Reviewed by
Joe Cawley
Positioned at the very edge of Yaiza, a whitewashed village of utter inertia in Lanzarote’s wild interior, La Casona de Yaiza is a converted country house offering an affordable, comfortable base with unfussy facilities, in an attractive rural setting. Owned by the same proprietor as nearby Casa de Hilario, it sets itself a couple of marks higher when it comes to spaciousness and décor.
Inside, the hotel weaves a touch of elegance into the ‘walkers' guesthouse’ feel, with dashes of Italian Renaissance art and Sunday-best furniture. The 25 rooms and suites vary in style; those in the old house feature ceiling frescoes and gaily daubed headboards, the newer rooms following a contemporary minimalist theme instead. All have nice ensuite bathrooms, some with free-standing tubs. Beyond the gates, Lanzarote is a haven for outdoorsy types who can trek up volcanoes, ride horses along black sand beaches, sail the coast and dive into vibrant underwater worlds. Meanwhile, those seeking quiet respite can hole up here, making use of the outdoor pool or delving into the art-lined communal lounge in the cellar. Up on the roof, a Jacuzzi provides bubble-laden views of the sloping hills of Fenauso, a protected area that's ideal for hiking.
Inside, the hotel weaves a touch of elegance into the ‘walkers' guesthouse’ feel, with dashes of Italian Renaissance art and Sunday-best furniture. The 25 rooms and suites vary in style; those in the old house feature ceiling frescoes and gaily daubed headboards, the newer rooms following a contemporary minimalist theme instead. All have nice ensuite bathrooms, some with free-standing tubs. Beyond the gates, Lanzarote is a haven for outdoorsy types who can trek up volcanoes, ride horses along black sand beaches, sail the coast and dive into vibrant underwater worlds. Meanwhile, those seeking quiet respite can hole up here, making use of the outdoor pool or delving into the art-lined communal lounge in the cellar. Up on the roof, a Jacuzzi provides bubble-laden views of the sloping hills of Fenauso, a protected area that's ideal for hiking.
Highs
- A tranquil country hotel offering an authentic Canarian experience at excellent value
- The grotto-like lounge in the cellar is a great hideaway for chilling out with a glass of wine
- The village of Yaiza is one of the prettiest on the island and its heart is within easy strolling distance
- A pool and jacuzzi for relaxing
- Some of the island's best food served in the restaurant right next door
Lows
- Think comfort, not luxury
- Reception isn't 24-hour, so you'll need Whatsapp to keep in touch outside of open hours
- Wooden floors in the old building mean noise really travels; the newer rooms are much quieter
- The newer rooms feel quite basic compared to the characterful spaces in the original house
- Their sister restaurant next door is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but there are others in walking distance
Best time to go
The sun shines all year round in Lanzarote. Winter is one of the most popular times, when north Europeans start to shiver and yearn for warmth (though some local businesses close around Christmas and New Year). July and August can be very hot and might be best avoided if you’re planning to go hiking or biking.
Our top tips
Take a stroll through sleepy Yaiza, largely unchanged for centuries. It's peaceful and very pretty.