Lanzarote Paradise Found: Hotelito El Campo Awaits!
Lanzarote Paradise Found: Hotelito El Campo Awaits! – A Messy, Honest Review
Okay, buckle up Buttercups, because I just got back from Lanzarote and, well, I need to talk about Hotelito El Campo. Forget perfectly polished travel blogs, this is going to be a glorious, messy, and entirely subjective account of my experience. Because let's be real, travel isn't always Instagram-worthy, is it? Sometimes it's…well, a rollercoaster of emotions and questionable decisions, and that’s exactly the kind of tale I’m here to spin.
(Metadata – gotta get it out of the way… you know, for the SEO gods. Think: Lanzarote, Hotelito El Campo, Canary Islands, accessible hotel, spa review, family friendly, luxury travel, Lanzarote review, WiFi, pools, dining, wheelchair access, fitness center, pet friendly (maybe!), romantic getaway, solo travel)
First Impressions: The Good, The Bad, and the Slightly Confused.
Landing in Lanzarote, the wind whipping my hair around like a rabid poodle – already, love it. The Hotelito El Campo, nestled amongst… well, campo (that’s field in Spanish, right? Shows how much I listened in Spanish class), looked promising online. Rustic charm, promise of peace, the photos whispered of sun-drenched bliss. And then…Reality. It's ALWAYS a little different, isn't it?
Accessibility: Now, this is important, because I have a sneaky suspicion this place is trying hard. Wheelchair accessible areas – YES! They've got ramps, elevators (thank GOD!), and seem to have put a lot of thought into it. My imaginary friend on a disability scooter was apparently thrilled with the main areas. Facilities for disabled guests: Check! I even spotted a lovely accessible room. Top marks for effort. But I'll say this again, it's trying, and there might be a few… hiccups. More on that later.
Rooms: Sanitized Heaven or Dust Bunny Drama? (See, slightly messy already!)
The air conditioning? Blah. Worked eventually. (Hot flash anyone?) But once it kicked in proper, the room was a haven. Air conditioning in all rooms: YES! Important for survival. Air conditioning in public areas: Also, YES! Saved my sanity a few times. My room was a lovely, spacious little number. Non-smoking rooms? Yep. (Thank the heavens!) Soundproof rooms? Ehh, pretty good. I only heard the occasional donkey braying in the distance… charming, I suppose. And bless their hearts, they’d included all the usual suspects – Hair dryer, in-room safe, coffee/tea maker, free bottled water, fluffy robes… And the Wi-Fi [free] was… reasonably reliable, although I kept longing for a good old Internet [LAN] cable for a bit more speed – I am that kind of traveller. But hey, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And the window that opens was a lifesaver for letting the fresh air in.
Cleanliness and Safety: Did They Zap Those Viruses?
This is where El Campo shone. Seriously, huge kudos. Anti-viral cleaning products? Probably. Smelled clean though, which is a win. Daily disinfection in common areas? Absolutely. Rooms sanitized between stays? Definitely. I felt safe, which is a big deal these days, isn't it? Staff trained in safety protocol? They seemed it. Wearing masks, being respectful. Happy days. The hand sanitizer dispensers were everywhere. They even had individually-wrapped food options for the breakfast buffet, which at least gave me some peace of mind. And big plus: Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (and Arguing Over Tapas)
Okay, let's talk food. This is where things get… interesting.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Mostly good! A decent spread. Western breakfast, Asian breakfast, all the usual. Good coffee, fresh fruit. The Buffet in restaurant was safe, well-organized, clean. My only complaint? The eggs. They were… a little sad.
- Restaurants: They had them! Various ones! A la carte in restaurant: Yes! International cuisine in restaurant: Yes! Asian cuisine in restaurant: YES! Vegetarian restaurant YES! But…I'll come clean: I only ventured into one, mainly for the…
- Bar: The bar was FANTASTIC! Happy hour was, well, happy. The Poolside bar was a godsend on a scorching afternoon. They made a mean mojito, and the conversations with the bar staff were the highlight of my trip. Wonderful, personable staff that kept me laughing.
- Snack bar: Needed it. Needed it often. Good for a quick bite.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax: Spa, Sweat, and Sunbathing Shenanigans
Oh, boy. This is where El Campo REALLY shines.
- Swimming pool: Several, thankfully. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Yep, and stunning. The Pool with view was simply breathtaking. I could have stayed there forever (and probably should have).
