Royal Monica

Set on a long, skinny plot of land a short drive outside Playa Blanca, the SBH Royal Monica makes the most of its oceanfront location. Its pools, tennis courts, snack bar, kids’ club, and many of its rooms have panoramic views of the Atlantic, and although there is no real beach on-site, the hotel has a small area with fine sand and loungers on the rocks overlooking the sea. The property has a smart longitudinal layout that allows for a clear separation between the louder areas around the pools, and the quieter section where the rooms, the lobby, and the main restaurant are. During the day the central part of the hotel remains quiet and virtually empty, as most guests flock to the livelier oceanfront pool area after breakfast.The grounds are simple but cute, with plenty of manicured black-sand gardens full of cacti, palm trees, and large volcanic rocks. The hotel’s 215 rooms are housed in five pale yellow buildings that stand out against the long clay-colored paths and the gardens, and the ocean makes for a lovely backdrop in many areas. Indoors, the hotel’s decor style ranges from casual to generic, with a few cute touches in the lobby, such as sturdy wooden coffee tables and charming wrought iron furniture. The two on-site bars have a more laid-back beachy feel, with palapa-style roofs, wicker furniture both indoors and outdoors, and straw umbrellas providing some shade. Interiors in other common spaces are more run-of-the-mill, especially the restaurant, which features basic wood tables and chairs with blue upholstery, yellow walls, and white tablecloths. The SBH Royal Monica draws mostly French families and couples, and has a lively atmosphere day and night around the pools. Group sports, competitions, and pool games are offered (almost exclusively in French) every morning and after lunch, while professional shows keep guests entertained in the evening. Though some may find the vibe a little too bustling, there is another quieter bar set away from the pool area, which caters to those seeking a more relaxing environment. The hotel is a good mid-range all-inclusive pick, but budget-conscious families looking to stay closer to the center may want to compare rates at Rubimar Suite ApartHotel, which is right next to the lively marina and features large, basic apartments for up to six guests. The adult-only Pueblo Marinero is a good alternative for couples, complete with two pools, spacious but somewhat dated apartments, and an excellent location across the street from a mall and the marina. Families on a tighter budget may want to consider the THB Tropical Island, which also offers all-inclusive rates, and has several pools.

The hotel is located on a quiet street in a secluded area between Pechiguera Lighthouse and Playa Blanca. The immediate surroundings aren’t the most appealing, as many of the lots around the hotel are either occupied by private villas or half-built apartment complexes. However, the area is directly at the foot of the Red Mountain -- one of Lanzarote’s many volcanoes -- which makes for a striking backdrop. The rear of the property opens directly onto the narrow pedestrian promenade, a popular spot for sunset strolls and morning jogs. While there is no real beach to speak of, the SBH has a few private loungers on sandy patches set between big volcanic rocks. Access to the water can be tricky, as there are large, sharp stones throughout. The nearest sandy beach is about a half-hour walk away along the promenade, and Playa Dorada can be reached by car in just under 10 minutes. Marina Rubicon, a quaint harbor home to dozens of restaurants, bars, and shops, is also about a 10-minute drive away. Timanfaya National Park, which is home to several stunning volcanoes, is 20 minutes from the hotel. The airport can be reached by car in just over half and hour. 

The hotel has 215 rooms spread over five three-story buildings with beige facades and exposed volcanic stone accents. All have generic decor that is more functional than stylish, including simple wooden headboards and entertainment centers, and old-fashioned tile floors. King-size beds (which in most cases are two twins pushed together) are topped with duvets and blue bed runners, while walls are hung with big color photos of nature scenes. Huge sliding doors open onto patios or balconies, many with stunning panoramic ocean views. Double Rooms are the standard type here, and feature two twin beds, a spacious closet, and a patio with a table, two chairs, and a drying rack. All Double Rooms are located on the ground floor, and a few offer sea views. All other rooms are large suites with either one of two bedrooms, a separate living room with a sleeper sofa, and a balcony. All of these units are also equipped with dining tables with at least four chairs, but cooking facilities are not available in any room type.Air-conditioning units, ceiling fans, and flat-screen TVs with a few international channels are all standard amenities. But there is a fee for in-room Wi-Fi (it’s free in the lobby), and only a handful of rooms have mini-fridges. Safes can be rented for a daily or weekly fee. Bathrooms are spacious and clean, with shower/tub combos, big sink areas, and wall-mounted hairdryers. The towels provided in our room were badly frayed and had the name of a different property on them, but other suites we visited had newer ones.The hotel has four wheelchair-accessible rooms with roll-in showers and wider doorways. Housekeeping is available five days per week, and sheets are changed twice every seven days. 

The hotel has three pools set on two adjacent decks, all offering stunning panoramic ocean views. The two family pools -- the smaller of which can be heated in the winter -- occupy the largest terrace, which features several dozen loungers and a handful of straw umbrellas. The kiddy pool is located on a separate deck a few steps above the main one and next to the kids’ club. The atmosphere is bustling and fun, with an active 12-person entertainment team keeping guests busy with sports competitions, group activities, and games. Those seeking some peace and quiet can find additional private loungers directly on the other side of the promenade, where the hotel has created some sort of beach with fine sand and lots of volcanic rocks, but no easy access to the water. 

The hotel’s main restaurant is located right below the lobby, and offers a covered terrace with a few tables, and a section for kids decorated with cartoons. It serves a small but tasty buffet for breakfast and a varied spread for lunch and dinner, including freshly grilled fish, chicken, and beef, plus pasta and rice dishes. We saw few vegetables beyond the limited ingredients for a salad. A chocolate fountain with candy and fruit for dipping is available some nights per week.The large poolside bar offers continental breakfast for late risers, along with an array of drinks and snacks such as burgers and pizza. A small buffet with cake and other small bites is also available several hours a day. Most guests stay around the pool for lunch. The all-inclusive package covers all food and local drinks until late at night. Imported drinks are available for a fee. 

The kids’ club is housed in a small stone cottage adjacent to the main pool deck. It has a big patio with a kiddy pool, a handful of loungers and some straw umbrellas, and a thatched porch for shade. Kids of all ages can choose from a range of daily activities, including arts and crafts, games, and sports, and there is a specific entertainment program for older teens in the summer. There is also a big playground with swings, slides, and fine beach sand. Although small and somewhat basic, the spa is a great perk rarely found in three-pearl hotels. For a fee, guests get access to a sauna, a Turkish bath, hot and cold plunge pools, and a couple of whirlpools. Massages are also available on request. Those looking to stay active can find a few average cardio and strength-training machines at the fitness center, located across from the spa. Three tennis courts with panoramic ocean views are also available for rent. The hotel also offers free on-site parking and free Wi-Fi in the lobby.