Lanzarote's Hotel Scene: A Transformation from Mass Tourism to High-End Stays
Lanzarote has shed its outdated 'Lanzagrotty' nickname, evolving into a premier destination with exceptional hotels that cater to every traveller's needs. Over the past decade, the government's strategic investments have combated mass tourism, enhancing facilities across the island. This shift has inspired hotels, apartments, villas, and B&Bs to elevate their offerings, resulting in a diverse range of high-end stays, luxury suites, and cool rural retreats.
Despite these upgrades, Lanzarote remains an affordable destination, providing incredible value for family holidays, romantic getaways, and sunny beach breaks. Popular resorts like Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca, and Costa Teguise boast family-friendly amenities, water sports, and long promenades. With around 100 beaches featuring golden and black sands, relaxing coves, and shallow waters, the island is perfect for all ages.
Top Hotel Picks for 2026: From Beachfront to Inland Gems
Our curated list highlights the very best hotels in Lanzarote, ensuring an unforgettable stay whether you seek beachfront luxury or inland charm.
- Hotel Fariones: Located in Puerto del Carmen, this legendary hotel underwent a complete transformation in 2020, offering 213 sea-view rooms, a spa, and dining options. It's family and pet-friendly with a grown-up vibe.
- Hotel Palacio Ico: A 1690 Canarian manor house in Villa de Teguise, converted into a nine-room boutique hotel with a Michelin-recommended restaurant.
- Dreams Lanzarote Playa Dorada: A resort hotel in Playa Blanca with multiple wings, waterpark, spa, and adult-only areas, plus 'Preferred Club' benefits.
- Jardines del Sol: Featuring white-washed bungalows in Playa Blanca, these well-equipped apartments include full kitchens and private sun terraces.
- Finca Malvasia: Set in the La Geria wine region, this hotel blends volcanic landscapes with mid-century style, offering apartments, suites, and a villa.
- Barceló Teguise Beach: A beachfront hotel in Costa Teguise with a thermal spa, all-inclusive options, and rooms featuring balcony hot tubs.
- Cesar Lanzarote: An adults-only, design-forward hotel in La Asomada, part of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, with artistic touches and a pool terrace.
- Paradisus by Meliá Salinas: An adult-only, all-inclusive hotel in Costa Teguise offering 'Destination-inclusive' experiences like wine tastings and architecture tours.
- GA7 Colores: An LGBT+ friendly rural retreat near Montaña Blanca, with chic rooms, a pool, and a bijou spa.
- Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park: A seafront hotel in Playa Blanca with an aqua park, spa, and sustainability features like zero single-use plastic.
- La Casa de los Naranjos: A restored 19th-century manor house in Haría with eight antique-furnished rooms and Lanzarote's oldest private library.
Why Trust Our Recommendations
The hotels in this list were selected by Ross Clarke, The Independent's expert Canary Islands travel writer. With years of experience living in Gran Canaria and visiting the islands, Ross holds a WSET Level 2 Award in Wines and evaluates hotels based on location, facilities, service, and personal stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Currency: The Euro (€) is used across Lanzarote and Spain.
- Best Time to Visit: Shoulder seasons (March-May and September-early November) offer warm weather, fewer tourists, and lower prices.
- Nicest Areas: Playa Blanca for relaxed vibes, Haría for authenticity, Costa Teguise for families, La Geria for wine lovers, and Puerto del Carmen for nightlife.
- Getting the Best Deal: Consider package deals from providers like Tui or book separately via platforms like Expedia, and check with hotels directly for price matches.
