Lanzarote Paradise Found: Maribel Apartments Await!
Lanzarote Paradise Found: Maribel Apartments Await! (A Review That's Actually Real)
Alright, buckle up, because this ain't gonna be your average, sanitized hotel review. We're talkin' Lanzarote, sunshine, and the Maribel Apartments. And let me tell you, my expectations were… well, let’s just say they were cautiously optimistic. After all, “Paradise Found” is a BIG claim, right? 😉 So, I went in, notebook in hand, ready to dissect the glory… and the potential pitfalls.
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- Keywords: Lanzarote, Maribel Apartments, Accessibility, Wheelchair Accessible, Wi-Fi, Swimming Pool, Spa, Restaurant, Family Friendly, Cleanliness, Safety, Airport Transfer, Non-Smoking, Pets Allowed (Unavailable), Hotel Review, Canary Islands, Vacation, Holiday.
- Meta Description: Honest and detailed review of the Maribel Apartments in Lanzarote, critiquing accessibility, amenities, cleanliness, dining, and overall experience. Find out if this is truly paradise!
First Impressions & The Wheelchair Shuffle:
Okay, so landing in Lanzarote… breathtaking. The volcanic landscape, the azure water… seriously, it's postcard perfect. And the Maribel? Well, first impressions weren’t quite the picture postcard. Finding the entrance was a bit of a scavenger hunt, and let me tell you, after a long flight, that’s no fun. It does start strong with 'Accessibility' in mind, so let's delve in here.
Accessibility: This is where things get interesting. The website claims wheelchair accessibility, yeah? Well, it’s a mixed bag. (This is where the rambling starts!) The main walkways seemed decent… mostly. The restaurant? Think tight corners, maybe a little manoeuvring. I did see a ramp here, which was nice. The elevator situation was good, though always made me anxious just incase the lift broke down. Getting around the pool area also had its moments and could have felt quite chaotic at times.
Things to do - Ways to Relax This felt a little like an overwhelming buffet. On one hand, it's got pretty much everything you could ask for. Spa, a pool view, a sauna, a steam room? The only issue I have here is, 'what if I just want none of these?' What if I just want to sit in peace by the pool and watch the world go by? On other hand, you can get a spa treatment. If you're into massages and body scrubs, be my guest!
The Room: A Home-ish Away From Home
So, we checked in (mostly smoothly, thanks to the Contactless check-in/out option – bless those modern marvels!). The Elevator was a lifesaver for getting us to our room.
Available in all rooms: Right, let’s tick off the list! Air conditioning? Check. Wi-Fi [free]? Check. Mini-bar? (Yes! But I’m always tempted to raid it. Seriously, the struggle is real.) Free bottled water? Bless you, Maribel. Coffee/tea maker? Essential. And a decent amount of space? Mostly, yes! (Though it probably could have been bigger). The Seating area was decent for chilling after a hard day of… doing absolutely nothing! Oh and the balcony view was chef’s kiss.
Cleanliness and safety: The Rooms sanitized between stays was a big comfort, especially in these times, and there were plenty of other protocols being followed too. This all makes you feel like you're in safe hands which is always a plus, but I'm pretty sure the room could have done with a slightly deeper scrub, more like professional-grade sanitzing services. In comparison, it seemed more like the 'daily disinfection' was a bit… slapdash.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Gastronomic Adventure (Kind Of)
- Restaurants, Restaurants: Yeah, there were a few. The a la carte restaurant felt a little… sterile, to be honest. The food was decent, nothing to write home about, but fine. (I would try the international cuisine for a change)
- Poolside bar: The poolside bar, on the other hand? That was glorious. Cocktails, sun, and not having to move too far. The happy hour's the best perk of all for me!
- Buffet in restaurant & Breakfast [buffet]: The breakfast buffet. Ah. The breakfast buffet. A land of opportunity… and potential disappointment. The Asian breakfast was intriguing, though I stuck with the more classic Western breakfast, The Coffee/tea in restaurant wasn't the greatest.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, The Bad, and The "Meh"
- Concierge: Seriously helpful. The concierge was the MVP. Booked our excursions, sorted out a minor issue with the Wi-Fi… just super helpful.
- Daily housekeeping: The daily housekeeping was a blessing. Coming back to a tidy room after a day of sun? Pure bliss.
- Food delivery: Convenient, though the options were a bit limited.
- Laundry service: Perfect for packing light.
- Elevator: Always reassuring to find an elevator so less stairs!
