Hotel THe Volcan Lanzarote

Formerly part of the Melia chain, this upscale property wows at first sight. It takes its name from the imposing volcano-shaped structure housing the lobby, but the property as a whole has a stunning architectural style designed to resemble a traditional Lanzarote village. Guests enter the property through a carbon copy of a local church (complete with candles, religious music, and soaring wooden ceilings), and the grounds feature low volcanic stone walls similar to those protecting the vines in Lanzarote’s La Geria wine valley. Throughout, white buildings with dark stone accents and spacious terraces covered with wooden beams mirror the traditional Lanzarote style. On a closer look the hotel is starting to show its age, though. First built in the early 2000s, the hotel has undergone some renovations (the main pool was revamped in June 2016), but changes have affected mostly the exteriors, and some of the furniture in common spaces looks a little worn, especially the upholstery in couches and chairs. Still, the property feels grand and relaxing, with lovely grounds that include huge pools, several restaurants, quaint tiled plazas with palm trees, and quiet nooks with loungers and shaded areas. Although some may find it a little too sprawling, the hotel’s size allows for well-defined separate areas for louder activities and mellower moments. Guests, most of whom are families from northern Europe and Spain, tend to stay on-site during the day, taking part in the busy entertainment program or sitting around the pools. Although we heard some music in the main pool bar and during outdoor fitness activities, it was easy to find a quieter spot to relax in the sun. Young guests are never far from the kiddy pools and the kids’ club, but those seeking an even quieter atmosphere can request an upgrade (for a fee) to the adult-only Club Volcan section within the hotel. Travelers seeking a fully kid-free vacation may want to consider the adult-only H10 Timanfaya Palace instead, which is generally a little bit more expensive but has an all-inclusive option (lacking here) as well as a quieter atmosphere and more stylish rooms. The Gran Castillo Tagoro Family & Fun is an excellent pick for families traveling with young children, with plenty of kid-friendly amenities and all-inclusive rates. Those looking for something more luxurious may want to compare rates at the Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort, which is located right on a cute sandy beach.

Hotel THe Volcan Lanzarote is located at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac home only to an apartment complex. A door at the rear of the property opens directly onto Marina Rubicon, a lovely harbor lined with restaurants and bars built directly on the water. Additional dining, shopping, and drinking options can be found in central Playa Blanca, located a five-minute drive away. Sandy Playa Dorada can be reached in just under five minutes by car, and famous Papagayo beaches -- known for their great kitesurfing -- are just about a 10-minute drive away. Timanfaya National Park, home to several stunning volcanos, is about a 20-minute drive from the hotel. The airport is a half-hour drive away, and transfer services can be booked for a fee at reception.

The hotel has a total of 255 large rooms spread over several buildings surrounded by lovely lush gardens. The guests’ opinion about room decor seems to be divided into those who find the style charming and elegant, and those who think it needs an update. To this reporter, it’s a bit of both: Rooms are cute in a beach-meets-country-house kind of way -- with a variety of hues of blue, beige tiled floors with blue designs, canopy beds, and wicker and wrought-iron accents -- but the style is not quite fresh anymore. Rooms, though, are all spacious and light, with living areas and balconies. Bathrooms have separate showers and jetted tubs (except in Garden View Double Rooms). Many rooms have ocean views, while others overlook the gardens and the pools. Flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, electric kettles, ceiling fans, and air-conditioning are all standard amenities, as are hairdryers, and robes and slippers. Freebies provided in all rooms include Wi-Fi, safes, and bottled water. Adult-only Club Volcan rooms are located in a separate building a little away from the hustle and bustle, and come equipped with a couple of nice extras, including sound systems and stocked minibars. Club Volcan Suites feature L’Occitane toiletries. 

Breakfast and dinner are served at the main restaurant, housed in an attractive glass-enclosed wooden dining room built on stilts over the lagoon pool. The spread is big, and themed nights add variety, but food gets mixed reviews, and some guests have complained that it is generally only lukewarm. Lunch is offered at the a la carte restaurant, which serves up regional cuisine in a casual space by the pool. Snacks and pizza are available at the pool bar several hours a day. Guest on the half-board meal package are offered one free dinner per week at the Italian and Japanese a la carte as well. All other guests -- and those willing to repeat -- can make a reservation as well, but prices are a little steep, especially at the Japanese restaurant. The hotel does not offer all-inclusive rates. 

One of the hotel’s top features are its five pools, which come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The main pool is shaped like a lagoon (complete with its own small waterfall), and has a beach-style entrance for toddlers and guests with reduced mobility. The activity pool is located off the lower level of the lobby and, as its name suggests, is where guests can go to participate in the water activities offered as part of the entertainment program. (Other activities available weekly are Pilates, yoga, painting classes, ping pong tournaments, make-up workshops, and darts competitions.) There are also two pools for children, both located on a separate deck with a few loungers and umbrellas, and offering direct access to a small playground. Additionally, there is an adult-only heated pool in the Club Volcan section, complete with a swim-up bar, cabanas, a whirlpool, panoramic ocean views, and waiter service. Tucked away in a quiet part of the property, the spa is relaxing and pleasant, with a small but light hydrotherapy area, a Turkish bath, a sauna, and several cabins for treatments, massages, and salon services. Adjacent is the 24-hour fitness center, complete with a small array of cardio and strength-training machines, and flat-screen TVs. Electric bikes and an indoor squash court can be rented for a fee. The kids’ club is located by the activity pool and offers plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to keep children busy several hours a day, including soccer games, movie nights, arts and crafts, and treasure hunts.