Melia Salinas

The Melia Salinas is one of the most recognizable buildings in Costa Teguise. It was designed in the 1970s by famous local architect Cesar Manrique, and though some of its features have been updated throughout the years, the structure’s original organic shapes and Manrique’s trademark landscaping and use of local materials have been preserved. Despite advertising itself as a five-star hotel, the Melia Salinas lacks some of the high-end features of top luxury properties, in particular when it comes to services and maintenance. Interiors are overall appealing, with a light color scheme, carved stone accents, and high ceilings, but they lack the wow factor of more upmarket hotels such as the Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort and Lani’s Suites de Luxe. Grounds are pretty and packed with local charm, especially the main pool area, which was also designed by Manrique. However, some common spaces have fallen into disrepair, and upkeep works are slow. All rooms, however, were renovated in mid-2018.
The entertainment program offers a handful of fitness classes, such as yoga and Pilates, as well as some live music in the evenings, but this resort is better suited for couples seeking to get away from it all. Couples wanting something livelier but still only for adults may prefer the Barcelo Teguise Beach – Adults Only, which is also more contemporary. Located in Playa del Carmen, La Isla y El Mar Hotel Boutique is a wonderful alternative for travelers looking to splurge in a more intimate, more modern property -- though the beach is a walk away. Families traveling with younger kids may want to compare rates at Be Live Experience Lanzarote Beach, which also offers all-inclusive packages.

The hotel is located slightly outside of central Costa Teguise, in an area home to a handful of other resorts and a few shops. While a little away from the heart of the action, the Melia Salinas is conveniently located about a 15-minute walk from the city’s main drag and Pueblo Marinero, a charming little square full of dining and drinking options. The back entrance to the hotel opens directly onto Las Cucharas Beach, while Los Charcos Beach can be reached in just a few minutes along the coast. 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 a total of 270 rooms, including several suites and a number of stand-alone villas. All rooms were renovated in mid-2018 and feel fresh and contemporary, with a light palette that combines veined marble-style floors and white curtains, walls, and linens with neutral accents on furniture to create stylish, uncluttered spaces. Villas, however, have been designed separately, and feature more classic, elegant decor, including dark-wood furniture, volcanic rock details, and four-poster beds.
All rooms have furnished terraces (many with sea views) and solid amenities such as free Wi-Fi, quality beds, flat-screen TVs, minibars, air-conditioning, and electric kettles. Those wanting more upmarket extras can book a Sanctuary Room, which are standard units with a number of extra perks, such as Nespresso machines, turndown service, private check-in service, and access to a private pool and a lounge with free non-alcoholic drinks and snacks.
Bathrooms are clean and modern, with Florentine marble finishes, rainfall showers, hairdryers, and lots of dark-wood accents. Bathrooms in standard units come stocked with a wide array of hotel-brand toiletries, while Sanctuary units and Villas feature high-end Loewe products. Some suites have hot tubs, while Villas feature private plunge pools and outdoor showers.

One of the hotel’s top features is its huge lagoon pool, dotted with palm trees, volcanic rocks, and straw umbrellas, and filled with saltwater. There are plenty of loungers around it, as well as several cabanas with daybeds and curtains for privacy, but guests complain that most outdoor furniture is in need of replacement. In addition, Sanctuary The Level guests get free access to a lovely private pool with drink service. There are several dining options at the Melia Salinas, including an international buffet, an Italian a la carte eatery, and a snack bar -- but food gets mixed reviews, and most guests find the dinner buffet underwhelming and repetitive. Both breakfast-only and all-inclusive rates are available, as is room service for a fee.
Massages and salon services are available for a fee at the spa, which also features a hydrotherapy area. The fitness center is spacious and outfitted with a wide array of machines, but most could use an update. There are also three tennis courts and a seasonal water sports booth. Six big meeting rooms provide plenty of space for corporate and private events.