Occidental Lanzarote Mar

Formerly the Barcelo Lanzarote Resort, the Occidental Lanzarote Mar occupies a sprawling area made up of seven large buildings in the outskirts of Costa Teguise. The property has received some updates -- in particular some rooms have been updated, and the gym has been expanded and renovated -- but indoor common areas feel stuck in time, with green- and cream-colored walls in hallways and stairs, lackluster bars with older vinyl and wicker furniture, dated carpet, and basic cafeteria-style tables and chairs in restaurants. The outdoors, however, are pleasant. Dark stone walls and paths lined with colorful tropical flowers, palm trees, and cacti lend the gardens some local charm, while big decks full of loungers wrap around clean pools.Families seem to love the myriad entertainment options and lively atmosphere, but travelers wanting some peace and quiet may find it too hectic. We found the main pool deck overcrowded during our visit, but the adult-only area -- complete with serviced cabanas (for a fee) and a pleasant pool -- was relaxing. The vibe is more serene in the winter, when the average guest age is higher and the outdoor areas are closed.Occidental Lanzarote Mar is a decent pick for a fun break with the kids, but its location is a bit out-of-the-way for both the beach and central Costa Teguise. Be Live Experience Lanzarote Beach offers better value overall, with more modern rooms, comprehensive all-inclusive rates, and a convenient beachfront location in the city center. Travelers seeking something a little bit cheaper may want to compare rates at the Sands Beach Resort, which offers spacious apartment-style rooms, seven pools, and an active entertainment program.

The hotel is located on the road that connects Costa Teguise to Arrecife and the airport. A couple of other hotels are the only buildings within a few blocks, and the area gets little foot traffic. The tiny Ancla Beach is about a 15-minute walk away, but the hotel provides free shuttle service to sandy Las Cucharas Beach, which is in the city center. It is also possible to walk to central Costa Teguise along a pretty promenade, but it can take about half an hour on foot. Arrecife, home to a handful of historic and cultural attractions, including San Gabriel and San Jose castles, La Recova Market, and the 18th-century San Gines Church, is a 10-minute drive away, as is the Lanzarote Airport. The hotel is 30 minutes from Timanfaya National Park, home to several stunning volcanos.

The hotel has 442 rooms spread over seven three-story buildings. Some of them were updated in the mid-2010s, and feature nice touches such as chocolate-brown or lime-green accent walls, white furniture with clean lines, and rainfall showerheads, but the style in most room types is bland and dated, with a plain brown palette throughout, white tiled floors, and generic blond-wood furniture with green-painted accents that don't mesh with the overall look. All units are spacious and light, and have big glass doors that open to pleasant furnished balconies -- some with partial sea views -- plus a sofa bed for an additional guest. Family Suites are outfitted with a double bed and a bunk bed, and have more colorful decor and extras such as bean bags and mural paintings in bathrooms. Some units on the ground floor have cute patios with small playgrounds and colorful picket fences. The hotel draws athletes in the winter, and offers special rooms for them, including Deluxe Sport Suites -- complete with gym equipment and a sauna -- and Hypoxia Deluxe Suites, which are outfitted with special mattresses and a high-tech oxygen-reducing system that simulates altitudes up to 13,000 feet.Amenities in other room types are simpler, though on par with other resorts in this price range, consisting of LCD TVs, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning. Mini-fridges and safes are available for fees, but accessories for babies -- such as bottle heaters, small tubs, and changing mats -- can be requested free of charge. Bathrooms are clean but nondescript, with marble-like counters, off-white wall tiles, and shower/tub combos with rainfall showerheads and glass screens. Shower gel, shampoo, and hairdryers are provided, along with hand soap, combs, and cotton buds. 

The central part of the property is home to three of the pools, including a large one for families, a smaller one with three slides for children, and a cute baby pool with water features. The main deck is packed with loungers and straw umbrellas, but the grounds are sprawling, which allows for quieter nooks. In particular, the adult-only area is serene and pleasant, with a lawn dotted with serviced cabanas (for a fee), and a nice pool. The main restaurant serves a varied international buffet with regional specialties for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a spacious dining room with natural light and chain-like decor. The a la carte eatery offers tasty Mediterranean cuisine in a more stylish, contemporary space decorated in a fresh chocolate-brown-and-white color scheme. Note that the all-inclusive package isn't 24/7, and it ended at 11 p.m. during our stay.Kids of all ages (including teens) are kept busy with an array of activities offered at the kids’ club, and there is also a mini-golf area and a playground. During the winter months, the property is popular with athletes thanks to its wide array of sports facilities, which include a great fitness center with indoor and outdoor areas, an Olympic pool that can be heated on request for a fee, and a wellness center with a wide array of massages that can help recover faster after a long day of training. Outdoor parking is available for a fee.