- Spa: The spa was… divine. Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage – YES, YES, YES! I got the most incredible massage. I was so relaxed I almost forgot where I was. They did a Foot bath and took such care. Spa/sauna, Steamroom, are ALL AVAILABLE.
- Fitness center and Gym/fitness: A decent gym with everything you might need.
- Sauna: Amazing!
- Ways to Relax: Everywhere! Peace and quiet were in abundance, especially during the off-season.
- Daily housekeeping: Yes, and they did a good job.
- Laundry service: Available.
Services and Conveniences: Did They Think of Everything?
Mostly.
- Concierge: Helpful! Arranged a few excursions for me.
- Currency exchange: Present.
- Laundry service and Dry cleaning: Available.
- Facilities for disabled guests: More than good enough.
- Luggage storage: No problem.
- On-site event hosting for seminars and meetings: They seem to have a lot of space for things, including Indoor venue for special events and Outdoor venue for special events.
- Baby sitting service: I think I saw a flyer…
- Car park [free of charge]: A massive plus.
- Car park [on-site]: Also, big plus.
- Air conditioning in public area: Absolutely!
- Contactless check-in/out: Perfectly smooth
- Cashless payment service: Yep! Efficient.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Thankfully, I didn't need this, but good to know.
- Food delivery: Didn't use it, but I saw options advertised.
- Gift/souvenir shop: A small one.
- Invoice provided: Yep!
The Quirks (and the Minor Annoyances): The Devil is in the Details!
Okay, here’s where I get a little real. Remember that “trying hard” I mentioned earlier? There were a few… things.
- The donkeys: Charming, yes, but sometimes a little too vocal at 6 AM. Bring earplugs.
- That tiny little sign: In the Spa. "Please do not take photographs". I missed that one. Oops.
- The "shrine": I didn't know what to do with it, but it was there.
- The lack of pets available: I like animals! I think the hotel should be pet friendly!
- The extra long beds: They actually weren't overly long, and there was a decent shower, but I'm picky.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Absolutely, without a doubt. Despite the occasional minor hiccup, Hotelito El Campo is a gem. It's clean, it's safe, it's relaxing. The staff are lovely, the spa is amazing, the pool is perfect. It genuinely felt like a place to unwind and recharge. The hotel is Family/child friendly! Couple's Rooms available.
Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars. (Knocking off half a star for those early-morning donkeys.) Go,
Escape to Paradise: Georges Boutique B&B & Gourmet Getaway, Mornington Peninsula
Okay, buckle up Buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-packaged travel itinerary. We’re diving headfirst into the chaotic glory that is a trip to Hotelito El Campo in Lanzarote, Spain. And trust me, it's gonna be messy. Like, properly messy.
Hotelito El Campo Lanzarote: A Messy, Glorious Adventure
Day 1: Arrival, Disappointment, and a Glorious Dive
- Morning (like, REALLY morning): Flight from (insert your miserable departure city here). God, airports are the WORST, right? Endless queues, the smell of stale coffee, and the crushing realization that you've probably forgotten something essential. I, of course, forgot my favorite travel pillow. Big mistake. HUGE.
- Lunch: Land in Arrecife! Breathe the salty air. The sun! Woohoo! Quick taxi to Hotelito El Campo. Already the car sick is getting to me.
- Afternoon: Check-in. Ah, the hotel. Okay, first impressions… it's… quaint. Let's go with quaint. The website promised a rustic, chic vibe. Reality? Well, the wifi password is written in pencil on a sticky note next to the rusty key. Charming? Perhaps. Functional? Debatable. BUT, the view from my room? Spectacular. Volcanic rock meets turquoise water. Okay, I'm getting over the slightly dodgy plumbing (more on that later).
- Late Afternoon: The Dive. Okay, this is where things get GOOD. I booked a beginner's scuba diving session. I didn't even know I was slightly claustrophobic until I was 10 meters underwater, panicking that my regulator was going to fail and I’d become a sardine snack. But then? Pure magic. Fish darted around like tiny jewels, the silence was incredible, and I felt like I was floating. The instructor, a gruff but kind local named Pedro, kept giving me the "ok" sign, even when I was clearly trying to signal him to bail me out. Seriously, best experience of the day.
- Evening: Restaurant "El Marinero." This place, oh boy. It looked promising: fresh fish, seaside setting. But when I got back I could barely walk.
