Dream Castillo Papagayo (Lanzarote)

Surrounding Area to Hotel Clean and Tidy - Hotel Clean - Fab Room/Suite - Great choice of Food - Staff friendly and Helpful - Great Walks along Prom into Town - Market - Walks to secluded Beaches - Relaxing Spa - Weather excellent - Naf evening entertainment - 2 swimming pools - one Ideal for small children away from main pool- able to use swimming pools around sister hotel - Spa looking tired

We were so loking forward to our holiday being retailers and having had a very hectic year. We wanted to relax with our 5 year old and we weren't disapointed. The worst part was coming home. The Hotel was ideal for us. Huge bedrooms - bigger than your average holiday appartment with equally huge bathroom. The location was lovely and quiet on the edge or a dramatic beach and 5 mins walk "cliff top climb" to a gorgeos beach - well wort the effort - Papagayo. WE were pleased to be away fro the more commercial centre. But ifyou do fancy a change you can walk along the newly built clifftop paths which are very safe, relaxing and have wonderful views. The new Marina is just 5 mins walk away which is very tasteflly built and will be very busy I'm sure onethe recesion is over and they start filling all the shop units. Hotel food very good as all inclusives go - plenty of choice and lots of healthy optionsThe snack bar we avoided though and lookedlike a bit fa health hazard - lots of luke warn chips and burgers kept warm for hours! But other people were eating it, The drinks were fab and everything you could want from an all inclusive. My son loved the entetainment -which made us happy and the guys at the kid club seemed to work really hard and were always friendly and cheerful. We'v checked out the competition for next year an we're thinking we will re-book this hotel, because nothing else seems to come close in terms of value for money.

I cannot praise this hotel too highly,it was exceptional. From the moment we were checked in by a very efficient and friendly receptionist to the moment we left we found all the staff to be friendly and helpfull in all departments. The bars were well stocked and we encountered no tardiness or surlishness from the bar staff, on the contrary we only experienced fast and friendly service with drinks in generous measures. The entertainment staff were very hard working and did just that, entertained,they were superb with the children and organized plenty of activities for the grown ups. The food was very good, plenty of choice and served buffet style with the waiters serving the drinks and wines. The rooms were superb and would be better described as suites, they comprised of a large double bedroom with a huge comfortable bed leading into a separate lounge with a large bed settee, easy chair, television, fridge and an electric kettle was also supplied this was hardly needed but was useful if you needed to make a hot drink without going to the restaraunt or snack bar. This room had sliding doors separating it from the bedroom enabling it to be closed off for privacy. A good sized balcony was accessed through patio doors from the lounge area. The bathroom was lovely, very large with bath, a separate walk in spa style shower, twin wash basins, hairdryer and a toilet with a bidet. Both the shower and toile haddoors separating them from the bathroom. Toiletries, shower gel,shampoo, conditioner soap were plentiful and replenished daily. They also provided such items as combs,toothbrushes,shower caps even a razor and shaving cream and a sewing kit all neatly packaged and placed in nice basket. All in all, outstanding! We were allowed to use all the facilities in the adjoining "Gran Castillo" the very large big sister next door. This was accessed through a short tunnel under the road into the grounds where there are several pools and resteraunts. One pool is heated and is like getting into a warm bath and is recommended but all the others were, like most in the Canaries, quite breathtaking to get into, Chilly!! One thing we were on an "all inclusive" package and our identifying "slave" wristbands were not valid at the bars etc, they were only valid in the Papagayo. We also had to pay for the Spa and Gym but these were free for all inclusives at the "Gran", they had a different coloured slave bracelet, although ours were inscribed Dream Gran Castillo the same .Colour discrimination of a different kind!!! We shall certainly come again to this hotel but may opt to stay at the "big sister" next door although having said that the much smaller Papagayo was more intimate and felt friendlier, you get to know more people and seeing them more frequently make more friends. We have no hesitation in thoroughly recommending this to anyone who is looking for a great holiday in outstanding and luxurious accommodation, especially for those with a couple children. Marvellous. I have not posted any photographs as my feeble efforts with my "brownie" would not do the place justice and anyway here are plenty of pictures on the hotel web site. Both my wife and I are 82 years old and thanks to the staff were made to feel welcome and joined in with all the fun.

The one good thing about the hotel was the size of the room along with good sized beds and air conditioning However,the balcony left much to be desired. It was very small. The water pressure of the shower fluctuated and the temperature alternated between cold and scalding hot. It was so bad that you could not stand under the shower but had to stand aside and just try to stand under for the few seconds when it was a reasonable temperature. I am disabled and we were put on the 7th floor and have great difficulty with stairs. On our first full day the one lift which supplied our floor broke down. We notified them at around 2p.m and had to sit in reception for hours only to be told that it was a fiesta and they did not think they could get anyone in to fix it. Eventually they did get someone to fix it . By this time it was 8.45p.m. The food was terrible. Nothing was ever hot. Even soup was nearly cold. The choice of snacks was the worst I've ever known. There were children running round all the time, even in the restaurant. Access to the snack bar which was also the daytime bar was down two levels of stairs or an outside slope which was so steep [god help anyone in a wheelchair]. The entertainment was pathetic. Junior disco at night for little children. No adult entertainment whatsoever, considering the location of the hotel right at the end of the road, a long way from anywhere. I certainly would not go there again.

