Palmeras Garden

Away from Playa Blanca's crowds, this bungalow complex offers sun and simplicity against Montana Rojo's humbling volcanic backdrop. Strolls along the nearby seafront promenade offer scenic dining spots, and coastal paths here stretch for miles toward Playa Blanca's marina. Some hidden coves dot the route, but a car or bus are necessary for full beaches. The hotel's freeform outdoor pool offers an on-site alternative, and though unheated, it's impeccably maintained. The tiny lobby offers a humble welcome, and it's worth noting that the front desk closes for an hour in afternoons and shuts fully in early evening, but guests can collect keys from the next door Bar Arena. Expect no airs and graces here, just plenty of fresh air and some fun in the sun. Budget-conscious Brits and Europeans -- primarily couples -- make up the majority of guests.

Many find the hotel's isolated location adds to its charm. Downtown Playa Blanca gets crowded in peak season, and while still coastal, the more natural environment here appeals to nature lovers. Hiking trails are great at the Montana Rojo "fire" mountains, which the hotel backs onto, but there's still plenty for less activity-minded travelers. Local bars and restaurants are a 10-minute walk, as is a small shopping complex. Cafes lining the beautiful seafront promenade are the same distance. A regular bus stops outside the hotel and runs east to Playa Blanca's Rubicon Marina (30-minute journey), where twice-weekly markets are full of local produce. Aquavala Water Park is a 10-minute walk, while the nearest Dorada and Flamingo beaches are a 20-minute walk, or quicker drive. Timanfaya National Park is a similar distance. Allow 30-minute drives from Lanzarote Airport.

Self-contained studios and one -and two-bedroom apartments are housed in stand-alone bungalows. Although colorful and well-maintained, they're largely dated -- think light-wood furnishings, patterned sofas and drapes in forest green and yellow, and kitchen cabinets painted red. Still, large windows keep rooms bright, and living areas with dining tables are spacious. Galley kitchens are small, but well-equipped with granite countertops, electric stoves, kettles, microwaves, toasters, mini-fridges, and kitchenware, plus cloths and dish soap. Private patios have unfussy dining furniture is colorful. Air-conditioning, safes, and Wi-Fi require fees, but deposits for TV remotes and hairdryers are refundable. Small bathrooms have shower/tub combos, bidets, basic toiletries ,and towels. They're spotless and towels are changed during twice-weekly housekeeping. Sofa beds increase sleeping capacity, and rooms can be fitted with cribs. 

Limited features keep rates attractive, but the hotel has enough to make a stay here a proper vacation. The outdoor pool is decent-sized, and kids get their own one to splash about in. There are enough loungers for all guests, but cushions for them requires a fee. The next door Bar Arena offers cooked "Full English" or continental breakfasts, and its cheap beverages, sandwiches, and baked potatoes can be delivered poolside. However, there's no full restaurant or kid-centric activities. An outdoor tennis court can be hired at an hourly rate, while next door's coin-operated laundry and bike rentals are available to guests. Wi-Fi is free in the lobby and pool areas, and guests can connect for free in the bar. Parking is free.