PLAZA AZUL, Puerto del Carmen (Lanzarote)

The apartments sit on Fariones Beach, providing direct beach access. The lively main strip is a 5-minute walk downhill, while the old town is about 15 minutes on foot. A supermarket is across the road, and a larger HiperDino is a few hundred metres away. The return walk from the strip is a steep uphill, so taxis (around €3) are practical for those with mobility issues. The Lanzarote airport is a short taxi ride away, and coach transfers stop outside the hotel.

Each apartment has a separate bedroom with twin beds (can be pushed together) and a living room with two sofas (one converts to a sofa bed for a third person). The kitchenette includes a kettle, toaster, microwave, two hobs, fridge, and basic utensils. Bedrooms are compact but functional; the sofa bed is firm. Some apartments have a balcony off the bedroom (sea view) and a separate terrace off the living room (pool view), though not all rooms have a balcony. Views can be of the pool, garden, or sea depending on the unit. Light sleepers should request a room away from the front street or pool bar to reduce noise from traffic, late-night conversation, and weekly karaoke. The apartment itself can be warm - no air conditioning, but fans are available to rent. The property is older and the decor is basic, but bedding and towels are clean.

The pool bar is open daily and serves a menu of hot snacks (including a highly regarded fry-up), burgers, pizzas, chips, and chicken nuggets at reasonable prices. There is also a main restaurant on the property and a vending machine for drinks and snacks. The bar runs a happy hour (6-8 PM) with cocktail deals. No breakfast is offered, but the self-catering kitchenette allows guests to prepare their own morning meal. For more varied dining, the main strip is a 5-minute walk downhill, offering numerous restaurants within 500 metres, including La Canada, La Lanterna, and Go Chow Mein Teppanyaki.

The main outdoor pool is open from 09:30 to 19:00 and is heated during December and February (around 22-26°C). A separate children's pool is available for younger guests. The sun terrace has loungers and umbrellas (free), but the number of sunbeds is insufficient for the number of apartments - towels are often placed from early morning, and the hotel's rule of removing towels after an hour is not enforced. Loungers are flat and firm; cushions can be rented from the pool bar for additional comfort. On-site wellness amenities include a solarium, public bath, and massage/beauty treatments (at extra cost). Leisure activities include billiards, darts, a games room, and evening entertainment such as karaoke and bingo.

Reception is staffed around the clock and offers currency exchange, tour desk, and help booking taxis or excursions. Free Wi-Fi is available in all apartments and public areas, though the connection can drop and may not be reliable for streaming. A luggage storage room and a courtesy shower room are available for guests after check-out. On-site laundry is available at €5 per wash (token operated). Iron, hairdryer, and fan can be rented from reception (fan €15/week + €5 deposit, iron €20 deposit). A safety deposit box is rented for €15/week + €5 deposit. The property has ramps and wide corridors, making it accessible for mobility scooters, but there are no lifts - upper-floor apartments require stair access. Car hire and bicycle rental can be arranged through reception. Accepted payment methods include Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, and Red 6000.