Hotel Riu Olivina

Situated 300 m from the one of the largest and most popular beaches on the island, Playa de los Pocillos, and is a mile or so away from the centre of Puerto del Carmen.

Riu Olivina is one of two Riu hotels in Lanzarote (see our review of the Riu Paraiso). Riu Hotels is a Spanish chain that operates hotels all over the world and prides itself on its customer service.

The main client base of the Lanzarote resorts consists of British and German holidaymakers like most resorts in Lanzarote.

The hotel was originally built in 2005 and was renovated in 2001 although it doesn't look like the decoration has been touched for at least two decades. The hotel looks bigger than it actually is from the outset. Split into two parts, the regular and the 'quiet' area, the hotel is divided by quiet and relaxing gardens. The entire hotel's decor is outdated, which can be noticed straight away in the lobby's chipped wooden panelling and brass details, not to mention the rattan chairs covered in gaudy coloured flowery plastic sheeting. Two staircases on each side of the lobby lead to the rooms. There is also a small library area with two computer terminals before the main corridor. Back downstairs in the lobby, you will find an attractive open-sided corridor built in a Canary Island style, leading to the main pool area and snack bar. Before reaching the pool you will find the restaurant to the right. The restaurant terrace lines the pool. The pool bar is open while the restaurant is closed. The outdoor area here feels a little cramped, especially during high season. The hotel bar serves drinks all day long. There is also a mini club and tennis courts, but there is no spa or sauna. Back out of the lobby, guests can take a quaint-looking bridge through the cactus gardens to the second part of the hotel. Here there is a smaller pool surrounded by the second part of the accommodation, with a quieter and more relaxing atmosphere.

The hotel is divided into two parts: the first is via the main building and the second is accessed via the car park. There are a total of 290 rooms; all are doubles save 4 suites. There are also 2 rooms that have been adapted for people with restricted movement/who are in a wheelchair. The rooms are as outdated and garish as the rest of the hotel, complete with green carpets and varnished wooden furniture. The gold coloured bed spreads have seen better days. All rooms have the usual facilities: flat screen televisions, fridge (extra charge for use), a safe, and terrace (although the view is variable). The rooms are a little dark. All bathrooms have a bath tub and Riu-branded amenities.

The hotel has one restaurant, a buffet-style restaurant open for all three meals. There are various themed nights; details must be obtained from the hotel as these tend to vary from week to week. The food consists of a mix of international food. The entire hotel here is all-inclusive.