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.
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.
- Country Hotel
- 25 rooms
- Breakfast; restaurant next door (not daily)
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
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 their Italian Renaissance styling; 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.
Since our last visit, a pair of modern blocks have been added. The rooms in these are more simplistic in 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.
However, all rooms have satellite TVs, plus soft towels and fabulous ensuites. The 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
- Cots available
- Hairdryer
- In-room treatments available
- Pool towels
- Safe box
- Satellite TV
- Slippers
- Toiletries
- 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, the hotel's sister 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 most days (except Tuesday & 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, a traditional grill with a dining 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; there are good dive spots off the coast
- 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
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
Baby equipment:
Baby cots are available on request.
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
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
Airports:
- Lanzarote Arrecife 22.0 km ACE
Other:
- Beach 13.0 km
- Shops 1.0 km
- Restaurant 1.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 6 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape