Hotel Grand Teguise Playa

My husband and I stayed at the Occidental Teguise Playa for a week in June. We had a wonderful time. The hotel was great. The staff was very helpful to recommend restaurants and sights to see. The pool area is beautiful but the beach area left a bit to be desired. I highly recommend renting a car to sightsee around the island. Great beach in Famara about a 30 minute drive. I would recommend this hotel to anyone.

Arrived after good flight for 2 weeks half board from April 7 to 21st. There were 3 couples on a spring holiday (ageing from 40,48,54,64,64,67). Lovely hotel which dominates the front of Costa Teguise. (It is in keeping though with the resort). Hotel transfer by Taxi very quick-20 minutes for about 12 Euros. Check in fine...but hotel claimed not to have received fax from travel agent re rooms on higher floor. We checked in but were not happy with rooms allocated. Went back down to reception and requested a room change to top floor middle of hotel location, and after some "debating" we were accomodated. In fairness they claimed to be full so had to do some room jigging! (Would recommend rooms 621 through to 610! Best views and no noise from the evening entertainment). Lovely pools, one supposedly heated but was quite cold, although if it had been really hot this would have been wonderful (It has been the worst winter in the Canaries for 23 years the hotel and locals told us).Plenty of sun loungers and cushions..so no scrabbling early for sunbeds. Good sports facilities, basic gym and payable jacuzzi(not used) and a nice squash court. The 2 tennis courts were quite sandy! Food fantastic, always a huge array of freshly cooked dishes for breakfast lunch and dinner! The hotel will let you change your evening meal for lunch the next day if you let them know in advance the day before. Also you are entitled to one meal change per stay in the Italian restaurant (a la carte), and should you choose to do it moore than once you just paid an extra 8 euros. Whole hotel very clean and well kept. Carpets are getting a bit threadbare...but this was fine as we frequently were trundling in from the pool or beach. My only reservations about the bathrooms were the shower curtains....forever leaked water around the bathroom when showering, could do with a solid panel to the side. The hotel supplied complimentary toileteries daily which were of good quality and these were reguraly topped up as necessary. Daily towel change when needed and rooms always cleaned very well daily. The lagoon next to the hotel was really nice, fantastic snorkelling and always safe. Has lovely clean golden sand, instead of the volcanic black like the main beach. Pool towels were supplied by the hotel so it saved you taking your own.Although the sunbeds were payable locally.It is always windy here but this was quite refreshing on hot days and you can still really burn as one of our party found out! Plenty of bars and shops just outside the hotel (very Irish orientated), but you were quite cocconed within the hotel to all this,if you did not want other entertainment. The hotel had excellent entertainment with some very professional shows lasting for about 1/2 hour to 45 minutes ever evening. Good choice for younger kids as the animation team seemed to be very good! We did 2 organised trips. We did not book with the rep at hotel but chanced the "Last Minute Trip" which leaflets were distributed reguraly at the resort. We thought we would take a chance and were really impressed. You just wait outside at the hotel bus stop and pay later in the day at the coffee stop off.We did the entire island North and South in one day and it cost 48 euros each. This took in the Volcanic National Park which you can only do the crater tour if you are on a coach), ElGolfo, various other Caesar Mandrique sites, Jameos del Aguar,etc. Nice simple 3 course lunch included with wine if you wanted. Also the Volcanoe at night trip was excellent too. Our guide for the day was Ian (from jersey who really made it all worthwile with his good humor and font of knowkedge on the island). Would we go back? Yes, but there are lots more islands to see and do!

The deteriation in the overall fabric of the Hotel since our previous visits was disappointing. In particular, our room, although clean, was grubby and tired looking. This room and some of the public areas, like the Lobby and main lounge urgently need a "make-over". Once again the food was excellent, the service outstanding and the views to die for! A major concern for me, as a daily swimmer, was the absence of a heated pool. even though one was promised in the brochures! Overall, above 3 star standard but not currently at the official 4 star level claimed.

We went over easter weekend 2005 with our 18 month son. We enjoyed continuous sunshine for 8 days (23C average). Sunrise 8am BST, sun begins to drop to the right of the hotel as you face the sea as early as 4pm. Transfer time from airport approx 25mins. First impression good looking hotel, well maintained and very clean public areas. Reception staff not a model efficiency and whilst pleasant not the best example of the very freindly and helpful staff we encountered in the rest of the hotel. Food excellent, buffet style and well worth the half board upgrade. We pigged out and could not fit in lunch. Bars ok, nothing fancy but not too pricey. The beach is a five minute walk from the pool area and main hotel complex. We stayed on the public beach for 5 mins and decided the hotels own pool area much better. Only gripe that non of the 3 pools appeared to be heated and atlantic water is cold. Room was the only let down. Not the cleanest on arrival and got slowly worse during our stay. I think a four star in Dubai vastly differs from a four star in the Canaries, perhaps I am being unrealistic but I thought the fixtures and decor were dated and in need of a little tlc. Room was a good size and patio got good sun exposure. If like us you want to avoid the noise of the night time events I would suggest asking for a room at a higher level or to either extreme of the hotel. Costa teguise is gusty but at temps reaching 27 C we preferred the breeze. The hotel is surrounded a multitude of small shops, bars, cafes and restaurants. We did not sample the nightlife but not much was evident. A police car seemed to go round every hour and we felt very safe. Message for parents. Take your own food and milk for the baby as whilst there is baby food (Nestle, Hero and Hipp; Aptamil milk) out there, very little is edible according to our boys palate. Good hotel, my son loved it. We would go back again. PS No cockroaches seen

