Blue Sea Costa Bastián

Formerly the Diverhotel Lanzarote, the Blue Sea Costa Bastian changed hands in July 2017 and is in the process of making some much-needed changes in common areas, as well as in rooms. Updates are coming slowly, though, and interiors remain dated and basic throughout. The lobby, while big and sunny, is furnished only with a wicker couch, two armchairs, and a coffee table, and the space feels stuck in 1999, the year the hotel first opened. The lobby bar has a tad more character, with green-and-white checkered floors, bright mustard-colored walls adorned with traditional wooden doors, and wrought-iron lanterns above the bar. Outside, the pool deck is spacious and pleasant, with some entertainment, an area for kids, and music at the pool bar. The hotel is popular with families, and the vibe is lively yet relaxing, but there are quieter spots for those wanting a more serene atmosphere.The Costa Bastian has all the basics for a relaxing vacation, but it's not a great value overall, especially due to its dated interiors and basic rooms. Families wanting apartment-style accommodation in this price range may want to check out the Vitalclass Lanzarote Sports & Wellness Resort, which is right across the street from the Costa Bastian and features a spa, an indoor pool, and good food. Couples seeking something more upscale may prefer the beachfront Melia Salinas, which is closer to the city center and features a wider array of amenities, including a spa, gym, and two pools. Sands Beach Resort is a decent alternative for travelers on a tighter budget. 

Hotel Blue Sea Costa Bastian is located on the road that connects Costa Teguise to Arrecife and the airport. There are only several other hotels and a couple of cafes within a few blocks, and the area is quiet and a tad isolated, with little foot traffic. There is a small beach about a 15-minute walk away, but it can take up to 25 minutes to get to the city center on foot, and the area’s sandier beaches -- such as Jablillo and Cucharas -- are easier to reach by car or taxi. The hotel offers shuttle service to Las Cucharas Beach, but it is only free for all-inclusive guests. Arrecife, home to a handful of historic and cultural attractions, including San Gabriel and San Jose castles, La Recova Market, and the 18th-century San Gines Church, is a 15-minute drive away, as is the airport. The hotel is 35 minutes from Timanfaya National Park, home to several stunning volcanos.

Rooms at the Blue Sea Costa Teguise are a bit of a mixed bag: while some were renovated in 2015, most haven’t been updated in years and are looking well past their prime. Standard Double Rooms are the most basic of all, with bamboo-style furniture, thin bedspreads, green-fabric armchairs, and old tube-style TVs (though the hotel has plans to upgrade to flat-screen TVs in all rooms by mid-2018). At the other end of the spectrum, Superior Rooms feel fresh and contemporary, with IKEA-style white furniture and pops of turquoise in beds. Plain brown floors, though, are basic and old. Themed Rooms are a fun pick for families, as they are outfitted with volcano-inspired decor, including desks and bunk beds shaped like lava rivers, and big, textured murals above the bed depicting an active volcano. Standard amenities are on par with other mid-range hotels, and include air-conditioning, ceiling fans, mini-fridges, and pullout sofa beds. Most rooms now have flat-screen TVs with a few international channels. Superior Rooms and Junior Suites come with a couple of nice perks, including robes and electric kettles, but Wi-Fi and safes are extra fees in all room types (free internet access is only provided in the lobby). Bathrooms haven’t been renovated in any room type and are basic and on the older side, with granite-like counters, beige tiles throughout, and simple shower/tub combos with plastic curtains. Shampoo, shower gel, and hand soap are all provided, as are wall-mounted hairdryers.

The highlight of the hotel is the large and pleasant pool, which has a few dozen loungers arranged on a spacious deck, a couple of massage jets, and two whirlpools. The fake rocks in the middle are a tad old-fashioned, but they are used to separate the main pool from the whirlpool and the shallower end for kids. The kiddy pool is small but cute, with three slides, additional loungers, and a separate wading pool for babies and toddlers. An adjacent sheltered bar has a short menu with a few snacks and an array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, but some items (such as pizza) are an extra charge even for all-inclusive guests. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served at the hotel’s only restaurant, which offers decent buffet spreads with international and regional options. The dining room has a few tables out on the terrace, and most guests find the meals tasty, but there have been complaints of food being lukewarm. The kids’ club is a perk for families, but it only opens a couple of hours in the morning and a couple more after lunch in the summer, and winter hours are even more limited. Adjacent to the kids’ club is an outdoor area with a few family-friendly amenities, including mini-golf, a bocce ball pit, and a playground with a slide and swings.Free Wi-Fi is limited to the lobby.