La Casona de Yaiza

Rooms

The Double Rooms and Suites are spread over one original building and two newer blocks.

Those in the old building are all decorated to a high standard and either overlook or lead onto a stone-flagged courtyard or the cacti-studded gardens. All are very spacious and unique in design; the Suites are bigger and have seating areas. Light pastel shades or gleaming whites cover the walls and ceilings, except where intricate frescoes have been delicately created. In my room, a pair of floating cherubs smiled down from above - quite a masterpiece but apparently crafted by one of the owner’s friends.

These touches of Italian Renaissance styling are continued in detailed artwork on the headboards and in the many gilt-framed pictures hanging on the stone walls and wood-panelled hallways. Regal red seems to be the chosen colour for the corridors leading to the bedrooms, with chaises longues and padded armchairs arranged at either end. The upholstery in some areas has seen better days, but it does permeate a charming feel of faded grandeur.

Since our last visit, a pair of modern blocks have been added. The rooms in these are more minimalist in their design, the beds and white walls livened up with colourful throws and quirky modern art. They share the same lovely views but lack the character of those in the original house.

All rooms have TVs (most flat-screen) with multi-lingual satellite channels, plus soft towels and plenty of wardrobe space. The ensuite bathrooms come with contemporary wash basins, walk-in showers, hairdryers, and nicely scented complimentary toiletries. Some rooms in the old building also have free-standing tubs.

One note of criticism: the original house's ‘old charm’ (wooden floors and panels) can make for a creaky environment in the upstairs rooms, and footsteps, no matter how light, can be heard with every movement. The rooms in the new blocks have tiled floors - arguably less attractive but definitely quieter.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Hairdryer
• In-room treatments available
• Safe box
• WiFi

Eating

A large continental breakfast is laid out every morning, served on the tree-shaded patio outside. Breads, cheeses, meats, yoghurts: all the usual suspects. Fruit from the hotel’s orchard (often juicy figs) is served when in season.

Next door is La Bodega, a restaurant and bar that has been considered by some to be among the best on the island - and has been praised as such by French newspaper Le Monde. It serves a varied Mediterranean-style menu for lunch and dinner every day (except Wednesday). Everything we tried was delicious!

A small clutch of alternative eateries are located within a short stroll if you fancy dining out. Highly recommended is La Bodega de Santiago, serving up a traditional grill on a pretty terrace covered by a sprawling tree.

Features include:

• Bar
• Breakfast
• Restaurants nearby

Activities

• Follow the camels towards Timanfaya National Park. Here, you'll find a stunning lunar landscape of reds and blacks, created by volcanic activity
  
  
• Stroll, shop, windsurf or sail at the swanky Rubicón marina in Playa Blanca (20 minutes away)
  
  
• Or ask the staff to arrange a private boat trip to visit coves and empty beaches; owner José can also advise on the best dive spots
  
  
• Grab your tackle and head out to sea for the big game fishing season, from May to December. If you're lucky, you can catch marlin, tuna and wahoo
  
  
• Swing a club at one of 2 golf courses on the island
  
  
• Visit the vivid green volcanic lagoon of El Golfo, just a short drive away
  
  
• Take to 4-legged transport - horse or camel - at nearby Lanzarote a Caballo, and enjoy an afternoon's ride
  
  
• Yoga lessons can be arranged at the hotel or at sister property Casa de Hilario; request when checking in
  
  
• Lanzarote is fast becoming a big destination for cycling, triathlons and Iron Man programmes. You can rent bikes from the hotel for training or gentle exploration

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Boat trips
• Cycling
• Fishing
• Golf
• Hiking
• Horse riding
• Mountain biking
• Private guided tours
• Sailing
• Scuba diving
• Shopping / markets
• Windsurfing
• Yoga

Kids

Children are welcome at the hotel, although there are no specific facilities, toys or games for kids. Cots are available free of charge on request; children 3-12 years old pay a supplement if staying in an extra bed.

Best for:

Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

Family Rooms have a separate bedroom with either twin beds or bunk beds for children.

Cots Available, Extra Beds Available

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

La Casona de Yaiza is located on the edge of Yaiza village in central Lanzarote. It's west of Arrecife Airport, heading inland along the LZ2.

By Air:
Lanzarote Arrecife (22km away) is the island's only airport - click on the links below for a list of airlines serving it.

From the Airport
A taxi will take approximately 20 minutes, and the hotel can arrange transfers on request - see Rates for an idea of cost. However, you'll probably want a car while you're here (see below).

By Car:
If you want to hire a car to explore the island, see our car rental recommendations.

By Bus:
A reliable and efficient bus network links most of the major towns and villages on Lanzarote. A bus stop is situated 5 minutes' walk from the hotel; enquire when booking.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.

More on getting to Lanzarote and getting around