El Guarapo Apartments

Lanzarote's traditional green-on-white design is alive and well at El Guarapo Apartments. Colorful bougainvillea and cacti fill garden spots amid well-maintained paths, leading to the complex's low-rise, white facade buildings.  Renovations in 2017 brought a fresh, bright design to the guest rooms and common areas, though the latter still have a homey feel thanks to cozy couches, wooden tables, and artwork of the surrounding area. A casual cafe -- that unfortunately closes for several hours during the late afternoon -- and a well-maintained pool keep guests who stay on-site occupied, though many head to nearby beaches. Guests are primarily couples, though three-bedroom apartments are ideal for families and groups. Travelers with limited mobility should note that there are no elevators, but ground-floor units are available.

El Guarapo Apartments is in a quiet location surrounded by other hotels and complexes, yet near to all necessities. The closest beach, Playa Bastian, is a seven-minute walk, while Playa Jablillo's gentle waves that are great for little ones are a 10-minute walk away. Small coves with diving schools are a similar distance, and Playa de Cucharas' lively strip is five minutes farther. The city's main Plaza Pueblo Marinero is four minutes on foot; shaded terraces here overlook cobbled streets, and dining options range from authentic tapas to British pub grub. A bus stop a few streets away from the hotel provide easy access to resort town Puerto del Carmen and to Teguise's produce-filled markets. A Spar supermarket is also a five-minute walk from the hotel. Volcanic Timanfaya National Park is a 30-minute drive. El Guarapo Apartments is 15 minutes by car from Lanzarote Airport.

Apartments renovated in 2017 have fresh, bright decor and a contemporary look. Similar to their exterior, apartments have a mostly white-and-green palette, with white tile floors and wooden furniture, and pops of green in accent walls, throw pillows, and leather armchairs. On the downside, units lack air-conditioning, and fees apply for fans and safes. All units have living areas with sofa beds that increase sleeping capacity in their one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts. Flat-screen TVs and phones, plus welcome wine and water come standard.  

There are adjacent dining tables and kitchens with fridge/freezers, electric stovetops, kettles, coffeemakers, and microwaves, as well as toasters, dishes, and cookware. No dish soap or cleaning supplies are provided. Shiny white bathrooms have showers, hairdryers, and free toiletries, but towels and linens aren't changed daily. Small balconies have plastic furniture and loungers in some, and pool or sea views are pleasant here. Rooms can be fitted with cribs. 

The freeform pool is small and unheated, but well-maintained. Trimmed hedges and loungers around it are tidy, although the latter aren't great in terms of comfort. The adjacent cafe is small, but offers both indoor and outdoor seating under a wooden awning. It serves cooked English or continental breakfasts, light snacks and meals, and evening cocktails, but there's no service in the late afternoon (3 p.m. to 7 p.m. during our visit). An indoor lounge has sofas, bookshelves, a computer for guest use, and a TV, plus an adjacent room with a pool table, air hockey, and foosball. There are no parking or laundry facilities, but free street parking is generally plentiful, and a laundromat is down the street. Wi-Fi is free throughout.