SBH Crystal Beach Hotel & Suites

On first glance, the SBH Crystal Beach looks more appealing than some of its neighbors. It's bright and clean, and the lofty lobby certainly gets lots of natural light. However, the look isn't exactly modern, and the whole hotel has a tired style. Faux-marble pillars, gaudy patterned sofas (that look a bit deflated), and lots of wood paneling all combine for an aesthetic that's essentially ripped from the late '90s. That style continues throughout the rest of the property. With over 170 rooms spread across several buildings, this adult-only hotel has a relaxed and quiet vibe. The grounds are full of mature palm trees, cacti, and tropical flowers, flanking winding stone pathways. However, there are some other disappointments: Fees can add up quickly despite supposed full-board rates, and features like the pool are woefully small for a property of this size. The resort attracts a mix of German, British, and Scandinavian couples.

In the heart of Costa Calma, the entrance to the SBH Crystal Beach is a located beside the town’s main street, with beach access at the rear. Plenty of souvenir shops line the street outside, and there are lots of nearby restaurants that offer an alternative to food served at the resort. The popular Oasis Park Fuerteventura is around eight minutes away by car, and Sotavento is an 12-minute drive away. The rugged beauty of the Jandia Natural Park takes around 30 minutes to reach by car, with plenty of quieter beaches to explore. Fuerteventura Airport is about an hour away by car. 

The hotel has 173 rooms, including nine suites, that are simply decorated in neutral or blue tones, with tiled flooring and wood veneer furniture throughout. Decor is dull and in many rooms is quite dated. We spotted plenty of scuffs on the wallpapered walls. They are spacious, though, and include furnished balconies or terraces -- many offering full or partial sea views. Amenities are fairly basic, with little beyond mini-fridges, air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs. There are no electric kettles, plus Wi-Fi costs extra and safes must be rented. Premium guests receive free fruit, water, safes, and Wi-Fi. Larger rooms have sofa beds and two sun loungers outside on the terraces. Bathrooms are generally spacious, with shower/tub combos, double sinks, wall-mounted hairdryers, and toiletries. Many look held over from a previous decade. Accessible rooms are also available.

Facilities here are adequate, but not extensive, with two restaurants, a small swimming pool, and shared sports facilities. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served on a half- or full-board basis, and there are no proper all-inclusive rates. However this does mean that fees for extras add up, and you shouldn't expect round-the-clock access to drinks. The main buffet restaurant is busy during peak seasons, while the a la carte dining option offers a more tranquil dining experience. The buffet menu is varied, with three theme nights a week, including Canarian and Italian food. Fresh pasta, meat, and fish is cooked to order and drinks are served at the table. The a la carte seafood restaurant has ocean views, indoor and outdoor seating, and serves tapas and Mediterranean food from an open kitchen. There's one snack bar serving drinks, plus hot and cold food throughout the day.

The main pool is relatively small for the hotel's size and gets overcrowded. It's heated in cooler months, and the separate plunge pool (formerly a kids' pool) is an additional convenient spot to cool off. Loungers are available in the sun or shade, and an outdoor terrace has Balinese beds that can be rented for a fee. During our 2017 visit we heard about plans to develop a separate rooftop chill-out area with more daybeds. A private sauna can be booked for private on-hour usage, and massage treatments are available from the salon at the hotel’s entrance. 

Sports facilities and equipment are shared with the hotel’s sister property, SBH Monica Beach, and include tennis courts, a squash court, and table tennis. This all costs extra. There is a small fitness center with weights and cardio machines on-site. Evening entertainment includes shows three times a week in the theater and live music in the bar. The hotel has direct access to a sandy beach, Wi-Fi incurs a charge, as do safe rentals, but there is plenty of free parking at the hotel. Fees for towels are charged upon arriving.