I spent a week at this hotel with my mum in the NY - we were looking for some r&r and winter sun and this is exactly what we got here. It is the first time I've done an all inclusive - I usually travel independently - and I found the holiday incredible value for money for what you got. A clean and beautifully designed hotel that is symathetic to the landscape. Our room was huge and well fitted and the meals were fresh and a wide variety was offered - true it's not haute cuisine but the price was so reasonable we could easily have chosen to eat out if we wanted (you can use the other restaurants in the gran castillo or venture out) but we liked the convenience of the all inclusive buffet. We also spent time in the main hotel too - either using the free wifi in the lobby or spending time by the main pool which overlooks the sea. In fact there wasn't really a distinction between the 2 and they were completely integrated so I felt with the all inclusive package we got the best of both worlds. Would go back again with my partner and baby for a low key relaxing week away.

Had booked the Dream Castillo Papagayo for a week in the sun at New Year and when we were dropped of at the hotel it all seemed really lovely initially. However the hotel is very small and the restaurant is also very small and the choice limited. This hotel is part of a complex in which there are 2 hotels - the Dream Castillo and the Dream Castillo Papagayo. Do not confuse the 2!! We ended up staying only 1 night/2 days in this hotel and then asked to be transfered over (at a cost of 15E pppn) to the Dream Castillo. The Papagayo is not 5 stars but the Castillo probably is. Papagayo is probably suitable is you have small children and they want kids clubs, kids pools etc but not for teenagers! The complex was lovely and the rooms beautiful - it is all inclusive and i must admit that after a week it was begining to be a bit repetitive! One of the pools is heated - the pool bar is lovely as is the main reception bar. El Olivio rest is good also. Downside is that is is the last hotel in Playa Blanca and it is a good 40min walk into the town from the hotel. The Marina is 20mins alone the costal path and is really nice. The distance from the town made it difficult is you didnt have a car and on that type of hotel you dont always want one as you cant then even have 1 beer or glass of wine in the afternoon. Would probably not go back as although hotel nice i thought lanzarote boring!!

I have just stayed here for 3 nights with my girlfriend and we were very happy with what we got. The rooms are very clean and large and for an all inclusive the food in the restaurant was good. Fresh meat and fish cooked to order on the grill at both lunch and dinner and also a large salad bar and other pre cooked meals on the hot plate. There is a good selection of drinks including San Miguel on tap for the lager drinkers and there is also wine and cava available by the bottle at your table if you want it. If I was to say anything negative it would be the following: Poolside music is annoying and loud after 3pm so either get a sunbed around the back or use the pools at the sister hotel Evening entertainment is poor however it always is at an all inc so go to the Marina instead Would I go back? Yes I would but I would spend the extra and go to the Gran Castillo mainly because of the poolside sea views and lack of music. If this isn't likely to bother you then keep the cash and spend it on a couple of nights out down the marina.

We booked this only two weeks before departure. 18th November. when we arrived we were dropped at the Gran Castillo by the tour operator courtesy bus, only to be told we were in the "other castillo" it was no good complaining but there is a massive difference in the two hotel, so be very aware og what hotel you are booking into. No way five star. very isolated and nothing to do if weather is poor. entertainment in the evening absolute rubbish. pool bar like a local sports club bar, very poor. you cannot dine until 8pm so as the sun goes in by 5pm, ther is alot of time to kill before dinner, and no way would you want to sit in the pool bar than anything longer than it takes to order your drinks. the waiters were indeed most helpful,kind and charming. When trying to use the other hotels facilities one felt very second class citizen as one was not allowed to use anything. Poor value for money but my wife did say that we ate and drank the value of the holiday, so at least she was happy, BUT I AM NOT

We have just checked into this hotel and we are bitterly disappointed. The Papagayo hotel is really small (restricted buffet and an awful daytime bar). You have no all-inclusive rights in the lovely gran castillo hotel next door. Do not get the two confused if you are booking. The rooms are great but the restaurant has a very small selection compared with other all-inclusives that we have been to. It is really busy too. You take all 3 meals in this one small restaurant -there are no alternatives or speciality restaurants. The choice is very limited. The bar has limited seating and the pool is rubbish. We have been to other great all-inclusives for much less money. We will never book a Dream hotel again. There is no way this hotel is 5 stars. At best it is 3 star. We may report more when we return home.

