Agonal Street, 16, Puerto Del Carmen, Spain | (888) 635-3814
A short walk to two beaches and a five-minute drive to the airport
Clean, spacious studios and apartments come with kitchenettes and balconies
Casual restaurant serves tasty international food; plus, there's a bar
Two pools, one with heated saltwater
Two kiddy pools and a playground are nice perks for families
Small on-site supermarket sells all the basics
Tennis and paddle courts on-site
A laundry room is available for guest use
Free parking
Fee for Wi-Fi (except in Luxury Villas)
Fee for use of in-room safes
Central air-conditioning is on only during the summer months
Lots of steps and ramps to some rooms
Some standard units are a little dated
No gym
The 160-room Costa Sal Apartments is a family-friendly, upper-middle-range property that's a short walk from Pocillos and Matagorda beaches. Studios, bungalows, apartments, and villas are all clean and spacious and have kitchens, balconies/patios, and living areas with at least one sofa bed. Some units are more contemporary than others, however, and some are a long walk away from the reception area, but with two pools (each with a separate kiddy section), a solid restaurant, tennis and paddle courts, and a small supermarket on-site, the Costa Sal is a convenient pick for those looking to spend some relaxing days in the sun without breaking the bank. Travelers might also want to consider the Beatriz Playa & Spa or the ClubHotel Riu Paraiso Lanzarote.
Scene
A sprawling property popular with English and Irish families
Set amid 13 acres of craggy grounds, Costa Sal Apartments is a friendly, busy property that draws English and Irish families year-round. Dozens of low white buildings with dark wooden beams and window frames stand out against the black local stones that line the paths, while palm trees, cacti, and other autochthonous plants give the property a strong local feel. There are lots of steps and ramps throughout the grounds, so those with mobility difficulties may want to request a room near the main reception area, which offers easier access to the main pool and the dining areas. A contemporary red and white color scheme with anthracite accents can be found both in common spaces and in renovated units, but some rooms are yet to be revamped and have slightly dated and basic decor. The lobby is a little generic, with brown tiled floors, dark wood wall panelling in the front desk area, and a couple of computers. However, a small seating area with white couches, red floors, and a dark wall made of local volcanic stone make the space more appealing.
Location
In a residential area that's close to Pocillos Beach, and a quick drive from the airport
The hotel is located on a quiet street in a residential area home to hotels and private homes. There are several cafes, restaurants, and shops within a short walk, and Matagorda Beach is just down the street. Los Pocillos, a larger stretch of sand a little farther away from the airport, can be reached in about 10 minutes. A 10-minute drive will get guests to Puerto del Carmen, home to a wider variety of dining and shopping options. Timanfaya National Park can be reached in about 25 minutes, and the airport in under 10 minutes away.
Rooms
Clean, spacious units with kitchens and balconies or patios
The hotel has 160 clean, spacious rooms in four different categories: Studios, One- and Two-Bedroom Apartments, Two-Bedroom Bungalows, and Villas for up to five guests. Each has at least a kitchenette with a cooktop, fridge, kettle, and toaster, while larger units offer full kitchens with ovens and microwaves. Additionally, all units have flat-screen TVs, at least one sofa bed, and furnished balconies or patios. Luxury Villas add extras like hot tubs on the patios, iPod docks, DVD players, and free Wi-Fi. All other guests have to pay an extra fee for Internet access. Most rooms have been renovated and feature contemporary decor in red and white hues with a few gray accents, laminate floors, and abstract artwork on the walls. Standard units, however, have a somewhat dated style with basic wooden furniture, cream-colored tiled floors, and bland beige bedspreads. Bathrooms have either walk-in showers or shower/tub combos.
Features
Two pools, an acclaimed restaurant, a bar with live shows, a supermarket, and sports facilities
The hotel has two pools, including a large saltwater one that is heated year-round, and a smaller freshwater pool located in the lower part of the property. Both have separate kiddy sections and are lined with dozens of loungers and straw parasols. A bar with outdoor seating serves drinks and snacks during the warmer months by the main pool. For larger meals, casual Coopers Bar offers a food menu during the day (and drinks and live shows at night), and Zest Restaurant serves an acclaimed three-course dinner menu. There is no fitness center on-site, but the hotel has tennis and paddle courts that can be used free of charge. Additionally, there is a playground, a small supermarket, free parking, and a laundry room. Wi-Fi is available for a fee (but it's free in Luxury Villas).