HD Pueblo Marinero

One of the few adult-only hotels in Playa Blanca, the Pueblo Marinero is quiet and relaxing. The property itself is similar to most other apartment complexes in Lanzarote, with several white two-story buildings with blue wooden beams and balcony railings set around a pool with a snack bar. This mid-range hotel, though, offers a few great perks that make it stand out among the rest, including sea views from some of its apartments and common areas, an excellent location adjacent to Marina Rubicon, and a half-board meal plan that includes dinner in five different local restaurants. Pueblo Marinero opened in 2004, and some areas are starting to feel worn (especially in the apartments), but partial 2013 renovations gave most common spaces a fresh, contemporary look. Although its floors could use an update, the lobby is particularly stylish, with chic white seating, brown wallpaper with delicate copper-colored designs, and beachy navy accents. Likewise, the pool bar has a modern feel, with cheerful plastic furniture in orange, lime green, and white. 

During the day, the one-man entertainment team organizes relaxed group activities, such as ping-pong, bocce ball, and Pilates. Guests at Pueblo Marinero -- most of whom are British couples -- stay around the pool in the morning and grab a bite in the snack bar or cook in their apartments for lunch, but the property is quiet for the most part. The only on-site bar closes in the late afternoon or early evening depending on the season, and there is no full restaurant or live shows, so by dinnertime the hotel is virtually empty. Travelers looking for something with a little more going on may want to consider the family-friendly Rubimar Suite ApartHotel, which has two pools, spacious (if bland) apartments, and all-inclusive packages. Those with a bigger budget may want to compare rates at Hipotels Natura Palace, which has a full entertainment program and is about a 10-minute walk from the beach. Rates are generally lower at the Palmeras Garden, a budget family-friendly property with simple apartments and a quiet atmosphere. 

Pueblo Marinero is located on a busy street leading straight to Marina Rubicon, a lovely harbor lined with restaurants and bars built directly on the water. There is a shopping mall complete with a large supermarket right across the street, and the serene promenade is just half a block away. Though not directly on the ocean, the hotel is near Playa Dorada, a sandy beach that's an easy 10-minute stroll down the promenade. The hotel is about a half-hour walk (or 10-minute drive) from Playa Blanca’s main drag, lined with plenty of other restaurants, bars, and shops. 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 81 apartments ranging from 570-square-foot one-bedroom units to 807-square-foot duplexes with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. All units are clean, with plenty of space to move around and big windows opening onto furnished balconies or patios. Interiors, though, are in need of an update. The most pressing changes concern the decor style and the kitchens. Some units have contemporary touches such as chocolate-brown headboards, striped wallpaper, and duvets with bed runners, but most feature basic green pine wood furniture, and worn, old-fashioned upholstery. Though some rust is to be expected in kitchens, all are equipped with enough appliances and utensils to cook a full meal, including electric kettles, toasters, microwaves (though no ovens), mini-fridges, and cooktops or hot plates. 

Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning (except in Standard Apartments with two bedrooms, which have ceiling fans only), and sofa beds. Wi-Fi is available free in common spaces, but there is a fee for in-room internet access. Premier units feature extras such as espresso makers, iPod docks, larger TVs, loaner pool towels, and robes and slippers. PlayStations and safes are available for a fee. Housekeeping is available five days a week, and fresh towels are provided every other day. 

Bathrooms are clean but basic, with simple shower/tub combos, one or two sinks, and older wall-mounted hairdryers. Premier Apartments have separate tubs and wet-room-style showers without curtains.

Pueblo Marinero offers self-catering, bed-and-breakfast, and half-board meal plans, but most guests go for one of the latter two. A small buffet spread is served for breakfast every morning, including cold cuts, made-to-order eggs, bacon, sausages, pancakes, fruit, pastries, and several types of bread. The poolside snack bar has a varied menu with sandwiches, salads, small bites, and cocktails, all for a fee regardless of the guest's meal plan. The bar is especially popular at lunchtime and before dinner, but closes early. The hotel lacks a full restaurant, but those on half-board plans are given vouchers for free meals at five local restaurants. The selection of restaurants changes daily, which allows for lots of variety. 

The largest of the hotel’s two pools is pleasant and quiet, with expansive sea and marina views, a couple dozen loungers and round beds for two, a whirlpool, and a handful of cabanas on a smaller solarium below the main deck. There is no rule about lounger reservation, and some guests complain that the shortage of seating around the pool means some feel the need to place towels on loungers before breakfast in order to get one. There is a smaller pool between the first and second rows of apartments, complete with another whirlpool and more seating. A few steps above the main deck is the clothing-optional terrace, which has a few loungers, fake grass, and sea views. 

Although the hotel does offer some entertainment during the day, the atmosphere is quiet for the most part, as the program includes activities such as ping-pong and bocce ball, and there is no loud music. Those looking to stay active can get a basic workout at the hotel’s gym, housed in a small, light room with three machines. Pilates and yoga are available a few days a week at the movement studio adjacent to the gym as part of the entertainment program. All guests get free access to a sauna and a steam room. Massages are available for a fee on request. Wi-Fi is free in common areas.