This Hotel was a great find - I felt I had struck gold. Stayed here with a friend for a week end of October/beginning of November. The all inclusive was amongst the best I have experienced. A fabulous Hotel worthy of its 5 stars and enhanced by friendly and professional staff (somewhat a rarity in spain these days) Taxi from airport aprox 40-45 Euros. The rooms are large, very comfortable and serene. The bed was so comfortable I wanted to bring it home!! The Bathroom was delight with separate loo and bidet and separate jet shower, also a large deep bath - certainly amongst the best experienced anywhere. The towels were fresh and fluffy and changed as requested, toiletries were refreshed as used. Everywhere appeared spotlessly clean. Check in took place over a welcome glass of cava and the reception staff were knowledgable and helpful, especially Daniellla who we bombarded with questions and requests - she is extremely charming and ensures her guests are happy. The whole spacious complex has been very carefully planned and designed - although we visited during an extremely quiet period I am sure it would always be possible to find a peaceful spot. The heated pool was a real delight ( I have always been disapointed in the Canaries in the past with ice cold pools). My only negative comments would be; 1) The loud, thumping music around heated pool - I accept this during water aerobics but not the rest of time (although it does stop during Siesta). It flies in the face of the tranquility they have tried so hard to create. 2) The pre-cooked dishes were luke warm (especially the snack food kept at the pool bar for hours on end). However, we were able to avoid these due to the fantastic choice of dishes in the main restaurant. Everything cooked on the hot plate/griddle was top quality and cooked to perfection by the friendly chefs who were also willing to give recipes etc. At this point I have to mention Nando who looked after us so well and made us feel really special. Bar staff, especially Barack, and the animation team worked tirelessly and were fantastic. You can use the facilities of Dream Castillo next door and we went to a couple of evening shows there. They were top quality acts but sadly performed to a very tiny audience. NB take drinks with you as the all inclusive is not valid there. We were, however, presented with a cocktail by the management - perhaps because they were so quiet - and this was much appreciated It's a pleasant 15 minute walk along the promenade to Marina Rubicon which is lovely and well planned but very quiet as there were so few tourists and only a few businesses units were occupied - the recession seems to have affected this area badly -there were many charming Bars and Restaurants desperate for custom. A great Market is held here on Wednesday and Saturday mornings and is well worth a visit. A charming new and potentially super new retail complex has just opened opposite the hotel with lots of units (only a few are taken at present) and a new supermarket which opened on the day we left. As we were short of time we took a taxi (aprox 4.5 Euros) to Playa Blanca for shopping - probably 30 minutes each way on foot - but found it disappointing as it was mostly tourist shops all selling the same items plus loads of perfumeries ( do note prices here are VERY negotiable) plus tabacco and booze shops. A 10 mins walk from hotel across rough ground leads to a Papagayo beach - charming and totally unspoilt, completely natural and without any facilities - just turn right out of hotel. The beach directly in front of Dream Castillo is not particularly attractive, rocky with only one small patch of sand. There are a few cats around and I was delightecd to see Hotels and Restaurants left food and water out for them. We met some lovely people depsite it being so quiet - Hi Scott, Jane and Lauren and the Corries - Happy memories!!. A fabulous Hotel choice and not just for families. Most visitors are Spanish but you wont regret sharing this Gem with them!

We stayed over Christmas-arriving 18th Dec around 9.30pm. The hotel first impression is small(compared to the Castillo) but we were given champagne and our cases taken to our rooms by a wonderfully dressed bellboy, while we went into dinner. The wing on the hotel is all self contained and all inclusive and the receptionist carefully and patiently explained everything to us and wrote more details on the map she gave us. We went into dinner(there is one dining room and one snack bar-when the dining room closes the snack bar opens) The food was excellent and every night fresh meat cooked to your spec-lots of salads, veg options etc. Waiter service for drinks. The rooms-well they are HUGE and gorgeous in my opinion. We didnt use aircon so i cant say what that was like but there was a large fan over the main room beds. Two large singles put together in the main room and a large sofa bed in the other room divided by sliding doors. Massive well-equipped bathroom with shower cubicle(three shower heads!) toilet and foot-washer-lol in another cubicle and two wash-basins and bath! The toiletries-well you dont need much! shampoo, shower gel, conditioner-face-cloths, razor and cream, combs, toothbrush and paste, soap, all monogramed! The animation team...well what can i say? Giorgia and Tony and the other guys(im sorry my swim friend i cant remember how to spell your name) all went beyond the call of duty. The pool was cold (heating fault) and one of the animation went in with us-and it was FREEZING! Giorgia and Tony had so much energy and put their soul into all they did. kids club 11-1 and 3-5 then minidisco 8.30pm Fab guys!! Anyway-we had 12 days-booked through alpharooms using quidco. I would go back like a shot! Downsides-the heated pool was barely...although we did use it. The beach was hard to reach..and the hotel is right at the end or playa blanca with very little in the area. It didnt bother us as we got a car £18 a day. Evening entertainment was mainly dire(apart from minidisco!) except for the magician who was fab and Elvis was a laugh! It didnt bother us as we filled the days and slept well! the bar was also excellent and the staff gave you bottles of champagne and glasses to take to your room-which is nice if you have kids and want to take them back. I can honestly say the staff were excellent-animation-front desk-chefs and waiters-barstaff-cleaners, all more than helpful, and always smiling-and as the hotel isnt large everyone got to know everyone-as one man said-it has ambience! About 50% of guests were spanish and we found them all polite and lovely to get on with. Kids too all so well-behaved! You can use facilities of the Castillo but we didnt as our hotel was so lovely! Go and see for yourself! I am happy to answer any questions if you are interested as i appreciate that reviews are hard to find...