Dream Gran Castillo Resort 5 ouf of 5
Playa Blanca, Lanzarote

Hotel was brillant staff great family hotel not far from playa blanca taxi 4.25 euro from airport to hotel about 45.00 euro well worth it fab hotel would def return dont know how anyone can complain they will go out of their way for you we were their for valentines was beautiful red rose for every lady entering dining in evening what lovely gesture overall brillant and peacefull

Second visit ...great time. First time there was a standard and premium inclusive rate. We went premium and worth it for the daily use of the Bali beds alone which we booked for the whole week (the ones you can use with kids). Never mind the choice of wines, cocktails and daily use of spa. What can I say...can you get friendlier more helpful staff? I don't understand the comments of some who moan about cleanliness, uncleared tables...we didn't see any of this. Just staff working hard and trying to do the best for their customers. if you have a family, want to chill, eat and drink well, you won't get any better than this hotel ! The only complaint was the weather not as warm as we would have liked but still 100% better than the freezing UK ...

My family and I stayed at the gran Castillo for 10 nights from 12th to 22nd February. On arrival we were impressed with the efficient reception staff, cava for adults and orange juice and balloon for our daughter. Our luggage was also taken to our room by one of the porters which was a nice touch. We stayed in a normal premium double which was very spacious with lovely bathroom, shower and bath plus robes and slippers; However it did lack wardrobe space. There are two snack bars which serve the usual burgers, hotdogs, chips which we thought could have had more variety for 5 star. The main buffet restaurant is definitely not 5 star with it's stark lighting and canteen style decor. They also have two sittings in the evening, one from 6.30-7.15 and then from 8.30-10. We weren't aware of this on the first evening arriving at 7.17 and were turned away with a 5 month old and an 8 year old who was hungry and wanted to attend the mini disco. Seemed silly to have two sittings as during the day it worked with people just coming and going at different times! Food was good with fresh prawns, mussels, other seafood, meat, salad etc and waiter service was nice with staff more than happy to a serve you. Chinese restaurant was again stark lighting and everything tasted the same; Italian a little better with nice pizzas, fillet steak etc. All food was luke warm however and I was constantly at the microwave. Pools are gorgeous and plenty to choose from, although we mostly used the kids pool near the Italian restaurant as we enjoy taking part in the games and this was also near mini club for our daughter. Animation staff work really hard with lots of day and evening entertainment. Sami and sponge bob were our particular favourites and had a good laugh with them. Mini club is amazing with so much to do for the kids such as games, bouncy castle, soft play area, play stations etc and mini disco every night. Evening shows were good but sometimes very amateur and again not five star. Drinks are fab, wine lovely and branded drinks including Smirnoff, Jim beam but you must ask for them. Spa is ok, only get one entry ticket per stay which again isn't good enough really, plus kids are only allowed in from 12-2 each day so it's more like the sandcastle in Blackpool than a relaxing experience!!! Sports bar is great with waiter service but lacking a few more bars to relax in. Top tips which we were unaware of: There is a charge for minibar Safe is free Kettle and bottle of water each day in your room If you have a baby the hotel provide a tommee tippee steriliser for your room which we found invaluable and great service. Two sittings for evening dinner.

We are a family of 4: 18mths, 5 yrs, 37 & 40 yr old. The reviews on TA are rather mixed on this so we had some concerns, especially as the week we booked was half term. As this is Spain we didn't expect a 5 star hotel like you would get in London etc - it's a family resort in the Canaries after all!! I would recommend this hotel - we had a great time, even though the weather wasn't great for the bulk of the we were there! We had a normal premium room with a sofa bed & cot in it & whilst it has its challenges everyone in the same room, it was spacious & worked out fine - the room is great! Most rooms have decent views so you don't necessarily need to spend the extra for sea-view (although if you can afford it, the views are stunning!) Food - it was fine/good/at times excellent. You just need to know how to work the system. Don't go in for dinner at peak time or you'll queue - simples! They do freshly grilled meats/fish which was all nice and I found the bulk of the food really quite nice. Not everything is perfect - its a big hotel that caters 24/7 in large quantities. Main restaurant can be busy & rather hectic. Italian is much more relaxed for breakie & lunch - very chilled in fact! We did the Chinese & Italian (you book for dinner) which were good & nice to be served rather than buffet. Booze - premium spirits which is great, beer is very quaffable. Wine is OK (cava is maybe best) but once you get used to it, its OK (I like nice wine but survived & drank it daily!!!) Hotel - its a FAMILY hotel so I don't necessarily recommend it to couples, more to families. There is plenty for kids to do - table tennis, pool etc, lots of swimming options, water slides (for younger kids mostly) baby club & kids club are free - we didn't leave the kids there (which you can) but spent time with them at the clubs which was fun). Hotel is quite remote but only Euro 5 into Playa Blanca town in taxi so easy. There is a coastal path the whole way, via the Marina (Marina is 25-30mins walk & a lovely walk). Playa Blanca - bit tacky in places (as you'd expect). Marina - more refined in terms of shops/restaurants. So if you wondering whether to go to this hotel or not, as a family I would recommend it. Don't listen to the whingers who nit-pick. Yes it's not perfect, but it's a good hotel if you're after a week in the sun with things to do!!