This hotel really is lovely, and the location close to perfect. Ive just returned from a weeks stay at Costa Teguise from 2nd to 9th March 2005. The weather was pretty good. The first few days we were there it was quite overcast but this is very unusual for Lanzarote. The last few days tho were very warm and sunny and I got a good tan! The Grand Teguise Playa is a nice looking hotel both inside and out. The lobby, bar and entertainment area, restaurants, and bedrooms are all really spacious. The lobby has a tropical feeling with all of the vines hanging from the balconys inside. The bedrooms are comfy, clean and attractive. The view from our balcony was amazing. Close to all the rooms look out over the swimming pools and out to sea. The higher your floor the better the view! All the staff were very friendly and helpful. I liked the way the hotel tried to be 'eco-friendly' too. The hotel has its own little beach which is very safe for children. White sand, crystal clear water. Try to get up early and go for a paddle. You can spot lots of fish! Directly behind the hotel over the road are lots of bars, restaurants and shops. Its great because you have everything close by yet its not noisy and quite civilised! The food in the hotel was fresh and plentiful. If your half board you can change one of your evening meals for one at the Italian restaurant. Very classy and tasty! If you cant sleep with any noise ask for a room to the side of the hotel as you can hear the hotel entertainment from about 8-11pm. But its really not that bad at all. Only thing I think they could improve on would be the carpets. In places at the bar and in the halls they are getting a bit worn. Everything is kept very clean though. The hotel has a Fun Club for adults and children. I saw things going on but we didnt participate, we were just happy doing our own thing. Id recommend Famara Beach (good surf, amazing scenery, but thats about it) and a tour into Timafaya Park (Valcanos). Note: If you hire a car and have a surfboard, put it on a roof rack! Having it inside the car cost us £50! (Cheers policeman!) Taxis are easier and fairly reasonable, just get reception to ask for a quote first. And if you do have your own board, mention it when booking. Teguise Sunday market is worth going to for bits and bobs, or just a morning out. Its very big and keeps you busy and entertained. It was my first time to Lanzarote and I was very pleasantly suprised. Found it an interesting, clean and pleasant place. Would definately go back. This hotel was a great choice and a perfect base. Happy sunning! :)

Stayed here last year (2004) and came back in Jan 05 because we were impressed. This time not quite so impressed- our room had no sun after about 4pm and the carpet in the corridor to it was slightly foxed. So, if you want sun till it goes down, choose your room with care, The hotel is south facing but has arms at each end that project in a sort of stepped arrangement. Choose the ones in the flat middle part for sun: however these back onto the atrium, which is where the entertainment is. So choose one in an arm if you want an early night. Food above average. Staff very pleasant and helpful. "Extras"- eg wine etc were reasonable. Outside is a quiet-ish resort with some quiet bars and some discos etc. Hotel drinks reasonable but the bars cheaper. Hotel looks straight to the sea with no intervening road, just a path. This year it was cold some days with a northerly wind- no heat in hotel, but cold is pretty unusual. We'd go again

I have just spent Christmas Week at this hotel with my husband and elderley parents. I last stayed at this hotel in 1999 and expected to find the hotel rather tired, but certainly the bedrooms were fine, although the bar could do with a revamp. Our bedrooms were very clean. The staff at this hotel are brilliant - really helpful, cheerful and what you need to find. The buffet is good value for money. If you like buffets then you won't be disapointed, and will definitely not be hungry. If not then there are plenty of options in Tequise, although not what I would call "fine dining", but I wasn't really looking. Good value for money.

