Lomo Blanco Apartments

Originally built in the mid-1980s, the HG Lomo Blanco may not look like much from the outside. It was designed in the same style as most other apartment complexes in Lanzarote -- with a few dozen low white buildings set around a pool -- but there are quite a few things to like about this place. Its lovely grounds are bursting with bright bougainvillea, and tiled paths wind through a black-sand garden shaded by palm trees and shrubs. The hotel’s comprehensive maintenance and renovations program helps keep the hotel feeling fresh and appealing, with simple contemporary decor, and clean common spaces. We found the atmosphere quiet and relaxing, with no entertainment program and just some music at the pool bar a few hours a day. During our visit, guests were almost exclusively British and Irish families and couples who would sit quietly by the pool or chat with the lifeguard or the man running the bar (who seemed to be quite the star of the show -- but not in a boisterous way). Children would play in and around the pool, but the hotel’s layout with two separate blocks allows for guests to spread out and for the property to not feel crowded or loud. HG Lomo Blanco offers good value for money, but those seeking something a little livelier may want to consider Morromar Apartamentos instead, another budget-friendly apartment complex with a full entertainment program and similar rates. The location, though, is more central at Lomo Blanco. Another good pick for families is the THB Flora, which also offers apartment-style accommodation and features a wider array of kid-friendly amenities, including a kids’ club and a small splash park. Jable Bermudas generally has slightly lower rates and offers a comparable experience, with a pool, a quiet atmosphere, and clean apartments. 

HG Lomo Blanco is located on a quiet residential street in central Puerto del Carmen. There are a few other apartment complexes and a couple of well-stocked supermarkets nearby, but little else of general interest can be found in the immediate area. However, the town’s promenade -- lined on one side by restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops, and by a nice sandy beach on the other -- is just an easy five-minute walk down the hill. The way back from the center, though, can be a little challenging for some, as the slope is fairly gentle but long. The Timanfaya National Park, home to several stunning volcanos, takes about 20 minutes by car to reach. The airport is less than a 10-minute drive away. There is free street parking right outside the hotel. 

The hotel has 132 one- and two-bedroom apartments spread over two main blocks, each with several low white buildings set around a pool. Each apartment features a separate living area with a double sofa bed, and a kitchenette complete with a cooktop, a microwave, a sink, a mini-fridge, an electric kettle, and a coffeemaker. Dish soap and sponges are provided free of charge. Patios or balconies come furnished with plastic furniture, and about 65 of the 132 apartments have at least partial ocean views. Air-conditioning is not available in any apartment, and fans are only available for a day or weekly fee, as are safes and Wi-Fi. Most apartments now have flat-screen TVs, but a few still feature older tube ones. Many apartments were fully refurbished in 2016 and have simple but contemporary decor with laminate floors, cute wallpaper, backlit headboards, and a stylish dark gray and white color scheme. Non-renovated units, though, have basic pine wood furniture, worn upholstery, and generic artwork on walls. Renovations are ongoing, with more apartments being updated every month, but those for whom style is important may want to request a renovated unit before or on arrival, as rates do not vary between new and older ones and there is no way to choose when booking.Bathrooms have also been renovated, and feature spacious walk-in showers with glass screens (except in two-bedroom apartments, which have shower/tub combos), wall-mounted hairdryers, and a few basic toiletries. There have been some complaints of bugs making their way into the apartments, but that is fairly common in Lanzarote and not necessarily a sign of sloppy housekeeping.

The hotel has two pools, including a medium-sized one with a separate kiddy section in Block A, and a smaller, quieter one in Block B. Both get plenty of sun during the day and are ringed with loungers, but only the pool in Block A has a lifeguard. There is no rule regarding lounger reservation, and some guests place towels on chairs in the morning, which can be annoying to some. The poolside bar serves a decent array of drinks along with daily lunch specials at reasonable prices, and snacks into the afternoon. There is also a small restaurant serving an international menu in a cute dining room with poolside seating. The hotel lacks a kids’ club and entertainment, but there is a small playground and a game room to keep children busy. The fitness center is small but has enough equipment for a quick, basic workout, including an elliptical, a bike, a strength-training machine, and a treadmill. Massages, and nail and hair services, are available at the small but pleasant spa. Guests with a late flight home can use changing rooms equipped with showers and hairdryers free of charge.