For the Kids (and the Kid in All of Us):
- Family/child friendly: Big thumbs up here! The kids' facilities were pretty decent.
- Babysitting service: Good to have, though we didn't use it.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer: Excellent service! Prompt, reliable, and stress-free. A HUGE win after a long flight.
- Car park [free of charge]: Always a good perk. Not having to pay for parking is a win in my book.
- Taxi service: Easy to access.
The Bottom Line:
So, did the Maribel Apartments live up to the “Paradise Found” hype? Nah, not quite. It's more like "Pleasant Holiday Spot with a Few Quirks." The staff are lovely. The amenities are generally good. The location's fantastic. Is it perfect? Nope. But would I go back? Absolutely! It definitely has its charm, and you know? Sometimes, "mostly pleasant" is more than enough. Just don't expect perfection. Expect REAL. And enjoy the sunshine, the cocktails, and the occasional imperfection. That's where the real vacation memories are made, right? Right.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the beautifully chaotic, sun-baked, and probably incredibly hungover reality that is my Lanzarote adventure at the goddamn Apartamentos Maribel. Forget your pristine Pinterest boards – this is going to be a gloriously messy, opinionated, and probably slightly incoherent account of my time on this volcanic rock.
Lanzarote: Operation Tan, Sangria, and Avoiding Tourist Traps (Probably Failing)
Day 1: Arrival - "Wait, Where TF is the Pool?"
Morning (or what passes for it after a transatlantic flight): "Alright, sunshine!" I bellowed cheerfully as I stumbled off the plane. (That cheerfulness was fueled by airport coffee and a vague sense of impending freedom). Finding the transfer was easier than expected; a testament to my pre-trip organizational skills (aka my sister doing most of the planning). The drive to the Maribel was… well, it was brown. Lots and lots of brown volcanic landscape. The kind of brown that somehow simultaneously looks desolate and incredibly dramatic.
Afternoon: The Apartment Reveal. The Maribel! Okay. It wasn’t exactly the Insta-worthy villa I’d vaguely dreamed of. Let's just say "charming" is a generous word. My apartment was… compact. The balcony, however, was a winner. A little haven looking out at the complex, it looked so quiet, but I could instantly feel the buzz of people laughing, people drinking, the general symphony. My immediate reaction was, "Right, where's the pool? I'm ready to roast". But after 20 minutes of unpacking I couldn't find it. So, I asked a receptionist, a lovely Spanish lady, she told me that it was "in the courtyard, next door". In other words, I'd be staring at the noisy pool when I finally went to bed. I got my sun cream and beach towel, and then thought: "Okay, first things first. Where's the nearest bar that serves ice-cold, life-giving Sangria?"
Evening: Bar Hopping and Minor Regrets. First thing was the Sangria. (I'd earned it, I tell ya!). I strolled into the first bar I saw. The waiter was a flirt, the Sangria was… okay. (I’m a Sangria snob, okay?). The ambiance, however, was perfect. A weird, wonderful mix of locals, sunburnt Brits, and what appeared to be a travelling circus. I ordered a plate of tapas I thought looked delicious… turns out, I miscalculated badly on the spicy chilli rating. My mouth was on fire, my eyes were watering, but I couldn't stop laughing at myself. I decided to walk down the street and found a restaurant that was more my style. This time I knew what to expect and enjoyed my meal in the silence. I really needed that after my first day.
Day 2: Coastal Chaos and Volcano Views - or, "I Might Have Eaten Too Much Paella."
Morning: Okay, pool time! The pool. It was, well, pool-like. Clean, refreshing, and filled with children whose shrieks were already becoming a familiar sound. I lay there, alternating between pretending to read my book and covertly people-watching. There was Terry from Barnsley, who kept loudly complaining about the price of everything. And a woman wearing a truly spectacular floral sun hat. I mean, it was practically a small garden. I definitely need to get one of those.
Afternoon: The Volcano Tour (and a Near-Disaster). We’d booked a coach tour of Timanfaya National Park, home to volcanic formations that look like they belong on another planet. Absolutely stunning. Surreal. And hot. So hot, I thought I saw Terry from Barnsley starting to melt. The highlight was definitely the demonstration of volcanic heat: the guide pouring water into a hole and watching it erupt like a mini-geyser. (Pretty cool, even if it felt a little gimmicky). We stopped for lunch at a restaurant overlooking the park. The views were breathtaking, and the paella was… phenomenal. I may have, perhaps, overindulged.
