HL Paradise Island

The Paradise Island is a sprawling apartment complex designed like a small traditional Canarian village, with long rows of two-story buildings with white facades and blue accents surrounded by palm trees and shrubs. Known for being one of the few hotels that features a water park, and the only one in Lanzarote with a go kart track on-site, the Paradise Island draws plenty of British, Spanish, and French families year-round. The atmosphere is bustling and fun, with a full entertainment program offering activities for all ages, a kids’ club, and evening shows. Interior design is basic throughout, with terra-cotta tile floors in most common spaces, simple wooden furniture in restaurants, and plastic patio furniture on its many decks. It is a fine pick for families looking to spend some fun days in the sun, but couples seeking some peace and quiet may want to look elsewhere.

The hotel is located in a secluded area of Playa Blanca to the east of Montaña Roja, an imposing volcano with hiking trails and panoramic views. There are a few other hotels within a couple of blocks, but little of general interest can be found in the immediate area. Playa Blanca’s main drag, a long avenue lined with restaurants, bars, and shops, is about a five-minute drive away, as is the nearest beach. The hotel offers free shuttle service to Dorada Beach and the city center several times per day, but those looking to explore the area in the evening may want to know that the service ends in the late afternoon. Marina Rubicon, known for its yachts and varied dining options, is a 10-minute drive away. Timanfaya National Park is about a 15-minute drive from the hotel, and the airport is about a half-hour away by car.

The hotel has 290 large one-bedroom apartments, all featuring air-conditioning and spacious patios or balconies furnished with plastic chairs and tables. Although they were fully renovated in 2012 and 2013, and are clean and in good shape overall, elements such as basic wooden furniture, granite kitchen counters, stippled walls, and thin bedspreads lend apartments a somewhat old-fashioned look. Spacious living rooms are equipped with sofa beds and dining tables, and kitchenettes feature basic amenities such as cooktops, mini-fridges, and microwaves. Most bathrooms have shower/tub combos with glass screens, while walk-in showers are available in a few others. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided free of charge in all rooms, but there are fees for safes and Wi-Fi. Refundable deposits for TV and air-conditioning remotes are requested on check-in.

The water park is the hotel’s top feature, complete with seven slides for adults and four for kids, a lazy river, and a splash area. Directly adjacent to it is the go-kart track, which guests can access for a fee. Additionally, there are two medium-sized pools by the hotel’s main entrance, one of which can be heated in the winter. A full entertainment program including sports, group games, and evening shows is available year-round, and the kids’ club offers plenty of activities to keep children of all ages entertained. There is a total of three buffet restaurants on-site, including international, Asian, and Italian options. The first two are open year-round, while the Italian restaurant is only available during peak season. Menus change daily, but food generally gets mixed reviews.