Category: 5 stars (Luxury).
Location: Beachfront, in the tourist area of Playa Blanca.
Rooms: 206 standard, three junior suites, nine suites and royal service (an exclusive section of the hotel made up of 49 rooms).
Approximate price: Varies according to season and category between € 130 and € 200 per night, breakfast included.
Website: es.solmelia.com.
Map of location:

Gran Meliá Volcán is located on one of the most beautiful strips of beach in the old fishing town of Playa Blanca. Set apart from the bustling tourist avenue, its location next to the historic Castillo del Águila offers an impeccable picture-perfect view of the southern coast of Lanzarote and the neighboring islands of Fuerteventura and Lobos, as well as priceless views of the most lovely swimming cove on the island, Papagayo. The hotel replicates the traditional Lanzarote architecture, which is the dominant trend in its common areas, but especially in the exteriors of the rooms. The green and blue colors distributed throughout the inside of the hotel provide a fresh, original appearance.

The common areas of the accommodations provide an atmosphere of complete tranquility. Especially during the summer when there are more children present, the large amount of pools (four in all, three heated, and one for children) diversifies the areas they cover to give a good dose of relaxation. The interior hall, with large and comfortable rooms throughout its 4 floors, complements the sensation of rest and serenity. Thanks to its romantic atmosphere, the hotel perfectly fits the profile for a romantic vacation for two, although it is fully equipped to provide a great getaway for the whole family.

Between tradition and modernity

The 206 rooms at Gran Meliá Volcán clearly reflect how new the hotel is (it opened in 2002). They are perfectly equipped and simply decorated, and their vivid colors, typical of Lanzarote houses, transmit a traditional appearance. All rooms take advantage of their proximity to the bay with a lovely terrace complete with furniture to sunbathe or take in the beautiful view of the sea. The extreme quiet surrounding the rooms is notable. Some details, such as a good plasma television would be a good addition to the charm of the common rooms.

The accommodations include three junior suites, nine suites and a luxurious royal service, which is made up of 49 rooms, including five junior suites and eight suites, all of which take this hotel to a different level. Decorated with modern touches and with elegant equipment, they offer the guest a private butler service, private breakfast… The royal service includes a magnificent private common area. Its location above ground level visually embraces the attractively wild form of Papagayo, the island of Lobos and the dunes of Corralejo in Fuerteventura. The terrace includes two seductive hydro-therapy bathtubs, an interesting wet bar and a varied range of deck chairs, hammocks and Balinese beds.

Gastronomy and leisure

As a tribute to the cultural assets of Lanzarote, the gastronomical services at the Gran Meliá Volcán include the Tasca Yaiza restaurant, open for lunch, which in addition to an international Spanish menu, offers a variety of dishes from the local range of traditional cuisine. Cheese, the papas arrugadas potato dish, fresh fish from the coast, and the mojo picón garlic sauce are all part of the typical menu for getting to know and enjoying the food of the Canaries. Next to the main swimming pool of the hotel is the buffet restaurant, La Florida, open for breakfast and dinner with a wide range of Spanish and international cuisine, themed menus and show cooking. The property extends its culinary range by working with Casa Roja, a select restaurant located in the neighborhood Rubicón Marina.

The hotel’s leisure activities are provided by this sports centre. It is possible to play tennis and paddle tennis for free on the courts by the port, approximately 500 yards away [500 meters]. The pleasant night-time ambience of Café del Mar, The One or the shopping boulevard present another range of options for spending your free time. Very few leisure activities can be pursued within the hotel itself. A small gymnasium, a tiny spa and a miniclub with activities for kids are part of a simple program of activities. However, the neighboring port more than makes up for this shortage. Another feature worth mentioning is the magnificent coves of Papagayo, a half-hour’s leisurely walk away.

Click here for the link to the hotel’s website for more information and to make a reservation.