Lanzarote Gran Hotel

The Arrecife Gran Hotel stands proudly at the edge of Playa del Reducto, Arrecife’s beautiful stretch of golden sand. As the only high-rise on Lanzarote, it is a landmark that always catches the eye and says a lot about the island’s gentle approach to development. 

For those of us who know Lanzarote well, its presence is a reminder of how carefully the island has balanced progress with preserving its unique character.

If you have ever visited Lanzarote, or even just browsed through a few photos, you will have noticed that our island stands apart from the usual Spanish holiday spots. Here, you will not find concrete tower blocks lining the shore or huge resorts rising up into the sky. Instead, Lanzarote has kept its gentle, low-rise charm, with whitewashed buildings that seem to belong to the landscape. Much of this is thanks to César Manrique, a true son of Arrecife, whose passion for the island helped preserve its unique character and who was never afraid to speak up when something did not fit.

When Manrique came back to Lanzarote from New York in the 1960s, he poured his energy into shaping the island we know and love today. Working closely with the local authorities, he helped set rules that kept buildings low and in harmony with the volcanic landscape, always painted in those familiar white tones. Thanks to his vision, Lanzarote has a look and feel all its own, quite different from anywhere else in the Canaries.

Of course, there is one building that stands out from the rest: the Gran Hotel in Arrecife. Its story is well known among those of us who live here. Built in the 1980s while Manrique was busy elsewhere, the hotel rose quickly, pushed through by developers eager to make their mark. When Manrique saw the seventeen-storey tower in the heart of his hometown, he was understandably upset. For years, the building stood empty and unfinished, a reminder of what can happen when the island’s careful balance is ignored.

Back in November 1994, fate stepped in before any firm decisions could be made about the building’s future. A fire started on the ground floor and quickly swept through the empty hotel, burning for three days and leaving much of the interior in ruins. For years afterwards, the blackened shell stood as a stark reminder on the Arrecife seafront, a familiar but forlorn sight for anyone passing by.

In the end, it became clear that the building was here to stay, so the best approach was to breathe new life into it. After a major refurbishment, the hotel reopened its doors in 2004 as a five-star property. What many people might not realise is that, despite his reservations about the project, Manrique was asked for his input on the interior and even created a mural for the entrance lobby.

The Arrecife Gran Hotel and Spa has truly come into its own as a five-star hotel, and it is now the place to stay in Arrecife. With 160 rooms and suites spread over seventeen floors, you are treated to sweeping views across the bay from almost every window. The rooms themselves are generous in size and thoughtfully equipped, but it is the higher floors that really steal the show. If you can, opt for a sea view room – waking up to the Atlantic stretching out before you is a real Lanzarote treat.

Among the highlights are the indoor swimming pool, which sits beneath a glass roof and lets in plenty of Lanzarote sunshine, and a gym where you can work out while gazing at the ocean. The spa is a real sanctuary, offering everything from a hydrothermal circuit to a Turkish hammam and a tempting menu of treatments. There is an extra charge for the spa, which not everyone expects at this level, but the facilities are well looked after and make for a relaxing escape.

When it comes to dining, there are a few options to choose from. The buffet restaurant serves all the main meals and, as is often the case with buffets, opinions are mixed. For something special, head up to the Blue 17 bar and restaurant on the top floor. The views from up there are simply stunning, taking in Arrecife, the beach and the endless blue of the sea. The cocktails are fairly priced, and even if you just go for the view, it is well worth the trip. Downstairs, the poolside bar is handy for a drink in the sun, and the coffee and gastro bar on the ground floor is open to everyone – a good spot to pause if you are exploring Arrecife for the day.

Playa del Reducto is right on our doorstep, and it has long been one of our favourite urban beaches here on Lanzarote. The broad stretch of pale sand is perfect for a gentle morning walk along the promenade, or for simply sitting back and watching local life go by. From the beach, it’s just a short stroll into the heart of Arrecife, where you can wander along Calle León y Castillo, linger by the peaceful waters of Charco de San Ginés, or take time to explore the old Castillo de San Gabriel. The airport is only a few minutes away by car, which makes arriving and leaving as easy as can be.

What you want from your time here really shapes where you’ll feel most at home. If you’re after big pools, lots of activity and the lively buzz of a busy resort, then Puerto del Carmen or Playa Blanca might suit you best. But if you’re looking to experience the real Lanzarote, with its everyday rhythms and genuine local character, we always suggest the Gran Hotel in Arrecife. Arrecife is a proper working town, full of life, excellent places to eat and that relaxed, authentic atmosphere that keeps many of us coming back year after year.

The hotel is well run, and the staff are always friendly and ready to help. There’s something truly special about waking up on the eighth floor and seeing the Atlantic stretching out before you. No matter how many times I’ve seen that view, it never loses its magic.

It remains the only high-rise building on the island, and I often think it might have raised an eyebrow from Manrique if he were still with us. Still, it’s thanks to his vision that Lanzarote has become a place people from all over the world want to visit and call home, even if just for a while.