Seaside Los Jameos Playa

Housed in several low, whitewashed buildings, the Seaside Los Jameos Playa oozes local charm even from the outside. The main entrance is designed in Canarian colonial style, featuring a number of arches made with volcanic stone, a pristine white facade, and a dark wooden balcony. Small black-sand gardens with cacti and colorful flowers flank the front steps. The most impressive feature, however, is the jaw-dropping lobby, designed to resemble a Canarian courtyard with a huge skylight, exposed wooden beams, and beautiful wooden balconies overlooking lush indoor gardens. At the end of the lobby, massive windows offer views of the lovely grounds and the sea beyond, while cane chairs with pillows in pink hues tie in well with the traditional architecture. The hotel has been around for a few decades, and the style, though charming, may feel a bit dated to some, especially the old-fashioned furniture in bars and tiling around the pool bar. The entertainment team keeps guests busy with fitness classes, sport competitions, and music, and the atmosphere is bustling -- sometimes a bit too much so during peak season, with loungers around the pool getting snatched up before breakfast, and crowds at the restaurant for dinner. Rates are standard for the area, but families on a tighter budget may want to check out the Sol Lanzarote, though food is better at Los Jameos Playa. Sentido Aequora Lanzarote is another good option with slightly lower rates and more modern rooms. Couples seeking some peace and quiet may prefer La Isla y El Mar, an upscale boutique with large suite-style rooms and two lovely pools.  

The hotel is located right across the promenade from Los Pocillos Beach, a long stretch of sand in eastern Puerto del Carmen. Matagorda Beach can be reached in about five minutes on foot. There are several bars and restaurants within three short blocks of the hotel, but the city center -- located a five-minute drive away -- offers a wider array of drinking and dining options. Puerto del Carmen’s lively main drag is about a half-hour walk (or five-minute drive) along the beach, while Timanfaya National Park, home to several stunning volcanoes, is a 25-minute drive from the hotel. The Lanzarote Airport can be reached in about six minutes by car.

The hotel’s 530 rooms are divided into four main types, plus three additional subcategories. Though the system can be a little confusing because most only differ slightly (some have a bigger balcony, others are on the ground floor), all are similar in both style and amenities. Rooms are decorated in a simple traditional style consisting of light pinewood furniture with small carvings, thin bedspreads, and plain white walls hung with a couple of generic paintings. White wicker tables and chairs, and a soft blue-and-white palette lend rooms a charming beachy feel, but the style is old-fashioned overall.  Amenities are decent for the price, and include seasonal air-conditioning, electric kettles, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Mini-fridges are available in all rooms as well (and can be stocked for a fee), but safes are an extra charge, except for guests staying in a Junior Suite or Suite. Straightforward bathrooms are spotless, equipped with low shower/tub combos, white tiles throughout, and spacious marble counters. Toiletries, including nail files and combos, are provided in all rooms, as are hairdryers and magnifying mirrors. Families can choose from a range of room types, depending on the number of kids and their ages. Family Rooms are good for those traveling with an older child and a baby, as they can fit in an additional bed and a crib. However, families with two older kids may want to book a Suite, as they are more spacious and have a double sofa bed.  

The hotel is centered around four pools, including two for families (one heated in the colder months) and two for kids. There are dozens of loungers all packed together on the large deck, but there have been many complaints of most getting reserved early in the morning. The atmosphere is loud and busy, but there is a slightly quieter area with additional loungers closer to the promenade. The kids’ club has an indoor space for arts and crafts, as well as an outdoor area with a playground and a 13-hole mini-golf course. A full entertainment program includes evening shows and live music. Albeit small, the spa is attractive and features two treatment rooms and an area free for all guests, complete with three saunas, shock showers, a cold plunge pool, and an outdoor area. For exercise, the gym is spacious and well-equipped, plus there are tennis, squash, and volleyball courts for those who prefer team sports. There is one restaurant at Los Jameos Playa, serving up a varied buffet with lots of salads and a show-cooking area with fish, meat, and veggies. The snack bar is located between the two family pools, and serves not only alcoholic drinks and a few small bites, but also crepes, cake, and hot drinks. Food gets consistently great reviews here, and there are several meal plans to choose from, including breakfast-only, half-board, and all-inclusive.