We stayed at the Elba Premium Suite Lanzarote, the adults-only section of the Elba Lanzarote Royal Village Resort, in February 2025, expecting a high-end experience. Unfortunately, what we got was far from the standard one would expect from a so-called 4-star hotel, and while the price itself wasn’t exorbitant, it was certainly far too high for the level of service we received. The Positives (A Short List): - The room was spacious, clean, and comfortable—probably the only aspect that felt remotely ”premium.” - The staff were kind and helpful—when you could actually find them, that is. - A daily bottle of water in the room was a nice touch, though given the overall service level, one could almost mistake it for an apology in advance. The Many, Many Negatives: - Severely Understaffed: The bar had endless queues every evening, and at the restaurant, service was so slow that on multiple occasions, we never even managed to order drinks. - Overcrowded ”Premium” Dining Area: The restaurant for the Premium Suite section is woefully small, leading to 30+ minute waits for a table during peak hours. ”Premium,” indeed. - Shockingly Poor Food Quality: The cuisine was reminiscent of a motorway service station—bland, low-quality, and uninspired. Hot dishes were, at best, lukewarm, and more often than not, simply cold. - Unacceptable Hygiene Standards: The self-service area was not properly cleaned, and the serving utensils were greasy and unappealing. Hardly the appetite-inducing experience one expects from a ”luxury” resort. - A Charge for the In-Room Safe? Seriously? Yes, you read that correctly. The hotel actually charges guests to use the room safe—a basic security feature that should be standard in any halfway decent hotel. Frankly, it’s scandalous. - Unpleasant Smells: A delightful sewer-like odour lingers around the Premium Suite area, particularly in the mornings when the automatic watering system is in use. Nothing quite like starting your day with the scent of drains. - Poolside Neglect: The sun loungers are old, sagging, and in desperate need of replacement. Comfort certainly wasn’t a priority here. - The Spa Disaster: The air in the spa was suffocating, the water far too cold, and the hammam? Out of order. So much for relaxation. - Absent Management: The hotel director was nowhere to be seen, which might explain why the place is run so poorly. Ironically, we had encountered the same manager at an Elba hotel in Fuerteventura the previous year, which was equally badly managed. Some things never change. Final Verdict: The Elba Premium Suite Lanzarote fails to meet even basic expectations for a 4-star establishment. While the rooms and staff deserve some praise, the overall experience is one of disappointment, poor service, and subpar facilities. For the price they charge, guests deserve much, much better. 2/5 stars – and that’s being generous.
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