PRINCESA ICO, Puerto del Carmen (Lanzarote)

The apartments sit on Calle Princesa Ico in a quiet area, a short flat walk to the beach and a 5-7 minute stroll (slightly downhill) to the main bars, shops and fish restaurants of Puerto del Carmen. A supermarket is a 3-minute walk away. Parking is free on nearby streets, and the complex is about a 10-minute drive from Lanzarote Airport. The Old Town is a 10-minute walk, and a golf course is 2 km away. The hill down to the strip is manageable for most, and ground-floor apartments can be requested for easier access.

Each recently refurbished apartment sleeps two, with beds that can be made up as singles or a double upon request - note the bed is formed by pushing two singles together. The layout is studio-style (no door between bedroom and living area), and the balcony includes garden furniture. All apartments face the pool. Flatscreen TVs with BBC/ITV channels are provided. There is no air conditioning, but fans can be hired; the apartments have fridges and electric kettles. Cleaners visit every 2-3 days with towel changes and a full clean, and bed linen is changed weekly. Upper-floor apartments may have ocean views.

The on-site bar/restaurant at Club Oceano offers breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks, with a terrace and free WiFi. For variety, the main strip is a 5-minute walk away with numerous restaurants including Indian Aroma, LAVA Tapas & Burger Bar, and fish restaurants in the Old Town. A supermarket and a corner shop are also nearby for self-catering supplies.

Princesa Ico's own pool is a quiet, shallow-end pool with plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas. Because it is not heated, the heated pool and hot tub at Club Oceano (just across the road) are a practical alternative, especially in cooler months. Guests also have access to the children's pool and the furnished sun terrace there. The area is well-supplied with sunbeds and the pool is cleaned regularly. For active leisure, billiards, golf (within 3 km), and various water sports are available off-site.

Key collection is at the Club Oceano main reception, where staff are friendly and helpful. The property offers free WiFi throughout, free luggage storage, and a safety deposit box for a surcharge. Car hire can be arranged. Cleaning staff visit every 2-3 days and are attentive. There is no lift, but ground-floor apartments can be requested. The complex is a designated smoking area but non-smoking rooms are available. Payment is by Visa, Maestro, or MasterCard.