HOTEL FLORESTA, Puerto del Carmen (Lanzarote)

The hotel sits at the quieter end of Puerto del Carmen's resort strip, offering direct access to a 2 km promenade perfect for walking or cycling. A 20-minute walk reaches the main Puerto del Carmen area with its wider selection of bars, restaurants, and shops. The bus stop outside provides regular services to Arrecife (€1.40 single), Costa Teguise, and Playa Blanca, while a taxi to the airport costs around €14. The surrounding area is flat, making it accessible for those with mobility concerns. Several restaurants, including Ocean View Terrace Bar & Cafe, Fufu, and Mumbai Masala Jameos, are within a 5-minute walk.

All apartments include a seating area, a flat-screen satellite TV, a hairdryer, and either a bathtub or shower (specify when booking if a walk-in shower is required). Air conditioning is located in the living room only; bedrooms are equipped with a ceiling fan, which is generally sufficient. Each apartment has a well-equipped kitchenette with a stovetop, fridge, microwave, toaster, kettle, and basic cookware. Many apartments overlook the pools or gardens, but sea views are not available. The apartments are cleaned daily, with fresh towels provided on request. Typical beds are two single beds pushed together. Some visitors find the pillows hard and the apartments slightly dated but clean. The property is spread over two complexes separated by a street, with gated access. The furthest block is quieter but also further from the main pool and bar.

The main restaurant offers a buffet with international cuisine, including a continental breakfast with hot options (bacon, eggs, sausage, beans, pancakes, and churros). Lunch and dinner feature a salad bar, hot dishes (often pork, chicken, fish, and a nightly theme such as Chinese, Italian, or Mexican), and a dessert selection. Dietary options for vegetarians and coeliacs are very limited - the hotel can provide a basic gluten-free meal (meat or fish with potatoes or pasta and tomato sauce) if requested in advance. The all-inclusive package covers buffet meals, a poolside snack bar (12:00-16:00 for hot snacks like burgers and hot dogs, 16:00-17:30 for cold snacks), and drinks including local alcohol. Premium brands and cocktails cost extra. The restaurant can feel very busy and noisy during peak times, with tables close together. The pool bar is the only bar on the complex, which can lead to queues.

The main pool is heated and open all year, with a shallow end and pool bar. The dedicated kids' pool is also heated. Two additional pools in the annexe are unheated but generally quieter. Sun loungers and beach umbrellas are provided free of charge; pool towels are available for a deposit. The leisure facilities include a tennis court (equipment for an additional charge), table tennis, darts, mini golf, billiards, and a games room. A gym is not available on-site, but guests can arrange access to a nearby sister hotel's gym (500 metres away) by booking in advance at reception. Evening entertainment is geared towards families with young children, featuring a kids' disco, magic shows, karaoke, and occasional singer acts. The complex also features well-maintained gardens and a playground suitable for toddlers. The entertainment programme finishes early, and the bar area can feel quiet after 22:30.

Wi-Fi is available in all areas free of charge, though speed and reliability can vary - it may be slow and occasionally drops out. The 24-hour front desk can assist with taxi bookings, excursion arrangements, car hire, and bicycle rental (both for an additional charge). Daily housekeeping includes bed-making, towel changes, and a light clean. A more thorough deep clean is less frequent. Laundry service is available for an additional fee, and a coin-operated washing machine is located near reception. Luggage storage is available for early arrivals or late departures. Safety deposit boxes are available for a fee (€2 per day plus €10 deposit). The property is non-smoking throughout, and family rooms are available. The hotel is spread over two levels, with some apartments accessible only by stairs; ground-floor apartments can be requested. The reception team can help arrange mobility scooters for guests with disabilities. There is no airport shuttle service.