Blue Sea Los Fiscos

The Blue Sea Los Fiscos is basic in every sense of the word. Decor is simple throughout, with generic couches and tables in the lobby, plain pine wood furniture in rooms, and basic tables and chairs in the dining room. On-site features are limited to a pool with a snack bar, an average restaurant, and a small reception area; and the all-inclusive package covers few snacks between meals. However, the hotel has some of the lowest rates in town and is clean, which are major draws for budget-conscious travelers. Although there are few amenities for kids, the many pre-teens we saw during our stay didn't appear bored, swimming in the pool during the day and playing ping-pong by the snack bar in the evening. Couples seemed to split their time between exploring the town and sunbathing around the pool, which allowed for a relaxing vibe and few crowds. The rooftop deck, featuring ocean views and plenty of loungers, was particularly quiet in the afternoon. The snack bar plays music during the day and there is a limited entertainment program on-site, but everything is kept at a reasonable volume and the atmosphere is friendly but generally quiet. Aparthotel Blue Sea Los Fiscos is a decent pick for travelers on a tight budget, but those looking to stay closer to the main drag may want to compare rates at the Jable Bermudas, which has simple but clean apartments, and similar rates and features. In the same price range as Los Fiscos, Aparthotel PuertoCarmen features a pleasant pool and a tennis court, but food is worse there, and maintenance issues seem to be the norm. Those traveling with children may want to check out the neighboring THB Flora, which features plenty of kid-friendly amenities and a more hopping atmosphere. 

Blue Sea Los Fiscos is located on a quiet, steep street on the western edge of Puerto del Carmen. There are a couple of casual cafes and a supermarket with basic necessities within three blocks, but the neighborhood is mostly residential and there is little of general interest. Puerto del Carmen’s old city center, home to a number of restaurants, local businesses, and a cute marina, is just 10 minutes down the hill, but the walk back can be challenging. The nearest beach is a 15- to 20-minute walk away, and a couple of other bigger ones can be found within a five-minute drive of the hotel. The town’s main drag, lined with restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops, is also about a 20-minute walk away. The Timanfaya National Park is home to several stunning volcanos and can be reached in about 20 minutes by car. The airport is a 10-minute drive away.

The hotel has 100 apartments, including 90 one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom units. Decor is basic and dated in all of them, with old-fashioned pine wood furniture, gray tile floors, and olive drab and brown accents throughout. Though the apartments are definitely looking long in the tooth, everything is kept clean and tidy, and even the smallest ones are spacious enough to comfortably fit a family of four (as long as the children are younger and can fit on the sofa bed). Each apartment features a roomy living area with at least one sofa bed and a dining table for four guests, as well as a separate bedroom with ample storage space and two twin beds; about 10 units have double beds in the master bedroom. Kitchenettes are hidden away in a closet with folding doors and feature just the most basic equipment, including a mini-fridge, a cooktop, and a sink. All other items (microwaves, toasters, electric kettles, and coffeemakers) can be rented for a daily or weekly fee at reception. Most rooms overlook the grounds, but a handful of apartments have partial ocean views. Our one-bedroom apartment was in good shape overall, but there have been reports of maintenance issues, including cracked floor tiles, loose cabinet doors, and temperamental water temperature and pressure. Complaints of uncomfortable mattresses are also common. Ours was on the firm side, but this isn't unusual in Spain, where soft beds are considered bad for your back; our 102-year-old Spanish great-aunt's bed is like a stone slab. Also, the mattress was covered in plastic, so that we woke up in the night whenever we turned in bed. Wi-Fi is paid in rooms, and although some guests have reported poor signal in some apartments, ours was fast and strong enough to stream Netflix. One of the main drawbacks at Los Fiscos is the lack of air-conditioning in the apartments -- especially as fans are only available for rent -- but that is the norm in budget properties in Lanzarote. Bathrooms are clean and spacious, with shower/tub combos with plastic curtains, and just a couple of hand soaps and two sachets of shower gel. Housekeeping is available every other day, and sheets are changed once per week. 

Blue Sea Los Fiscos offers an array of meal plans, from self-catering to all-inclusive. The latter option includes local drinks (imported brands are available for a fee), buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and basic sandwiches and ice cream cups between meals. The buffet restaurant offers a limited selection of dishes for lunch and dinner -- including some pasta, basic ingredients for a salad, some pork or chicken, and fish -- but few fresh fruits and vegetables. Themed nights add some variety and breakfasts include continental and full English options, but food is just average overall.The pool is medium-sized and pleasant, with a kiddy area and plenty of loungers. Although there aren’t generally problems getting a spot around the pool and the atmosphere is quiet for the most part, there is another quieter terrace with ocean views and additional seating a few steps above the main deck. There is some entertainment during the day, including some pool games and competitions, but the music is not too loud. Bingo and other mellow activities are also available some evenings. Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby.