Los Zocos Club Resort

Located in a quiet part of town about a 10-minute walk from the main drag, Los Zocos falls squarely into the mid-range, family-friendly market in Lanzarote. A rather striking entrance with a large wooden structure and huge arched windows makes it look nicer than most of its direct competitors in Costa Teguise, and it certainly does offer a few good perks for those who can afford the higher-tier rates, but its entertainment options, food quality, and atmosphere are on par with other three-pearl resorts catering to families. The grounds have pretty Canarian gardens of volcanic sand, palm trees, and colorful flowers, and most of the buildings within the property (there are about 10 apartment blocks and several smaller structures) have a few local touches, such as walls made with dark rocks and whitewashed facades. The vast majority of guests are families, and the vibe is bustling during the day. There are music and loud entertainment around the main pool, and the buffet can feel overcrowded and hectic sometimes, but there are also more serene areas for those wanting a more relaxing experience, including a second buffet restaurant (open for dinner only), and a pleasant pool away from the noise. Still, travelers seeking some peace and quiet may prefer the Be Live Experience Lanzarote Beach, which is a smaller beachfront resort in the heart of the city center. Vitalclass Lanzarote Sport & Wellness Resort is a good alternative for families on a tighter budget, with good food, a soft entertainment program, and big (albeit older) apartments. 

The hotel is located on a quiet block on one of Costa Teguise’s main thoroughfares. There are a few shops (including a couple of supermarkets) within a couple of blocks of the resort, as well as a handful of restaurants and bars, and the area gets some foot traffic during the day. While a little away from the heart of the action, Los Zocos is conveniently located about a 10-minute walk from the city’s main drag and Pueblo Marinero, a charming little square full of dining and drinking options. Both Las Cucharas and Los Charcos beaches are within a five-minute stroll of the hotel. Arrecife, home to a handful of historic and cultural attractions, is a 15-minute drive away, as is the Lanzarote Airport. The hotel is about 35 minutes from Timanfaya National Park. 

The hotel has 324 air-conditioned apartments housed in 10 three-story blocks. All units are fresh from the 2016 renovations and have simple, albeit contemporary decor in either white and blue hues, or a more stylish palette of gray and lime green in suites. The style is overall generic, though, with basic, IKEA-style white furniture and beige kitchen cabinets, but dark-gray floors and cheerful leaf-patterned pillows add style. The floors in our room were a tad worn, especially in the bathroom, but everything was clean and tidy, and sliding glass doors let in lots of sunlight. Most apartments have one bedroom with two twin beds and a separate living area with a sofa bed, but there are also a few two-bedroom units for up to six guests. Kitchenettes are outfitted with cooktops, mini-fridges, microwaves, toasters, and electric kettles, and each apartment has a big flat-screen TV with a few international channels and a spacious terrace furnished with a table and four chairs. In-room Wi-Fi is available for a fee, as are safes. Bathrooms are spacious but straightforward, with walk-in showers, basic sinks with limited counter space, and basic toiletries, including shower gel in wall-mounted containers and small bars of soap. Hairdryers are provided as well.Travelers with mobility issues or carrying strollers should note that only Block 3 has an elevator. 

Los Zocos has two pools, each ringed by a few dozen loungers and straw umbrellas. The main pool is lively and a bit loud sometimes, due to entertainment, music, tons of kids, and a busy bar. This pool is heated in the winter, but some guests have complained that it is still a little chilly. Adjacent is the kiddy pool, complete with a few water features. The Quiet Pool features beach-style access and a separate area with two lanes for swimming. We found the atmosphere here serene and relaxing in the morning, when most kids were taking part in the activities organized elsewhere in the resort, but it became louder in the afternoon, with lots of kids and floats. There are two buffets at Los Zocos. El Mirador is open for all three main meals, and is unsurprisingly loud and busy, while El Boulevard opens for dinner only and offers Mexican, vegetarian, and Asian cuisine on different nights of the week. The a la carte restaurant serves tasty Italian cuisine and is the most serene of all restaurants, as only guests over 13 are allowed. Food generally gets good reviews for all on-site restaurants, but we found the buffet spreads a little too heavy on the fried food. There is a wide range of meal plans available at Los Zocos, including breakfast-only, half-board, and all-inclusive. Additionally, the latter offers a Premium package, which includes great extras such as turndown service, free non-alcoholic minibar items, brand-name drinks in the evening, and robes and slippers. This package also offers free access to the Premium Bar, located at the Quiet Pool and serving up tasty tapas, better coffee than at the main pool bar, and a solid cocktail menu. The kids’ club offers a good entertainment program for kids of all ages, including play sessions for babies up to 3, arts and crafts for children 4 to 8 years old, and sports for teens. The hotel also features two tennis courts, a beach volleyball court, and a soccer field with coaches for kids. Massages and salon services are available for a fee, but there is no fitness center.Wi-Fi is only free in a pleasant gazebo in the gardens.