Nautilus Lanzarote

Nautilus Lanzarote is one of Puerto del Carmen’s most special properties. Its grounds are dotted with several hundred eye-catching original works by international artists, including sculptures, mosaics, paintings, and installations. While it looks just like any other apartment complex from the outside, the property has a strong boutiquey feel once inside. The reception area has a quirky combination of ornate, whimsical, and simple contemporary decor that makes for a striking first impression. Large navy velvet armchairs are placed around IKEA-style coffee tables, and baroque-style sofas with golden frames and brown suede upholstery stand out against contemporary artworks decorating the space. A huge sliding door made up of dozens of thin planks of wood hides away the bar area outside of opening hours. Some of the artworks displayed were created at the on-site Artist’s House, an apartment complete with an indoor-outdoor workshop where artists from around the world take up residence twice a year. 

Nautilus Lanzarote, though, is more than just an artsy boutique. The entire complex is fully accessible, with ramps and elevators throughout, and three dozen apartments adapted to different types of disabilities. Low counters, grab handles, roll-in showers, and modified kitchens make this one of the best picks for reduced mobility guests. Additionally, the property offers a stunning array of services for guests with special mobility requirements, including scooter rentals, electric beds, adapted rental cars, and anti-bedsore mattresses. 

Although planes can be heard on their way to and from the nearby airport, the property is quiet and relaxing, with just the most basic kid-friendly amenities and no entertainment program. Most guest at Nautilus Lanzarote are European families and couples, with an older crew in the winter months. Our apartment overlooked the pool and we could hear kids playing during the day, but nights were quiet, as most guests either cooked in their apartment and sat on the patio with a glass of wine, or went out for dinner at one of the nearby restaurants. Travelers seeking something a little more lively may want to compare rates at the all-inclusive Hipotels La Geria, which is located right across the street from Los Pocillos Beach, and features a kids’ club, a large pool, and clean rooms. Morromar Apartamentos also offers a full entertainment program, but most apartments are a tad drab and dated. Those seeking something a little cheaper may want to consider the HG Lomo Blanco, a cute apartment complex with several small pools, a full restaurant, a small gym, and cute, spacious apartments (though some are a tad dated and basic). 

The hotel is located in Matagorda, a serene beachfront community directly adjacent to the airport. The cute public park right across the street from the Nautilus Lanzarote is home to several pieces of the hotel’s private art collection, and leads directly to the promenade along the coast. Matagorda and Guacimeta beaches, two narrow stretches of sand directly adjacent to the airport and known for their great plane-spotting opportunities, are both just a three-minute walk away. Matagorda shopping mall -- complete with a small array of restaurants, bars, shops, and a supermarket -- is also just down the street from the hotel. Puerto del Carmen, which features a hopping promenade lined with tons of shopping, dining, and drinking options, is a 10-minute drive away. The location a five-minute drive from the airport is convenient, but noise from planes taking off and landing can be annoying to some. Timanfaya National Park, home to several stunning volcanoes, can be reached in about 25 minutes. Free street parking is available right outside the hotel. 

The hotel has 70 one- and two-bedroom apartments housed in bungalow-style whitewashed buildings with patios. Decor is contemporary and simple in all apartments, featuring artsy blue floor tiles, blond wood IKEA-style furniture with clean lines, and navy and yellow accents. While some may find the style a little too subdued, it helps highlight the art displayed throughout. Each apartment is dedicated to one local or international artist, and features at least three original and unique works, some of which were created on-site.

All apartments are spacious and spotlessly clean, with separate living rooms with single sofa beds, and full kitchens equipped with cooktops, ovens, full fridges, electric kettles, toasters, coffeemakers, and microwaves. All apartments also feature a small interior courtyard with a clothes line, along with a patio with loungers, a table, and chairs. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs with USB hookups, and ceiling fans, but only XL and Superior apartments have air-conditioning (for a fee). Superior Apartments also feature DVD players in the living room. Each apartment is equipped with a private router, which allows for fast, strong Wi-Fi. There is also free wireless internet access in all common areas within the property.

Bathrooms are cute and spacious, with shower/tub combos or showers with plastic curtains, two-in-one eco-friendly shower gel and shampoo, and hairdryers. Housekeeping is available six days per week, and sheets are changed once every seven days. Fresh towels are provided three times per week. 

The quietest apartments are set in the gardens, but most guests request a unit overlooking the main deck, as it offers easy access not only to the pool but also to the breakfast room, the lobby, the supermarket, and the main entrance. Over 60 percent of all apartments at Nautilus Lanzarote are adapted for guests with special mobility requirements, and feature roll-in showers, grab handles in the bathroom, lower countertops, and wider doorways.

The hotel has two pools, including one for adults and a smaller, shallower one for kids. Both are heated year-round, and the family pool has a lift for guests with mobility issues. Several dozen loungers and a few umbrellas are available around the pool. The atmosphere is generally quiet, but planes can be heard taking off and landing at the adjacent airport during the day. The lobby bar serves a small buffet for breakfast, and features a short menu with take-out food that guests can bring to their room or enjoy on the outdoor terrace overlooking the pool. The bar has limited hours, but food is delicious and many guests go for this option for lunch instead of going into town or cooking in their apartment. 

Self-catering guests can buy all the basics in the supermarket located in the basement, which features a great array of essential items, such as dish soap, vegetables, water, pasta, and olive oil. The hotel also features a laundry room, a miniature golf course, ping-pong and pool tables, and two massage rooms. Guest can request in-room massages in the winter. 

The hotel has a strong commitment to sustainable tourism, with dozens of eco-friendly initiatives that include solar panels that provide half of the energy used on-site, eco-friendly cleaning supplies, LED lights throughout, and drip irrigation systems in the gardens. Apartments are equipped with water saving tools such as double buttons in toilets, and bio toiletries. The extensive recycling program includes paper, glass, plastic, and cans. There are also recycling bins right outside the property for guest use.