- (Anecdote alert: The dreaded bus ride back.) After a few hours of a lovely sightseeing trip, I got back onto the bus. It was then that I felt the first rumble in my stomach. It was a warning sign. Followed by another. With a rising panic, I looked around. I needed a toilet. I needed a toilet RIGHT NOW. Of course, there was no toilet on the coach. I looked to the driver. He raised his eyebrows, seemingly knowing my issues (maybe he saw my face?) and told me that it was 45 minutes. FORTY-FIVE MINUTES! Those were the longest minutes of my life. I clutched my stomach, gritted my teeth, and focused on everything but my stomach. The landscape blurred, the other tourists faded into insignificance. I swear, I almost jumped out of the window at one point. But, against all odds, I survived. The second I got off the bus, I sprinted to the nearest bathroom. I am eternally grateful to the person who installed that bathroom.
Evening: Stumbling Around. I had to skip my evening plans because I was too tired. The volcano, the paella, all of it caught up to me. I needed sleep and a good book.
Day 3: Beach Bonanza and (Possibly) Too Much Sun
- Morning: I wanted to go to the beach but I decided to just chill out and enjoy some quiet time. Some people went out, but I preferred to rest.
- Afternoon: Playa de Papagayo. I went to Playa de Papagayo. The beach. Let me tell you, it was the perfect beach! White sand, turquoise water, and the sun beating down. I swam, I sunbathed and I watched the world go by. I spent hours there. Eventually, I felt something creeping on my head. I looked around: I was burning! I should have taken precautions, but I forgot.
- Evening: Lobster and Regret. After my beach trip, I got back to my apartment and jumped into the shower to cool down. And then I tried to put on my creams. I then looked at my face and screamed! I was red as a lobster! The colour of a boiled lobster! I hadn't realized before. I felt the pain and thought of the beach. After a few hours, I decided to go to a restaurant and grabbed some lobster.
Day 4: The Wind Surfing Fiasco and a Lesson in Humility.
- Morning: I woke up feeling like a lobster. I mean, I was feeling like a lobster! Then, I decided to go windsurfing. What could go wrong, right? Well, a lot, as it turned out.
- Afternoon: The Windsurfing Fiasco. I should have known better. I mean, I barely know how to stand up on a surfboard. But there I was, signed up for a windsurfing lesson. It started alright. The instructor was patient, and the wind was kind… for about five minutes. Then, the wind picked up. The sea got choppy. And I spent the next hour and a half being dragged through the water by a giant canvas sail. I swallowed seawater, I bruised my ego, and I came to the reluctant conclusion that I am terrible at windsurfing.
- Evening: The "I Survived" Sangria. I retreated back to the bar, nursing my wounds (both physical and emotional) with a large, well-deserved Sangria. Terry from Barnsley was there. He gave me a sympathetic look and muttered something about the cost of watersports. I almost started to like him.
Day 5: Last Day - "Goodbye, Lanzarote…for now."
Morning + Afternoon: Last swim in the pool, last lazy breakfast on the balcony. I spent the day packing, repacking, and trying desperately to cram all my souvenirs (mostly sun cream and novelty keyrings) into my already overflowing suitcase. The apartment, which had felt like a shoebox at the beginning, suddenly felt like a cozy home.
Evening: One last sunset. One last tapas. One last, slightly melancholic glance at the volcanic landscape. As I waited for my transfer to the airport, a wave of sadness washed over me. I was exhausted but satisfied. Lanzarote had been a whirlwind of sun, sea, Sangria-soaked adventures and unexpected bellyaches. It wasn't perfect. It was messy, sometimes frustrating, and definitely not Instagram-worthy. But damn, it was real. And I can't wait to go back.
Final Thought: As I sit on the plane back home, nursing a small hangover, I am already planning my return. Because Lanzarote, in all its chaotic, volcanic glory, has a way of getting under your skin. And the Maribel? Well, it's got a certain… charm. (Though maybe I'll spring for an apartment with a better view next time.)
The End (For Now)
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Lanzarote Paradise Found: Maribel Apartments - Or Did We Find Paradise? (A Very Honest FAQ)
Alright, so you're thinking about the Maribel Apartments in Lanzarote, eh? Buckle up, buttercup, because I'm about to give you the unvarnished truth, peppered with all the messy, glorious reality of MY experience. Consider this less a polished brochure and more a chat with a travel-weary friend over a poorly-made (but delicious) sangria.
