Lanzarote Paradise Found: Your Dream Apartment Awaits at Alegría!
Lanzarote Paradise Found: Your Dream Apartment Awaits at Alegría!
Lanzarote Paradise Found: Your Dream Apartment Awaits at Alegría! - A Review (With a Few Rambles)
Alright, folks, buckle up, because I just got back from Lanzarote, and let me tell you, it wasn't just a trip, it was an experience. And at the heart of it all? Lanzarote Paradise Found: Your Dream Apartment Awaits at Alegría! I'm gonna break this review down for you, but be warned, I'm not your typical stiff-upper-lip reviewer. I'm gonna be real. And that means my thoughts might jump around a bit, because, well, that's how my brain works.
First Impressions: Accessibility & That Elevator Sigh…
Okay, let's start with the practical stuff, because, you know, life. Accessibility is a big deal nowadays, and Alegría… well, it’s mostly good news. Lots of thoughtful touches, like ramps and wide doorways – a big thumbs up there. They do have an elevator, which is essential, and thank heavens for that, because climbing stairs in the midday sun after a few too many "happy hour" cocktails? Nah, not my idea of paradise.
However, I gotta be honest, elevator wait times could be… a touch glacial. Not a major issue, but if you're in a hurry, maybe factor in a few extra minutes. Seriously, I swear at one point, I think I aged a year waiting for that thing. Maybe it’s haunted, that’s my only explanation.
Inside the Apartment: Free Wi-Fi, Oh Glorious Wi-Fi!
Okay, so the rooms! My apartment? Absolutely dreamy. (More on the "getting around" part later, as I got the best room). Now, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes! And it was reliable. I'm a travel blogger (don't judge, it pays for the cocktails!) so that's crucial. Imagine the horror of a dead Wi-Fi in the middle of a deadline! My heart actually aches at the thought! The Internet access – wireless was a lifesaver, and I even had decent Internet [LAN] if I needed to plug in.
I had a desk for my laptop, a laptop workspace, and the Wi-Fi [free] was strong enough to handle video calls. Score!
(Quick Side Note: The Bed? Like Sleeping on a Cloud)
The extra long bed deserves its own paragraph. Seriously, I could have lived in that bed. It was pure, unadulterated comfort. And the blackout curtains? Genius. Slept like a baby, every single night. (Well, except the night the neighbor's karaoke went rogue, more on that later). Now i also had a reading light, so I could do some late night reading!
Let's Talk Cleanliness and Safety (Because COVID, Sadly)
This is where Alegría really shines. I felt incredibly safe. They had Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. They went the extra mile. I mean, they definitely knew the drill. They had Hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff were clearly trained in safety protocol. You could also opt out of room sanitization, which is a nice touch for those with sensitive noses (or just really, really, really trust the cleaning staff, like me). The fact that they had Cashless payment service available was extremely practical.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Oh Boy, Did I!)
Okay, food! This is another area where Alegría excelled, with a decent Breakfast [buffet]. It wasn't the most amazing breakfast buffet I've ever seen, but it was more than fine. (I would have had a better memory of it had I not had a severe hangover every morning. sigh). They had Coffee/tea in restaurant, which was essential. Now if I were to suggest a thing, a bit more spice! Their Asian cuisine in restaurant was a bit underwhelming.
The Poolside bar was a lifesaver. Happy Hour? Absolutely. They had a Poolside bar with (what else?) Happy Hour deals, and I took full advantage. Lots of Bottle of water available at reasonable prices, and the snack bar came in handy for mid-afternoon cravings.
"Things to Do": Relaxation Stations & Gym Shenanigans
Now, this is where I found my true bliss: ways to relax. The Swimming pool [outdoor] was gorgeous, and the Pool with view was breathtaking. I spent hours just floating around, staring at the scenery. The Spa/sauna was also a real treat to be honest.
And the Fitness center! Okay, I tried the gym. I really did! But let’s be honest, I'm on vacation. I went once, briefly, and then decided the poolside bar and Happy hour were a more compelling fitness regime. I saw the Steamroom and really wanted to try it. But I never got around. In my defense I was too happy at the bar. I did manage a Foot bath, maybe a few more than I had counted for!
The Nitty Gritty: Services, Conveniences, and the Little Extras
The staff at Alegría were great. They had a Concierge who was super helpful, Daily housekeeping, and the Doorman always greeted you with a smile. Air conditioning in public area was essential in the heat.