Day 2: Exploring the Island (and My Digestive System's Struggles)
- Morning: Breakfast at the hotel. Continental, but with excellent coffee. I swear, the key to travel happiness is a good cup of joe. This one was top-notch. Then, a rented car! Tiny, underpowered, and probably named "Brenda," but it's a vehicle. A shaky, temperamental vehicle. Today's mission: Timanfaya National Park. I am trying to find the famous road to go in the National Park.
- Mid-Morning: Timanfaya. Okay, this place is otherworldly. Like, Mars-meets-a-volcano-party otherworldly. The tour bus ride was a little cheesy (the heat demonstrations were a bit forced), but the landscape is genuinely astonishing. Black lava fields stretching to the horizon, the air shimmering. It's a photographer's dream, and my camera was working overtime.
- Lunch: Quick tapas at a roadside cafe near the park. "Roadside" is being kind, it was a shack. The food was…let's say, "authentic." Think: mystery meat and questionable hygiene. I'm now battling what I suspect is a local form of revenge by the microbes.
- Afternoon: Relaxation. I wanted to go to Jardin de Cactus so I could rest. Now I feel terrible so I'm going back to Hotelito. I was supposed to go to the beach but my stomach.
Day 3: The Beach Blunders and the Power of Pina Coladas
- Morning: Beach day! Playa de Papagayo, they said. Beautiful, they said. Well… it was. Exquisite sand, crystalline water. But getting there? A whole saga, involving Brenda, a questionable dirt track, and a near-sinking experience in a particularly deep puddle. Seriously, I thought we were going to need a tow truck. But somehow, we made it, slightly dusty but fully intact.
- Lunch: Beachside shack. Thankfully, this one was better. Fresh grilled fish and… PINAA COLADAS! Oh, sweet, glorious Pina Coladas. Instantly cured all my travel woes. My digestive system, however, was still singing a tune of protest.
- Afternoon: Spending all my time at the beach. I was going to be at the beach until sunset but after the sunburn, I needed to go back to the hotel and rest.
- Evening: Hotelito El Campo's common area. Some of the other guests were coming in. It was great to meet different peoples on a same purpose.
Day 4: Farewell, Lanzarote… And My Questionable Tummy
- Morning: One last breakfast. One last look at the view. One last attempt to decipher the hotel's ancient TV remote (impossible). I wish I had the strength to go for another trip today.
- Mid-Morning: The taxi ride! One which I think I will never forget. The taxi driver knew the road. The most important thing on a road trip. I am still sick but ready for one last trip.
- Afternoon: Goodbye Lanzarote. It's been a rollercoaster, hasn't it? A beautiful, messy, stomach-churning rollercoaster. Despite the plumbing issues, the questionable food, and Brenda's questionable driving skills, I've loved it. The island is stunning, the people are warm, and those Pina Coladas? They're pure gold. Maybe I'll be back, once my digestive system forgives me. Until then, it is a goodbye!
- Evening: Back in my horrible city, feeling sad.
Lanzarote Paradise Found: Hotelito El Campo Awaits! (Or Does It Really?) - Let's Get Messy.
Okay, so, El Campo... Is it ACTUALLY "Paradise Found" like the brochures scream? Be honest.
Ugh, alright. Let's cut the crap. Paradise? Look, it's beautiful. Really beautiful. The kind of beautiful that makes you gasp when you first see the volcanic landscape meeting the ridiculously blue ocean. The kind of beautiful that inspires a whole Instagram feed. But paradise? Nope. Not unless paradise includes a healthy dose of "rustic charm" which, let's be honest, is code for "slightly falling apart but still kinda holding it together."
My first impression? The bougainvillea was *stunning*. Seriously, cascading purple, like a freaking explosion of color against the stark, white walls. I spent a good ten minutes just staring, completely mesmerized. Then, I tried to open the door to my room... and it stuck. Like, REALLY stuck. My suitcase was waiting, I was melting in the Lanzarote heat, and I just stood there, jiggling the handle, muttering under my breath. "Rustic charm." Right.
So, paradise? It's got its flaws. But those flaws... well, they’re part of the story. And honestly? Sometimes, the imperfections are what make a place memorable. More on that later... probably.
What's this "rustic charm" you keep mentioning? Give me the lowdown on the rooms. Good, bad, and ugly.
