond-wood furniture and green accents are a bit plain and dated. All rooms have furnished terraces, but only those in the main building have sea views; the rest overlook either the parking lot, gardens, or road. Standard amenities are somewhat limited for a hotel in this price range, consisting of flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, hairdryers, and air-conditioning. Unfortunately, lower-category rooms lack mini-fridges and kettles, and safes require a fee. Superior Rooms come with sofa beds, robes, and slippers, while Family Rooms can sleep up to four guests. Bathrooms are clean and straightforward in all, with shower/tub combos, marble-like counters, and an array of toiletries. Deluxe Rooms come with a number of great perks, including more contemporary decor in earth tones, espresso machines, bigger beds, iPod docks, and daily turndown service with delicious snacks, including sweets, fresh fruit, and big platters of Iberian ham. Wi-Fi was average in our room, but worked better in common areas, and upgrades to faster, more reliable internet access are available for a fee. 

The hotel has one main restaurant for all guests, serving a varied buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and a private restaurant for Deluxe guests open for breakfast and dinner only. Food is better at the Deluxe restaurant, with a wider variety, additional fresh products, and better quality overall, but food at the main restaurant is still tasty. The Hesperia offers half-board rates, plus standard and Deluxe all-inclusive packages, the latter of which includes a wide range of great perks, including a private lounge with free drinks and snacks, and a private area by the pool with newer loungers and free snacks.  There are five outdoor pools on-site, including a quieter one with a kiddy section in the back of the hotel. There is an additional heated indoor pool, but it is only free for all-inclusive guests, and even then, only Deluxe guests have unlimited access. A sauna, steam room, and whirlpool are available at the spa, which also offers a wide array of massages and salon services. The fitness center is equipped with enough cardio and strength-training machines for a full workout, and there are always daily fitness activities available as part of the full entertainment program. The kids’ club also offers a few activities per day for children between 4 and 12 years of age.