smartline Lanzarote Palm

Sun-worshippers flock to Lanzarote for its beaches and poolside rays, and it can be hard to choose between the endless apartment complexes lining this popular Canary Islands' stretch. Expect few frills at the former Plaza Palmeros, but modern layouts here stand out from the often-dated competitor properties. The complex is centered around a freeform pool with a kiddy counterpart, and mezzanine-level terraces provide spots for dining and drinking. The lobby is also particularly pleasant, with chic wooden furnishings, white studded armchairs and hanging lamps, and bright-yellow retro chairs and plant pots. Floor-to-ceiling windows keep the room bright, and likewise in the restaurant, although decor there is on the shabbier side. Though generally frequented for breakfast, the space can feel abandoned later in the day, with many guests choosing to hit the town's cheap offerings. The crowd here consists mainly of couples and small groups, although the hotel also welcomes families. Ramps to second and third floors can accommodate strollers, but there's no elevator.

The hotel is well-located amid other residential properties, and a 10-minute walk from Puerto del Carmen's New Town and famous beach strip. While the trip there is downhill, the property is on an incline, so getting back can be a bit of a hike -- cheap taxis offer an easier alternative. The well-reviewed Tequila Lounge is on the downtown route, a six-minute walk away. It's around the same time for the Old Town's harbor and Playa Chica Beach. Timanfaya National Park's dormant volcanoes are a 20-minute drive. A small supermarket is a three-minute walk, with a larger one six minutes farther. Street parking is free, but gets busy in summer, and the hotel doesn't offer parking. Lanzarote Airport is a seven-minute drive away.

Spacious Apartments are attractively outfitted with modern, streamlined furniture in neutral shades that are accented by cheerful pops of neon -- think bright-yellow dining chairs, metallic-blue vases, and lime-green dish racks. Twin beds are pushed together (common in Europe) in the compact bedrooms, while living areas have sofa beds, dining tables, and large flat-screen TVs with limited English channels. Note that deposits are required for both the TV and AC remotes.Kitchenettes are well-equipped with electric stoves, kettles and coffeemakers, mini-fridges, microwaves, and toasters, plus drying racks for the dishes and cookware provided. Small but contemporary bathrooms have glass-paneled showers with rainfall showerheads, hairdryers, and bulk toiletries. Laundry baskets are provided and housekeeping takes place every other day. Large sliding glass doors open onto spacious balconies or terraces with fake grass, dining sets, and one lounger. All Apartments overlook the pool, which limits their privacy. Those opposite reception get the most sun. Safes require a fee, and though Wi-Fi is free, the reception is unreliable.

Given the hotel's limited features, the good-sized outdoor pool is certainly the standout. It's a good size and open year-round, though unheated, and mesh loungers surround the large, sunny terraces. Parents can keep an eye on kids, who get their own splash pool, but the area is generally peaceful. Adjacent green and white-painted dining furniture and umbrellas are on the tired side, while raised levels with wicker seating are more modern. The casual restaurant has simple tables with striped runners in shades of brown, white chairs, and wood floors. Burgers and fries accompany more-refined minestrones and fresh fish, but most guests eat out or cook something in their room. The buffet breakfast offers bacon, sausages, and scrambled eggs alongside continental options, plus fresh fruit. Drinks here are pricier than in town, but available all day from the pool bar. Reception sells tokens for the on-site washer/dryers. Wi-Fi is free throughout, but only reliable in the lobby.