Winter in Lanzarote
The Sandos Papagayo is a large hotel in a beautiful setting and a leisurely stroll takes you to the sophisticated Rubicon Marina with boutiques, restaurants and bars in abundance. Although we did venture out to the marina and a trip to the volcano, we really didn't need to as the hotel has plenty to offer both families and couples.
There are adults only areas throughout the hotel including the green bar plus a large pool with bathing area and hot tub. The rest of the hotel is family friendly and includes 2 large pools (one activity and one quieter) and a shallow kids pool too. There are extensive sunbathing terraces offering panoramic views across to Fuerteventura which I liked as it meant you didn't get splashed! Quizzes, Bingo, Archery, Crazy Golf, Tennis and other activities are there to keep you busy during the day but the animation team weren't pushy at all. In the evening, there is low key entertainment in Bar Plaza followed by lively shows by the animation team in the theatre. Other bars throughout the hotel offered pool tables, card tables etc. and plentiful seating areas to chill out.
The hotel promises 24 hour all inclusive and it didn't let us down! Alcohol is served until 11pm as per most all inclusive hotels but after this time, there is a snack bar (more like a small restaurant) that offers self-serve soft drinks, hot drinks, beer and wine until 8am!!! The snack bar is open at various times during the daytime too and has hot dogs, burgers, salads, cakes, rice dishes, pasta etc. plus freshly cooked pancakes every afternoon. During the night, the offerings are scaled down slightly but with the addition of a sandwich toaster so you can make your own concoctions! This proved a hit after a few glasses of wine!
The main buffet restaurant is large with a lovely sun terrace and offers a multitude of salads, crudités, breads, vegetables, potato options with a paella station and another station offers live cooking of various meat and fish dishes. Yoghurts, Ice-Cream, Cakes, Pastries, Fruit and a couple of different hot puddings make up the dessert counter so it's hard to know what to choose!!
Adjoining the main restaurant is the Italian Pizzeria (you can sit in either and have a selection of both restaurants offerings on your plate). The pizzeria is decorated traditionally and offers a buffet of pizzas, pastas and vegetables. The main draw of this restaurant is the freshly cooked pasta station where there are 3 different choices of sauces each night and the chef cooks it in front of you and adds your chosen herbs, seasoning, cream etc. This proved a hit with our family and everyone else we spoke to!!
The Fusion restaurant offers speciality dining with Mexican and Oriental nights alternating. These had to be pre-booked but were not limited to the amount of visits during your stay. We tried the Mexican and it was lovely but we never got around to the Oriental as we loved the Pizzeria so much! The Fusion restaurant is also where the Royal Elite guests have their separate breakfast. It is a relaxed and quiet affair with a good continental choice, a large choice of cooked options plus an omelette station where they are made to order.
Other facilities at the hotel include a well-equipped gym, Jacuzzis, sauna and hammam. There is also a popular kids club with playground area that is run by the animation team.
Our Royal Elite status also gave us access to 2 lounges (one adult only and one family) with self serve premium drinks, snacks, newspapers, computers and the most incredibly comfy sofas to relax on. Also, when drinking in other bars, it gave us access to premium drinks at no extra charge also.
The hotel was spotless throughout and the staff were friendly. It's a large hotel that takes a little while to get used to the layout but we really couldn't fault it. We will definitely be back soon!!!