Right, "rustic charm." Okay, picture this: Your room is probably clean. Probably. But the walls? They've seen things. Maybe a little dampness, a few hairline cracks, the occasional chipped paint. Don't expect pristine perfection. This isn't some sterile, corporate hotel. This is... *lived in*. Which, depending on your personality, is either a massive win or your personal hell.
My room? Let's just say the shower pressure would be considered a "gentle caress" at best. And finding a plug socket that *actually worked* was like winning the lottery. I swear, I spent half the trip charging my phone in the communal area, which, by the way, smelled faintly of sunscreen and desperation (mine, mostly). On the plus side, the bed was shockingly comfortable! Like, sink-in-and-never-leave comfortable. And the view from my little balcony? Stunning. Actually, breathtaking. Forgiving the questionable plumbing suddenly felt a lot easier.
The "ugly"? Well, there was that one rogue cockroach. He wasn't huge, but he was bold. And he definitely judged my choice of reading material. But, hey, nature, right? And honestly? The hotel staff dealt with it quickly and apologetically. So, mostly good, with a side of "character."
The food! Is it any good? I'm picturing endless buffets of questionable paella...
Okay, listen. The food at El Campo is… *interesting*. It's not a Michelin-star experience. It’s not going to blow your mind with culinary innovation. But it's *good*. It's real. It's simple, fresh, and often made with local ingredients. And honestly, after a day hiking in the volcanic landscapes, you’re probably going to be so ravenous, you could eat a shoe and declare it delicious.
Breakfast was a bit hit-and-miss. The coffee was…let's say “robust." The pastries? Some were amazing, some were… less so. The fresh fruit, though? Heavenly. Seriously, the mangoes alone were worth the trip. Lunch was usually lighter, with salads and local cheeses. The dinners are usually a set menu, so not much choice, but what they did have, was lovely, and it wasn't expensive.
The biggest thing about the food isn’t the taste, it’s the communal feel. Everyone eats together. Small tables, which is good because you'll chat with everyone, and form friendships that will last for the week! It's not pretentious, it's casual. Which, honestly, I kind of loved. I met some incredible people over shared plates of grilled fish and copious amounts of wine. And isn't that the point, really?
Tell me about the location. Is it convenient for actually *seeing* Lanzarote?
Alright, so location… El Campo is… rural. Like, REALLY rural. Expect to get lost. A lot. My sense of direction is legendary (in that it's terrible), and I spent a good chunk of my first day wandering around dusty tracks, convinced I was going to end up in a goat farm. Which, to be fair, wouldn't have been the WORST thing. Goats are cute.
Is it convenient? Well… it's a bit of a drive to the main tourist spots. You'll need a car. Definitely rent a car. Unless you enjoy spending hours waiting for buses. The roads are decent, though the driving can be a little… "spirited" by local drivers. But the flip side is that you're away from the crowds. Away from the noise. Away from the endless stream of souvenir shops. You're surrounded by tranquility. And stars. Oh, the stars! I've never seen so many stars in my life. It was breathtaking. It truly was.
So, the location? It's a trade-off. But for me? The peace and quiet, the feeling of being truly *somewhere*… it was worth it. Even if I did have to apologize to a sheep for accidentally using its field as a shortcut.
The Pool. Is the pool as idyllic as it looks in the photos?
Oh the pool… the siren song of azure water! They're beautiful photos, right? Sun, water, serenity, all those things. And yes, the pool is lovely. Really lovely. It's not massive, but it's the perfect size for a refreshing dip, early morning workout, or post-hike relaxation. It feels like a proper escape, and that, is a good feeling.
But here's the thing. Pictures LIE. Maybe it's the lighting, maybe it’s the angle. The photos never show the… *competition* for a sun lounger. The pool is great, don't get me wrong. But by mid-afternoon, it's a battleground. Like, a *serious* battleground. People staking their claim with towels at the crack of dawn, and then disappearing for hours. I swear, I saw one guy with *three* loungers claimed! Three! I mean, come on, people. Sharing is caring! Then there's the inevitable chatty Cathy who, by some twisted fate, always lands right next to *you*.
And yes, there's the occasional leaf. The occasional bug. The occasional… *something* else that you'd rather not think about. It is still stunning, mind you. And that magical feeling of floating and looking up at the sun as it sets is priceless. Especially if you strategically timed your arrival to *avoidTrip Stay Finder
