THe Mirador Papagayo

Formerly the Iberostar Papagayo, this all-inclusive is actually two hotels in one, each with a different vibe and style. The main section is home to the lobby, the restaurant, the main pools, and 209 of the hotel’s 291 rooms. During the day, an array of activities is offered in this part of the property, but they are well spread out over the grounds and the atmosphere is generally quiet. Though the hotel offers free shuttle service to a pleasant beach a few minutes away, most guests -- many of whom are couples -- choose to stay on-site during the day, lounging by the pool drink in hand or taking part in the group activities.Across the street is the smaller apartment section, complete with a family pool, a kiddy pool, a small bar, and several small two-story white buildings housing 82 one-bedroom apartments. The vibe is more bustling than at the main hotel section, as most guests are families with young children. Although we visited during the off-peak season, we saw plenty of kids running around and playing in the pool while their parents sunbathed nearby. Though the Mirador Papagayo has a lot going for it -- including a big spa, a well-equipped fitness center, a kids’ club, and several bars -- it's the views that are one of the top draws. The hotel is perched atop a cliff just a short distance from Papagayo beaches, which allows for stunning panoramic ocean vistas from many of the common spaces and about 50 of its rooms in the main hotel building.The Mirador Papagayo is a good pick for all types of travelers, but families with a slightly bigger budget may want to consider the neighboring Gran Castillo Tagoro Family & Fun, which offers a staggering array of kid-friendly amenities, from a top-notch kids’ club to a 5D movie theater. The nearby Sandos Papagayo Beach Resort has dated rooms but features a wider variety of restaurants, a more hopping entertainment program, and direct access to Las Coloradas Beach. Those seeking something a little more upscale may want to compare rates at sister property Volcan Lanzarote, complete with several excellent pools, a full entertainment program, and a central location within walking distance of Marina Rubicon. The adult-only H10 Timanfaya Palace is a great option for couples seeking a quiet, kid-free vacation.

The hotel is located on a quiet residential street right off Playa Blanca’s promenade. There is technically a beach about a three-minute walk from the hotel, but there is little sand and many big volcanic rocks, which makes getting in the water uncomfortable. The hotel has a private floating platform a short swim from the shore, where guests can sunbathe and swim. Museo Atlantico, a stunning underwater museum home to dozens of sculptures, is just off the shore as well, and visits can be booked at reception. The famous beaches of Papagayo -- known for their great kitesurfing -- are a five-minute drive away, and the hotel offers a free shuttle to Playa Dorada Beach several times a day. The hotel is about a 15-minute stroll along the promenade from Marina Rubicon, a lovely harbor lined with restaurants, bars, and shops. Central Playa Blanca, also offering an array of dining, drinking, and shopping options, is a five-minute drive away. Timanfaya National Park takes about 25 minutes to reach by car, and the airport is a half-hour drive away.

The Mirador Papagayo has a total of 291 rooms, including 209 guest rooms and 82 one-bedroom apartments. Decor is dated throughout, with ’80s-style yellow-and-blue prints on couches and curtains, and slightly worn basic wooden furniture. The vast majority of rooms in the hotel section are spacious Double Rooms complete with small living areas with sofa beds, and a terrace or patio with plastic furniture. Our bed was firm but fine, but some guests have complained about uncomfortable, older mattresses. Bathrooms are clean and spacious in all rooms, with separate sections for the toilet, the sink, and the shower/tub combo. Basic wall-mounted hairdryers and toiletries are provided. Apartments are large and airy, each featuring a separate living room with two sofa beds, a terrace or patio, and a kitchenette equipped with a cooktop, a microwave, a full fridge, and an electric kettle. Bathrooms in these units have separate shower/tub combos, but instead of unlimited hot water, each apartment has its own individual 30-liter water heater, which means showers have to be spread out in time.The hotel is currently slowly rolling out its Superior Rooms, which have more stylish contemporary decor in white and dark gray hues, separate living rooms with small bar areas, and spacious walk-in closets. Regardless of the room type, flat-screen TVs (the old tube-style units our photographer shot had been replaced by our later visit), mini-fridges, and seasonal air-conditioning are all standard amenities. Free Wi-Fi is available free of charge in the lobby, but there is a fee for in-room internet access. We streamed several TV shows during our stay, and paid Wi-Fi was fast and reliable.

Buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served at Lancelot, the hotel’s only full restaurant. The spread offers a decent selection of international and regional specialties daily, and a couple of show cooking stations serve up freshly made beef, chicken, pork, or fish dishes. Continental breakfast, snacks, and a small lunch buffet are also available at the pool bar.A range of meal plans -- from breakfast-only to all-inclusive -- are available at the Mirador Papagayo Hotel. The basic all-inclusive rate covers all food and local drinks, but there is an upgrade available that includes Premium drinks for a small fee.

The hotel has several pools, including three for families and two for children. The largest ones are located in the main hotel section, and include one that can be heated in the winter, and one with underwater loungers and massage jets. The apartment complex features a smaller family pool and a shallow one for toddlers. There are plenty of loungers around each pool, and additional seating is available on several oceanfront decks in the main hotel section.The entertainment program is run by a team of five people in the winter and seven in the summer season, and offers a great array of activities for all ages -- from yoga and Pilates to aqua gym and Nordic walking -- and professional evening shows. Kids 4 to 12 years old can also take part in the activities organized at the kids’ club several times a week, such as face painting, arts and crafts, and group games. The fitness center is pleasant and spacious, with laminate floors, big windows, and a nice selection of cardio and strength-training machines. Sea kayaks and diving trips can be booked at the on-site diving center, and the tennis and squash courts and electric bikes can be used for a fee. Massages, reflexology sessions, facials, peelings, wraps, and a selection of salon services are provided in the spa for a fee.