Relaxia Lanzaplaya

Formerly an aging apartment hotel similar to many others in Lanzarote, Relaxia Lanzaplaya embarked on an ambitious renovations project in 2017. The drab vinyl couches in bold colors and generic wooden furniture were replaced with contemporary fixtures with cleaner lines and a sleeker palette of blues and greens, and common areas now have a fresher, more appealing feel. The outdoors have remained the same, though, with low, whitewashed buildings set around spacious pool decks dotted with loungers and plants, and a big bar area with lots of outdoor seating. The vibe at the Relaxia Lanzaplaya is mellower than at most other all-inclusive resorts in Lanzarote. Kids can be heard playing in the pool during the day, but the atmosphere is relaxing and friendly, with just some pop hits playing in the background, and groups of guests casually chatting at the bar. There is no entertainment program except for live music a couple of nights per week, but the pool bar is a popular spot for evening drinks, especially among older couples in the colder months. 

Relaxia Lanzaplaya is clean, contemporary, and comfortable, but rates are a little bit high for a hotel that doesn’t offer many on-site amenities and charges for imported drinks, snacks, safes, and Wi-Fi. Sol Lanzarote is a good alternative for families on a tighter budget wanting something a little bit more vibrant, thanks to bigger pools, a full entertainment program, and a kids' club -- but food is better at Lanzaplaya. Couples on a romantic getaway may prefer Bungalows Velazquez, which is an intimate, self-catering property with direct access to the ocean. Villas Alondra & Alondra Suites is a great upscale option for families and groups. 

Relaxia Lanzaplaya Apartments are located on a small, one-way street a couple of blocks from Avenida de las Playas, Puerto del Carmen’s main drag. While the block is quiet, dozens of shops and lively bars, cafes, and restaurants can be found within a three-minute walk of the property. Playa Blanca, one of the town’s prettiest and sandiest beaches, is just down the street as well. Loungers and umbrellas can be rented by the day at the beach, and there is a cute playground right on the sand as well. The Timanfaya National Park, home to several stunning volcanos, takes about 20 minutes by car to reach. The airport is less than a 15-minute drive away. Street parking is free in the area, but spots can be hard to come by.

The hotel’s 168 apartments were fully renovated in late 2017, and feature fresh, contemporary decor in a cheerful green and blue palette. The style is overall simple but appealing, with dark floors that stand out against the off-white walls, blond-wood furniture with clean lines, and big mural paintings and large color photos of Lanzarote. Beds are comfortable and feature plush duvets, teal throw pillows and bed runners, and backlit headboards, while living areas are outfitted with spacious sofa beds in blue hues, and minimalist, IKEA-style furniture. 

Amenities include free air-conditioning and flat-screen TVs with international channels. Wi-Fi is available for a daily or weekly fee, but the hotel has plans to offer it free before the end of 2018. Kitchenettes are furnished with generic dark-brown cabinets and long wooden bars with two stools, and feature cooktops, microwaves, coffeemakers, mini-fridges, toasters, and pots and pans.

Bathrooms are spacious and clean, with big walk-in showers (only a handful of apartments have shower/tub combos), small sink areas, and hairdryers. Shower gel, combs, shower caps, and shampoo are provided as well. Our bath towels were clean but a tad frayed.

All apartments have either spacious balconies or patios with a table and two chairs, and some offer ocean views. Housekeeping is available five days per week, and towels are changed three times every seven days. Pool towels are provided to all guests on arrival and can be changed on request. 

The property’s main deck is occupied by the hotel’s three pools, which include two family pools and a shallow one for toddlers. A long row of loungers with a few umbrellas lines the pools, and there is a separate terrace with additional seating away from the hustle and bustle. The smaller of the family pools and the kiddy pool are heated in the winter, though some guests have complained that they’re a little bit chilly in the winter. Snacks and drinks are sold at the pool bar, which plays pop hits during the day and offers live music a couple of nights per week. The bar is generally quiet during the day, as most guests prefer to sip on their drink around the pool, but it is a popular spot for after dinner drinks, especially among older couples and families with young children. 

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner is served at the buffet restaurant, which offers a small but tasty spread of salads, grilled fish and meat, and a few basic sides. The hotel used to offer an array of meal plans, but it is exclusively all-inclusive since late 2017. The package, though, doesn’t cover any of the snacks available at the pool bar, and only local drinks are free. 

Unfortunately for families, the hotel closed the kids' club and removed the playground after the 2017 renovations. The property also lacks a fitness center. We were told the hotel plans to open an a la carte eatery before the end of 2018, but for the time being, the only restaurant is the buffet.