THB Flora

THB Flora has a slightly nicer lobby than most other properties in this price range, with brown-and-white striped wicker couches, large windows on two walls, and a few classic pieces of furniture. Beyond the reception area, however, the property is your typical mid-range apartment complex in Lanzarote: rooms are housed in low white buildings set around a central family pool and surrounded by cute gardens full of bougainvillea. The property is divided into two sections across the street from each other (also connected via a tunnel), each with a distinct vibe. Flora I is home to the lobby, the main pool, and all other amenities, and the atmosphere is hopping and loud, especially around the pool. Flora II houses a little less than half of the apartments and just one pool. Although we thought Flora II would be much quieter due to the pool there being for adults only, we saw plenty of kids swimming and playing in it. The level of noise was still considerably lower than in Flora I, but it wasn’t quite the peaceful retreat we expected. In fact, we were told the THB Flora draws equal parts of British families and couples, but the former far outnumbered the latter when we visited despite it being the middle of the school year.

Located atop a steep hill above the old city center, the THB Flora isn’t the easiest to reach for those seeking to explore the town and the beaches on foot, but given the hopping atmosphere and active entertainment team, most guests spend their days on-site rather than out and about in Puerto del Carmen. Quieter ApartHotel Blue Sea Los Fiscos is in the same price range and also offers all-inclusive rates, but food gets worse reviews there. Travelers looking stay closer to the beach and the main drag may want to consider the family-friendly Hotel Lanzarote Village, though rates are higher there. Jable Bermudas Apartments is another budget-friendly option a little closer to the beach, but there is no full restaurant, entertainment program, or free Wi-Fi on-site.

THB Flora is located on a busy (and steep) street on the western edge of Puerto del Carmen. There are a couple of casual cafes and a supermarket with basic necessities within three blocks, but the neighborhood is mostly residential and there is little of general interest. Puerto del Carmen’s old city center, home to a number of restaurants, local businesses, and a cute marina, is just a 10-minute downhill walk away, but the walk back is steep and can be challenging. The hotel offers free shuttle service year round to the beach, which is otherwise a 15- to 20-minute walk away. The town’s main drag, lined with restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops, is also about a 20-minute walk away. The Timanfaya National Park is home to several stunning volcanos and can be reached in about 20 by car. The airport is a 10-minute drive away.

The hotel has a total of 205 studios and apartments, most overlooking the pools or the gardens, and a few offering ocean views. All are clean and spacious, but Standard units lack air-conditioning and have dated, uninspired decor with basic pine wood furniture, brown floor tiles, and green accents throughout. Most apartments in the Flora II section were renovated in 2016 and are now Superior units, featuring simple but contemporary decor with clean lines, neutral hues, ceramic tiles resembling wood, and a few pops of admiral blue. The hotel expects to have renovated all apartments in Flora II by June 2017. 

All apartments feature small dining areas and kitchenettes equipped with cooktops, microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, electric kettles, and toasters. Free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs are standard amenities as well, and one- and two-bedroom apartments have sofa beds in the living room. Bathrooms in Standard units come with shower/tub combos, while Superior apartments feature spacious walk-in rain showers. The hotel has four wheelchair-accessible one-bedroom apartments with wider doorways.

Although a variety of meal plans are available at the THB Flora, most guests choose the all-inclusive option, which includes buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the hotel’s only restaurant, along with all local drinks until before midnight, and cookies and ice cream between meals. More snacks, though, are not included in the price, which is rare in all-inclusive properties. As a hotel that caters mostly to families with young kids, there is plenty to keep guests of all ages busy, including a full entertainment program for adults, a kids’ club for children 4 to 12 years old, and a game room with arcade machines. Additionally, the hotel has three pools, including a bustling family one with music, a smaller zero-entry one for toddlers, and one for adults in the Flora II section. (The adult-only policy is not enforced, though.) There is also a small splash park for children with a handful of water features. The fitness center has a few basic cardio and strength-training machines, and massages can be requested for a fee. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.