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I had visited the Princesa Yaiza in Lanzarote some years before – it seems then it was one for the first luxury hotels that was particularly well organised for family holidays and I was intrigued to see how it had stood the test of time with so many luxury hotels now claiming to be family-friendly.
The location of Princess Yaiza at the edge of Playa Blanca, in the South of Lanzarote is perfect, across the road from a sandy beach (sunloungers as extra cost as not hotel owned) and on the promenade so you can escape to different restaurants or just take a pleasant stroll – one direction is Playa Blanca, fairly touristy) and the other to a marina (more upmarket) - see photo!
I stayed in a deluxe room which is smallest room type but is still spacious with a walk-in wardrobe (big enough for a cot just I think) although the shower was over the bath. In the larger family suites you do get a separate bath and shower though.
The décor is still very comfortable in a smart, traditional way and each has a small balcony with a few chairs cleverly designed so it was private. The views do vary and you can pay for a sea view – the garden view is fine but is obviously of the gardens. If you want a better sea view request a high floor as the view can be blocked by the trees.
All rooms have a microwave, large fridge, kettle and sink which is great for catering for babies and toddlers and keeping healthy drinks and snacks. It isn’t designed for cooking a meal though and utensils and crockery are not provided for this reason.
The Junior suites are open plan and spacious (see photo taken from bed below) but for families who prefer a separate sleeping area from their children the 1 and 2 bedroom suites are fantastic.
1 bedroom suites are all in main hotel and the 2 bedrooms mostly in an annex – don’t be put off unless you have tinnies as the walk is really fun with fish tanks in the walls and the annex does have its own restaurant (can be closed in low season).
Surprisingly the price of 1 and 2 bedroom suites are similar for families and having seen the hotel there are pros and cons of each. What I would say is, if your budget can stretch the Royal Kiko 2 bedroom suites are definitely worth the money. The second bedroom is decorated for children in bright colours with lots of other extra bits for families.
Kikoland at Princesa Yaiza is still fabulous. It is massive with specific areas are designed with different age kids in mind right up to teens. In each area there small splash pools and lots of space for you to sunbath if you prefer to keep an eye on your children. The activities seemed well run and creative with very enthusiastic staff and it is all free for hotel residents. There is a large amphitheatre for shows during high season. The down side for families with young children is that it is only supervised for 3 years and above, although you can stay with your younger children and there is plenty for them to do. I went when it was out of school holidays so I can’t be sure on how good the programme was for older kids but with lots of sports areas it did appear it would be an active programme.
The spa was huge although traditional in style with over 50 different treatment rooms,
Food was fine with a choice of venue at breakfast with an amazing spread, Kiko visits to entertain children too! Personally I would just book on a bed and breakfast basis and then go out in the evening on some evening s – the hotel has a main buffet which again has a good spread but is on a big scale, there is a fine dining option which looked fabulous and has won an award so you are not without choices at the hotel but as there is so much on the doorstep that it might be a shame to limit yourself.
I would recommend this to any family with children for a week in the sun: the rooms are well designed, the location great and with the space and activities of Kikoland it works well for a family holiday. It is an easy break, in a beautiful place with all the comforts of home readily accessible.
Hazel
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