THB Tropical Island

Originally built as two separate but almost identical apartment complexes, the sprawling THB Tropical Island is as big as several city blocks. Apartments are housed in small clusters of two-story white buildings set around oval pools and cute gardens, and well-tended lawns with palm trees and tropical plants lend the resort a peaceful feel. Each block of apartments is separated from the rest by paved roads, which make the Tropical Island look more like a small village than a hotel. Our first impression, though, was far from serene. We arrived at the property to find the lobby full of kids running around and jumping on worn couches while parents stood in line at front desk. (We’re told the main restaurants can have a similarly busy feel at times.) To our surprise, the rest of the common spaces turned out to be more relaxing and pleasant. Guests, the vast majority of whom are French families, tend to sit around the pool during the day, and the kids’ club keeps children busy in a section a little away from most common areas. Evening shows, instead of being held in the main building as is generally the case, take place in a big tent at the rear of the property, away from all apartments.

THB Tropical Island’s many pools, average rates, and clean apartments make it a good pick for families, but those looking to stay closer to the center and the beach and who have a bit more room in the budget will likely prefer H10 Lanzarote Princess, which is directly on Playa Blanca’s main drag and also features plenty of kid-friendly amenities. Located a five-minute walk from a nice beach and known for its large water park, the Relaxia Lanzasur Club is another excellent (but pricier) option for families. Travelers on a tighter budget may want to consider Rubimar Suite ApartHotel, which has a central location adjacent to a lovely marina, and spacious (but no-frills) apartments that can sleep up to eight guests.

THB Tropical Island has a somewhat secluded location in a quiet residential area outside central Playa Blanca. There isn’t much of interest in the immediate vicinity, but the city center and its many restaurants, bars, and shops are a 15-minute walk (or five-minute drive) away. The hotel offers free shuttle service several times a day to Playa Dorada, a lovely sandy beach that can also be reached on foot in about 15 minutes. The town’s lively marina -- complete with a shopping mall and an array of restaurants and bars right on the water -- is just about seven minutes away by car. Timanfaya National Park, home to several stunning volcanos, is about a 20-minute drive from the hotel. The airport is a half-hour drive away. The hotel has a large outdoor parking lot where guests can park for free.

The Tropical Island’s 414 air-conditioned apartments come in one category: Premium. All are the same size and have the same layout. Premium Apartments, renovated in 2016 and 2017, have a fresh, contemporary feel, with clean lines, white furniture, navy accents, and large color photos of beach scenes.

Each apartment has one separate bedroom, a spacious living room with a double sofa bed and a flat-screen TV, and a kitchenette complete with a cooktop, a microwave, an electric kettle, a Nespresso machine, a toaster, and a mini-fridge. Small patios or terraces with plastic furniture overlook either the central pool or the gardens. Apartments also offer free Wi-Fi and safes. Bathrooms are simple but spacious in all apartments, with clean shower/tub combos, basic toiletries, and hairdryers.

The hotel has two buffet restaurants, each serving a varied spread for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but food generally gets average reviews only. Fast food and pizza are available at the snack bar located by the main family pool for lunch and in the afternoon. The hotel also features two a la cartes, one with a regional menu and the other serving up brick-oven pizza and other Italian specialties. Reservations are required at both.

The hotel offers a variety of meal plans, from self-catering to half-board and all-inclusive. The all-inclusive package covers all food and local drinks until midnight, as well as one dinner per week at each of the hotel’s two a la carte restaurants.

In addition to the eight smaller pools located at each apartment block, the hotel has a huge family pool complete with two slides for children and a large snack bar, and a splash park with a few fun water features for toddlers. There is also a large adult-only pool, which features a smaller bar and a quiet deck with cabanas, loungers, and straw umbrellas. The year-round kids’ club offers a wide array of indoor and outdoor activities for children 4 to 12 years old, including sports tournaments, arts and crafts, and themed days. Guests looking to stay active during their vacation can get a basic workout at the small on-site gym (which is open to non-guests and offers group classes), or join any of the group sports activities offered, including beach volleyball, soccer, and tennis. The hotel also features a small adult-only spa, complete with a hydrotherapy area, a sauna, a Turkish bath, a whirlpool, and two massage rooms.