I've just returned from a four-day break at the Occidental Grand Teguise Playa, and I generally had relaxing time. The hotel is situated about fifteen minutes' drive from the airport and the taxi fare is approximately €15 each way. Check-in at the hotel was slow, and I wasn't allocated the type of room I'd booked but the staff were quick to rectify the situation. The room was large with a decent-sized balcony overlooking the two pools and the sea. Two English channels - BBC World and Sky News - were available on the satellite TV. The slight downside was the bathroom which was grubby and had a fair amount of mildew on the walls but the room was cleaned thoroughly every day. The revolving bar and water features are certainly an attraction for the evening and there's plenty of entertainment ....a Beach Boys-esque band and dancers to name but two. Be warned the entertainment can go on until late if you fancy an early night! The pool area was spotlessly clean and the poolside bar offered a range of food - all very reasonably priced, and the staff were very friendly. The hotel was very children-friendly and the staff also tried to rope in adults for several games via a booming microphone...e.g.darts and putting. I enjoyed my stay apart from the last day when I asked to use a courtesy room as I was travelling late in the evening. The room was located on the first floor of the hotel along a corridor which smelt of sewage/ bad drains, and had a heavily stained carpet. The room itself was fine but the smell permeated the room. It was a shame as I'd had a very high opinion of the accommodation until then. Otherwise, the hotel's in a great location and is a lovely place to relax. The food was of a high standard, the staff very helpful and friendly, and all within walking distance of shops, bars and restaurants.

Having read previous reviews for this hotel we were looking forward to our week away and we were not disappointed, the hotel was excellent!! Transfer from the airport by taxi was 15-20 mins and cost 15 euros one way. Upon arrival, Check In was quick, keys are given for mini bar and if you want to use the safe there is a fee for this (13 Euros for the week). Cases are taken up to the room by a porter. There are lifts on both sides of the hotel. The room was clean and spacious with air conditioning, mini bar, nice sized bathroom (shower, bath, bidet etc), huge bed and lovely sea view. There is satellite TV but English channels are limited. The corridors are carpeted so there is no noise from anyone walking past, however the rooms have tiled floors. Rooms are cleaned every day, any rubbish on the side is thrown away, so a thorough job is done. If you want a sunlounger by the pool with an umbrella go down early, as at 8.00AM sunbeds begin to be reserved and by 8:20 most of the ones with umbrellas are taken. However you cannot just leave towels on them and go for breakfast, any loungers reserved but UNOCCUPIED before 9AM are stripped of the belongings and they are taken for safe keeping. We saw it happen! There is a towel deposit system for 5 Euros each you get a fresh towel each day and a matteress for the lounger. The pools and surrounding area are cleaned daily. The climatised pool is still rather fresh when you go in, but as with all dips once in its lovely!! There is a play area for children with a slide and swings, and the kids club, for others there are various activites including mini golf, giant chess, football, table tennis tournaments... There is a jacuzzi but there is a charge of 7.50 euros for 4-5 mins. FOOD - Plentiful and a wide selection. Buffet style for both Breakfast and dinner (we were half board). Breakfast there was a choice of cereals, fruit, cheese and cold meat, cooked items including eggs fried, scrambled, boiled and bizzarley there were carrots and chips too! Dinner again there is a wide choice, there is an A La Carte option three items are listed but you choose one when ordering your drinks and it is brought over - there was a bit of a wait for this though. There are soups, salad, chips, several meat and fish options, vegetables every night and the desserts - cakes, mousses, ice cream, fruit... On Tuesday, Friday and Sunday they have theme nights so A La Carte is not offered. The Lobby of the hotel is very impressive there is entertainment every evening and plenty of seating. There is a water feature running through the lobby which added to the relaxing but lavish feel of the hotel. The revolving bar is a novelty, the bar stays still but the circle of seats around it move very slowly, just be warned if you have a few to drink, its a strange feeling seeing the floor moving! There are plenty of shops bars and restaurants just over the road and a promenade walk around the front of the hotel, which goes on quite a way so you can walk off those extra pounds (the desserts are great and more'ish). To see what the hotel is like before you go you can see all areas of it on the Occidental hotels website - ------------------------------------

Just returned from a weeks holiday at the occidental teguise playa hotel, we had a really good time. It's a lovely hotel - great views, good food and facilities the staff are also very good. We arrived very late and they had a meal waiting for us at midnight. We also left late in the day and there was a courtesy room available for us to shower and change in before our journey home (all this is standard care at this hotel). The pools, bar and general standard of this hotel are excellent. The resort itself is pretty much built for tourists - there are lots of english bars gift shops and the occasional arcade. But it depends what you want from your holiday. I should mention as a warning - the only blight on our holiday came from the Las Cucharas shopping mall just off the beach. There is an electrical shop which is run by a group of asian men who at 1st were very friendly but then quickly turned very aggressive and overpowering forcing us to upgrade the camera we had agreed to buy and refusing to give us our money back (the camera we were forced to buy is a cheap JVC imitation - MXJVC3000). It was a nasty situation. In the end we agreed to pay just to get out (295 euros) - please be warey. Other than our experience in the shop our holiday was wonderful - We would have no problem recommending the hotel and resort as somewhere to get some sunshine, relax and have a few laughs for a week or so - just be careful.