The best hotels in Lanzarote: eight places to stay, lava fields to beach

A village built for families

Princesa Yaiza stands on Playa Dorada in Playa Blanca, laid out like a Canarian village with squares, streets and large suites. There are several pools, a dedicated kids' club and a full programme of activities.

It earns our family pick, putting beach, pools and room for children within the same grounds. The suites are big enough for everyone to sleep well, and it works for grandparents travelling with grandchildren. It is lively in school holidays, so couples wanting peace should look at Secrets or Volcán.

A village by the marina

Hotel Volcán Lanzarote sits by the Marina Rubicón east of Playa Blanca, built as a Canarian-style village with white houses, a church and a square. Pools lie between the buildings, and the harbourside restaurants are a short walk away.

It is a safe first choice, combining a resort feel with an attractive marina on the doorstep. It is ideal for couples and families. It is not directly on a sandy beach, but Playa Dorada is a short stroll along the promenade, and the marina hosts a market twice a week.

Adults only by the sea

Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa sits on the Playa Blanca promenade and is for adults only. Rooms are modern and bright, and the pool area looks out to sea towards Fuerteventura.

It is our romantic pick, with all-inclusive dining, a spa and a calm mood without a children's pool in sight. It is right for couples and friends who want to unwind. The hotel is large and the food is good resort cooking rather than anything special, so plan a couple of dinners out.

Straight onto the sand

Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park sits right on the beach at Playa Blanca, with bright rooms, large pools and direct access to the sand. The feel is modern and well kept.

It is a strong pick for travellers who want beach and pool without walking far, and who like a polished chain hotel with good standards. It works for couples and families alike. In summer it is full and busy around the pools, but the promenade runs past the door to both the town and the marina.

A classic on the beach

Hotel Fariones sits on the beach at Puerto del Carmen, with large gardens running down to the sea and the old harbour close by. Rooms are simple and bright, many with balconies facing the water.

This is our value pick, giving you a beachfront position and restaurants on foot without paying for luxury. It appeals to couples and families who want a classic beach hotel. The interior is plain and some rooms are more worn than others, but the old harbour with its fish restaurants is a short walk away.

A small hotel for grown-ups

La Isla y el Mar is a boutique hotel in Puerto del Carmen, with modern rooms, a calm pool area and a grown-up feel. The style takes its cue from the island, with lava stone, white walls and natural materials.

It is well suited to couples who want a personal hotel with good food and easy access to Puerto del Carmen's restaurants. It is not directly on the beach, but you are there in minutes. There is no kids' club or big entertainment programme, which is exactly what its guests like.

Quiet on the east coast

Barceló Teguise Beach stands by the sea in Costa Teguise and is for adults only. Rooms are modern, and the pools sit in a calm garden next to the seafront path.

It suits couples and anyone who wants peace, windsurfing and coastal walks. Costa Teguise is much quieter than Puerto del Carmen in the evening. It is windier here, so choose a sheltered spot by the pool.

Views from the island's only tower

Arrecife Gran Hotel & Spa stands on the beach in the capital and is the only truly tall building on the island, built before the low-rise rules came in. From the bar and restaurant at the top you look over the town, the harbour and the volcanoes inland.

It is a good fit for travellers who want to stay in a real Canarian town with local restaurants and a market, while still having a beach and spa. It works well for short stays and touring, as Arrecife sits mid-coast and close to the airport. The town is not a resort, so the mood is everyday life rather than holiday.