The Car park [free of charge] was a godsend, because parking in Lanzarote can be a nightmare. They also offer Airport transfer which is super helpful!! The Laundry service was also a lifesaver after my "mishap" involving a red sangria and a white dress.
They also had a convenience store, which was perfect for picking up snacks and essentials.
For the Kids & Family Friendly
I didn't have any kids with me, but Alegría seemed totally family/child friendly. They had Babysitting service available, which would be a huge bonus for parents. Now the only reason I didn't give it a 5 star is as a lone traveller it kind of felt weird knowing they were ready for families than for a lone traveller. But that’s ok, it’s still perfect for me!
Getting Around & Other Random Thoughts
Getting around was pretty easy. They offer Car park [on-site] and the Taxi service was reliable. I walked a lot.
The Imperfections (Because No Place is Perfect)
Okay, nobody's perfect, and neither is Alegría. As mentioned before, the elevator situation needs a bit of tweaking. And, honestly, sometimes it felt like I was in a slightly noisy place, and as mentioned before, the karaoke from next door was… memorable. But, and it's a big but, this didn't really detract from my overall experience.
Final Verdict: Book It! (But Maybe Pack Earplugs)
Lanzarote Paradise Found: Your Dream Apartment Awaits at Alegría! is a fantastic place to stay. It's clean, safe, comfortable, and the staff are wonderful. Would I go back? Absolutely! Would I recommend it? Without a doubt. Just pack a pair of earplugs. (You'll thank me later!).
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Dalian's BEST Hotel? Atour X Xinghai Square Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This isn't your perfectly curated Instagram travel blog. This is real life, Lanzarote in all its volcanic glory, as felt by yours truly, who probably packed way too many pairs of shoes. Here's the glorious, slightly chaotic itinerary for Apartment Alegría, Lanzarote:
The (Definitely A Little Disorganized) Lanzarote Adventure: A Week in Apartment Alegría (and My Sanity's Attempt to Survive It)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (and Tapas)
Morning (Like, Mid-Morning. Because My Flight Was Delayed.): Landed in Arrecife. The Lanzarote airport is small, bless its little heart. Found a taxi driver who looked like he’d seen a ghost and smelled faintly of seawater (good sign, right?). The driver, bless his heart, had a coughing fit on the way to Apartment Alegría. "Volcanic dust," he wheezed, "It gets to you." Welcome to Lanzarote!
Afternoon: Apartment Alegría. OMG. Seriously, the view from the balcony… unleashes a wave of awe and panic simultaneously. The blue of the ocean, the jagged black of the volcanic rock… It’s spectacular, but also… overwhelming. Is it just me, or does everyone else feel a creeping sense of "what am I doing with my life" at the start of a vacation? I think it's a requirement.
Late Afternoon: Grocery store. The language barrier became acutely apparent when I attempted to buy "a can of beans." Ended up with something that looked vaguely like beans, but was possibly a new species of alien food. Pray for my digestive system.
Evening: Tapas time! Found a tiny place in the nearby town of Playa Blanca. Tried the papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) – seriously addictive. The wine? Glorious. The company? Me, myself, and I, plus a very friendly stray cat who eyed my ham with unwavering intensity. This is the life, right? Wait, did I leave the oven on?
Day 2: Timanfaya & the Wrath of the Wind
- Morning: Timanfaya National Park. The landscape here… It's like being on another planet. Seriously, it looks like a movie set. They even cook food using the heat from the volcano! We watched them pour water into a tiny hole, and BOOM! Huge geyser. Cool. But also, the wind. The. Wind. It's relentless. I spent half the time fighting to keep my hair from becoming a sentient, tangled monster.
- Afternoon: Camel ride. Okay, I admit it. I was expecting a majestic, Lawrence of Arabia-esque experience. What I got was a surprisingly bumpy ride and the lingering smell of camel. Cute, though. The kids in the group I did the camel ride with were just screaming with joy for a short time, and it was kinda contagious.
- Evening: Got back to the apartment, and spent the remainder of the evening trying to untangle my hair, which I'm pretty sure had developed its own ecosystem. Gave up on the idea of a fancy dinner. Ate the questionable beans from yesterday with a large glass of red wine (needed it).
Day 3: Beach Bliss (and Sunburn Struggles)
- Morning: Playa Papagayo. The beaches are pristine, the water is turquoise, and everything seems perfect. Except for the fact that I forgot to reapply sunscreen. Note to self: Buy bigger hat.
