The hype
Families love the endless activities and location, but couples often find the main areas too manic and loud.
Dreams Lanzarote Playa Dorada Resort & Spa
$166-265/ night
Book this if You want a massive, worry-free sun-soaker where the kids have endless slides and you have a private 'Preferred Club' sanctuary.
Why People Love It
- Direct access to Playa Dorada's golden sands
- The 'Preferred Club' infinity pool which is actually heated and peaceful
- A breakfast buffet so vast it requires a map
Quick Take: A colossal holiday factory that delivers exactly what it promises—sun, pools, and excess—provided you pay extra for the Preferred Club to escape the chaos.
Reviewed by @trusted_travel_official: I booked the Preferred Club option here and honestly, skipping the main queue was a lifesaver with the kids. The room setup with three beds was perfect for us, and walking in to find chilled champagne and a personal note made the travel day stress vanish instantly.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The '5-star' rating is generous; it feels more like a solid 4-star that's showing its age in the bathrooms and communal hallways.
- You are traveling with energetic kids who need water slides and clubs
- You upgrade to 'Preferred Club' for the lounge and private pool
- You want to be walkable to Marina Rubicón's shops and dining
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Daily and generally thorough, though some reports of missed sand on balconies.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean but dated. Grout lines show age, and some 'sewage smell' complaints pop up for ground floor rooms.
- Maintenance: The weak point. Peeling paint on exteriors and noisy, rattling AC units are common complaints.
- Linens & towels: Crisp and clean, but pool towels can run out by mid-afternoon on busy days.
- Odors & scents: Generally fresh, but occasional 'drain smells' in bathrooms and near the promenade sewage vents.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Rattling, old-school air conditioning units
- Thumping bass from the outdoor evening entertainment stage
- Hallway noise from excited kids in the morning
Before you book
Good to know
- The 'Preferred Club' upgrade is virtually mandatory for a 5-star experience (includes private lounge, breakfast, and infinity pool).
- Men need long trousers for dinner at the à la carte restaurants.
- The indoor spa pool costs extra unless you are in a Preferred Club room (1 hour free access).
What to pack
- A sweater for the windy Lanzarote evenings
- Earplugs for the AC rattle and evening disco
- Your own pool towel clips (it gets very windy)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Preferred Club Ocean View (Blocks 1 & 2) for the best views and quietest location
- Room 1147 (Preferred Club) for a verified solid experience
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor rooms near the main pool (privacy issues and noise)
- Rooms overlooking the parking lot (often sold as 'Garden View')
- Rooms near the AC generators on the roof
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a high-floor room in Block 1 or 2 (Preferred Club side), specifically away from the evening entertainment stage and the parking lot. Quiet AC unit is a priority.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool actually heated?
It's complicated. The hotel claims 9 heated pools, but guests consistently report the large main pools are 'freezing' in winter. The Preferred Club infinity pool and the indoor spa pool are the only reliably warm ones.
Is the Preferred Club worth the extra cost?
Yes, 100%. Without it, you are fighting for chairs at the crowded main pools and eating in the noisy main hall. The private lounge and infinity pool save the vacation.
How is the food?
Breakfast is excellent with a massive variety. Dinner is mediocre—often lukewarm buffet food with a 'canteen' atmosphere. Eat lunch at the pool bar and dinner at nearby Marina Rubicón.
Is it truly 5-star?
On paper, yes. In reality, it's a very good 4-star. The service is great, but the building's 'bones' (bathrooms, AC, hallways) are tired and need a refresh.
Can I walk to the beach?
Absolutely. You have direct gate access to the promenade and Playa Dorada beach is literally steps away.
Is there parking?
Yes, free public self-parking is available on-site, which is a rare perk for the area.
Insider Tips
- ✨
There is a side gate that opens directly onto the promenade near the Marina—much faster than walking through the main lobby.
- ✨
The 'World Café' buffet has a hidden omelette station at the far back that usually has a shorter line.
- ✨
Book the teppanyaki table at Himitsu immediately upon arrival; it fills up for the whole week instantly.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Garden View' rooms often just view a few bushes and a car park.
💡The indoor semi-Olympic pool is fantastic for serious swimmers but costs extra if you aren't Preferred Club.
💡The 'adults-only' sections are strictly enforced, which is great for couples but awkward if you drift across the line with a stroller.
💡You can hear the ferry horns from the port in some ocean-facing rooms (charming to some, annoying to others).
💡The wind in Lanzarote is no joke—ground floor terraces often get covered in sand/dust daily.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Dreams Lanzarote Playa Dorada Resort & Spa is located and what's nearby.