Riu Paraiso Lanzarote

My partner and I have just returned after a week at the Riu Paraiso in Lanzarote. We received a very warm welcome at reception and were checked in within minutes. We arrived at around 11:30am and our room was ready for us which was a great surprise and very welcoming. We were allocated a rather large clean room with a terrace which was situated in an extended part of the hotel by crossing a bridge. The hotel is very large (400 + rooms). The food was very plentiful with variations for everybody. The terrace bar got very busy in the late afternoon through to after dinner. Entertainment every evening. The animation team were excellent at organising the daily activities. I thoroughly enjoyed the aqua fitness sessions. It took us approximately 12mins to walk into Porto Del Carmen where there are shops bars and restaurants galore. There is a frequent bus service which can take you to Playa Blanca or to Arrecife and Costa Teguise.

Back from a 10 night stay at this lovely hotel. Travelled with my husband from 7th to 16th September. We were lucky with our room I think, in the main block with a pool and direct sea view, not too far from reception, on the 3rd floor. Food: Food at the buffet was consistently good. My husband can be fussy but he was happy. Food always hot, lots of choice, restaurant didn’t ever feel overly busy considering the size of the hotel. Breakfast was probably the best meal, especially the churros. We ate at the pool bars for lunch a couple of times, again everything was hot and plentiful. We ate at both restaurants which are also buffet except they bring your drinks. Canarian restaurant wasn’t good but the Asian was. That could just be down to our food preferences though, Drinks: Drinks were good, never a huge queue for any bar (we didn’t go to the evening entertainment as it’s not our thing). If there was a queue it went down quickly, and there are self serve soft drinks, beer and wine. Cocktails ok. The all inclusive choice of spirits was great and everything I asked for was included, such as cava. And baileys which I like taking to bed with me at the end of the night. You can get bottled water from any of the bars to keep in your room. Room: We were in a great location. Not sure how I’d feel if we had been in a room over the bridge though. We tend to go to bed early and get up early, and a couple of nights outside our room was quite noisy but didn’t bother us too much, rooms were cleaned every day and fresh towels. Fridge and safe in room but no iron. Shower is good. Shower gel and conditioner are provided but I wouldn’t recommend the conditioner. Hairdryer is fine and I have a LOT of hair. Pool: No problem getting sun loungers at any time of day. There are some areas that are shaded under a canopy all the time. And the rest have parasols. There are some nice little alcoves at the back of the quieter pool. We preferred the quieter pool over the bridge. Water was a bit cold but also a relief with the heat we experienced during our stay. Pool towels are included and can be exchanged throughout your stay. Staff: We’re all lively and friendly. They all seemed really happy to be there. Buffet and bar staff were quick. Location: There is a gate at the back of the hotel. If you walk about 15 minutes to the left there is Los Pocillos with shops, bars and restaurants (recommend Marco’s bar and Shahi Indian restaurant). Walk about half and hour to the right and you are in Puerto del Carmen. We didn’t go to the beach but it’s right outside the gate.

All in all a fantastic stay and will definitely return!