- Afternoon: Nap time. The intense sun on my shoulder caused me to get an intense headache. Woke up feeling like a toasted marshmallow.
- Evening: Found a lovely little restaurant by the beach. The local seafood was amazing, but my sunburn was making me feel like a writhing lobster. Had to spend the rest of the evening trying to soothe the pain with some aloe vera. I'm officially old.
Day 4: The Volcano & the Wine Route - A Double Down
- Morning: Back to Timanfaya National Park. I needed a second look. I swear it felt different this time. Maybe because it's not as hot. Maybe because I spent a night thinking about how cool it is. Maybe because I was ready to accept it for what it is. This isn't just a tourist trap. This is a place that's been made by, and continues to be, an active volcano, and THAT is just plain cool. The tour guide had a gravelly voice that grated on my ears a little, but I felt a sense of understanding even though I'm not that deep of a person.
- Afternoon: The Lanzarote Wine Route. This is where things got… interesting. Started with a tasting at a lovely bodega. Wonderful. Then, a second, then a third… The wine here is so good and local, it makes you want to stay here. I was feeling pretty, happy and tipsy, so I had a brilliant idea.
- Evening: I decided to hit another bodega, because, why not? This is vacation! This is where the evening took a hard turn. The wine was delicious, the conversation with the locals even better, and I may or may not have attempted to dance a flamenco (badly). The next morning… let's just say I understood the meaning of "volcanic headache." Also, I have no idea how I got back to the apartment. The journey in itself is a mystery.
Day 5: César Manrique & Artistic Inspiration (and Reality-Check Regret)
- Morning: César Manrique Foundation. This architect and artist is a Lanzarote legend. His work is stunning. It's inspiring. It makes you want to be a better person. (Okay, maybe not be a better person, but definitely buy more art.)
- Afternoon: Jameos del Agua. Another Manrique creation. A volcanic cave transformed into an art space. Surreal, beautiful, and slightly disorienting. Also, the salt water pool: so tempting. Couldn't swim, because you know. Post Wine Route.
- Evening: I had a huge regret. I was supposed to go out with some other people I met at the art place, but I stayed back in the apartment. And I felt so sad. I missed all the fun. It was time to watch a movie. Alone.
Day 6: North Coast Adventures & the Road to Nowhere (almost)
- Morning: Drive to the north coast. The roads are winding, the views are breathtaking, and I got utterly lost (because GPS is not my strong suit). Found a tiny village, got back on track.
- Afternoon: Mirador del Río. More Manrique genius. Stunning views of La Graciosa island. Took about a hundred photos. Tried to capture the feeling, the space. Feeling like I'm making some sort of progress.
- Evening: Found a restaurant by the beach. Ate a burger (I needed comfort food, ok?). Realized I'd left my sunglasses at the Mirador. Sigh.
Day 7: Departure & Reflections (and the Quest for Lost Sunglasses)
- Morning: Woke up. Got the bags going. Left the sunglasses on the table.
- Afternoon: Arrived at the airport.
- Evening: Back home. My head feels like a volcanic landscape. The laundry pile is enormous. Did the sunglasses make it? No. No, they did not. The memories, though? Priceless. Lanzarote, you magnificent, slightly confusing, wind-blasted beauty. I’ll be back. And next time, I’m bringing extra sunscreen, a compass, and maybe a designated driver. And yes, I'll bring new sunglasses.
Lanzarote Paradise Found: Your Dream Apartment Awaits at Alegría! – (Okay, Maybe... Let's Find Out)
So, is Alegría actually *paradise*? Because the pictures are… well, picture-perfect.
Alright, let's get real. Paradise? Big words, right? Look, the photos... they're gorgeous. Sun-drenched balconies, sparkling pools, the ocean practically whispering sweet nothings at your window... it's all very tempting. But here’s the thing: No place is truly perfect. I mean, even the Garden of Eden probably had a persistent weed problem, am I right?
My first impression, yeah, it was a bit… "Whoa!" You step out onto that balcony, and the view is… wow. Seriously breathtaking. The ocean? That's definitely whispering. But, and this is a small "but," sometimes the wind howls a bit. Like, *really* howls. And suddenly, paradise feels a bit… breezy. Bring a jacket, you guys. You’ll thank me later.
What about the location? Is it, y'know, actually *close* to things? Or am I going to be stuck in the middle of nowhere?
Okay, location. This is important. The website says "close to everything!" ... "Everything" is a subjective term. I'd say it's conveniently located, *most* of the time. You're definitely not in the boonies, that's for sure. You're close to a few decent restaurants, there's a supermarket within walking distance (score!), and the beach is… well, it’s a walk. A lovely, scenic walk, don’t get me wrong.
But here’s my unfiltered truth: that "short walk" back *up* the hill after a long day at the beach? Yeah, that’s a killer. Especially after you've had a few sangrias. And finding the perfect place to park your rental car? That can be a full-blown Olympic sport. But, all in all, the location? Pretty darn good. Just… pace yourself, and wear comfortable shoes. And maybe don't drink all the sangria *before* the uphill climb. Just a suggestion.
The apartment itself: Clean? Modern? Like, is it Instagrammable? I need to know!
OMG, the apartment! Okay, let's break this down. Clean? Generally, yes. Spotlessly clean? No. Let's be real, nobody's apartment is *utterly* spotless. I'm talking about the little dust bunnies that hide in the corners... the ones the cleaning crew *almost* got. But overall, it’s clean. Modern? Yes, definitely modern. Sleek, stylish, that whole minimalist-chic thing. And the kitchen? Oh, the kitchen! Brand new appliances, beautiful countertops, loads of natural light… I, personally, wanted to move in there and never leave.
Instagrammable? Absolutely! Seriously, the light in that place… it’s golden hour all the time. You could take *bad* photos there and still make them look good. Just make sure you pack your cutest swimsuit. And maybe a few props. You know, for the 'gram. I saw a couple take 50 photos just to get the *perfect* shot of their morning coffee. I secretly admired their dedication... and envied their Instagram game.
What's the deal with the pool? Is it as glorious as it looks in the photos?
The pool! Alright, the pool. This is where things get… interesting. The photos? They do NOT lie. The pool *is* glorious. Sparkling, inviting, shimmering under the Lanzarote sun. It’s a decent size, too. You can actually swim laps without bumping into other people, which, believe me, is a huge win.
But... Okay, there's always a "but", isn't there? I, went during peak season. And, let's just say... Finding a sun lounger? That was a full-contact sport. People were out there at dawn, staking their claim with towels and books. *Dawn!* I'm not a morning person, so I lost the lounging wars. But hey, I ended up exploring, which was pretty great. Still, the pool itself? Worth fighting for. Just be prepared to channel your inner gladiator. Bring a towel and a winning attitude.
Are there restaurants nearby? And are they any good? I'm a foodie, you know.
Oh, food! I am *all about* the food. And yes, there are restaurants nearby. Variety? Not *massive*. But there are some absolute gems, hidden in plain sight.
Firstly, there's this AMAZING tapas place. Tiny, unassuming, but the food... oh, the food! I'm still dreaming about the garlic prawns. Actually, I think I might cry if someone brings up the garlic prawns at this point in time, they were that good. *sniffle* The sangria was pretty phenomenal, too. Warning: you *will* want to go back every single night. You *might* need to loosen your belt a notch or two. Worth it.
Then there’s the Italian place. Pasta. Pizza. Carbs, carbs, glorious carbs. Not bad. Not amazing. Comfort food. So, like, good for a Tuesday when you're feeling a little homesick.
And the local spots? Go there. Like, now. Ask the friendly staff for recommendations. I had some grilled fish that was so fresh, so simple, so perfect... I almost wept. (I may have wept a little.) Food is a big YES.
Anything else I should know? Any hidden costs? Any major downsides?
Hidden costs... always a fun topic, right? Read the fine print. Really read it. There might be a cleaning fee, there almost always are. Parking (if it's not included) can be tricky (or free), so check that. Check ALL the details. Seriously. I didn’t, once (don't judge me!), and ended up paying a small fortune for... well, let's just say it was a slightly surprising expense.
Major downsides? Okay, I have to be brutally honest. The Wi-Fi can be a little… temperamental. Sometimes it worked like a charm. Other times, it vanished into thin air. If you're relying on it for work, pack a backup plan. And, let's not forget the wind, as I said earlier! Seriously, it can be intense.
But, and this is a big but… none of these things are dealbreakers. They’re just… quirks. Reminders that you're in a real place, not a glossy magazine. Alegría? It’s got its charms, its flaws, its moments of pure, unadulterated joy. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Just bring a jacket, pack your patience, and prepare to fall in love. And maybe… just maybe… bring your ownFind That Hotel
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