1. Are the Maribel Apartments actually... *paradise*? Because the brochure promised.
Okay, let's get this out of the way: Paradise? Nah. Maybe *slightly* enhanced reality? Look, the brochure showed pristine white walls, sparkling pools, and sun-kissed couples laughing while gazing at the Atlantic. Reality? Well, the walls are white, which is great until you discover the persistent, reddish-brown stain… and the pools? Yeah, they're there. They're… wet. And the sun-kissed couples? I saw one couple silently plotting their escape after discovering a rogue cockroach. So, paradise? Debatable. Comfortable? Potentially. Memorable? Absolutely.
2. The Location: Is it as close to the beach as they say? And the airport... can you hear the planes? Oh god, the planes.
Beach proximity: "Close" is subjective. Let's say "a reasonable stroll." Depending on your definition of "reasonable." It's not *right there* like you're stumbling out of bed onto the sand, but it's manageable. The beach, by the way, is beautiful. The *planes* though... that's a different story. And yes, you *can* hear the planes. They're not constantly overhead, but they make their presence known. One morning, I swear I woke up convinced a Boeing 747 was about to land in my bedroom. Seriously, bring earplugs. Or embrace the air show – it's a mixed bag, really.
Speaking of the airport – and this is a weird one – I was trying to unpack and I swear I heard someone talking. Turns out, it was *the cleaning lady*! She just started chatting as she was cleaning… a real icebreaker after a twelve-hour flight.
3. The Apartments Themselves: What's the deal with the decor? Is the "fully equipped kitchen" a cruel joke?
Okay, let's tackle the decor. Imagine "stylish, modern simplicity" interpreted by someone who enjoys a healthy dose of beige and a fondness for slightly wonky art. It's clean, mostly. Some of the furniture has seen better days. One of the chairs in my apartment looked like it had a personal vendetta against me – it creaked every time I sat on it. And the "fully equipped kitchen?" Well, it *has* a fridge, a hob, and a sad collection of chipped plates. I attempted to make scrambled eggs one morning. Failed miserably. It's functional, but don't expect to be whipping up Michelin-star worthy meals. Stock up on tapas and strong coffee. Trust me.
I tried to open the fridge the first day and almost took out the cabinet door. My attempt at a 'holiday chef' persona ended before it even began. The plates? Like I said, chipped. I almost cut my lip on one! And the view? Across the 'courtyard' to a very enthusiastic, but utterly tone-deaf, karaoke session every evening.
4. The Pool: How crowded is it? Is it actually *swim-able*?
The pool situation is a mixed bag. On the plus side, the water IS cool and refreshing, especially after roasting on the beach. On the downside, it can get *crowded.* I'm not talking packed-like-sardines crowded, but you'll definitely have to navigate around a gaggle of sunbathers and kids splashing (god bless 'em, though). Finding a sun lounger after 10 AM? Good luck, unless you're a world-class early riser. I remember one day... I waited, I plotted, I strategized... and I *still* didn't get a lounger. It’s a battle, people. Bring a towel and your best passive-aggressive smile. Or just embrace the floor.
5. The Staff: Are they helpful? Or are they just *there*?
The staff… hmm. They’re… present. Some were friendly, others seemed to have mastered the art of the blank stare. The receptionists, bless their hearts, were generally helpful. They were definitely better than me trying to speak Spanish when I was trying to *find the bus stop*. One time, my air conditioning broke (a *major* drama in the Lanzarote heat!). They sent someone round to fix it pretty quickly, though. So, overall? Not bad, but not exactly five-star service. Don’t expect them to know your name, either. If you need help, be persistent, and maybe brush up on your mime skills… or Spanish.
6. The "Entertainment": What's the craic? Are we talking bingo and parrot shows?
Okay, the "entertainment." Let me put it this way: It wasn't the main reason I booked. It felt a bit… "organized." Bingo? Potentially. Live music that might or might not induce spontaneous dancing? Possible. Parrot shows? Thankfully, no. I mean, embrace it! It's part of the experience. One night, there was a singer that sounded like a strangled cat but... the crowd *loved* it. Truly. I mean, genuinely. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have a giggle at the whole thing. It's a bit of a time warp, but hey, it keeps the kids entertained. And if you're lucky, you might find a hidden gem – a late-night bar with surprisingly good tapas and questionable karaoke. Go with an open mind, and maybe pack a book.
7. Value for Money: Is it worth the price tag? Should I blow my savings?
This is the million-dollar question, isn't it? Is it worth the money? Look. It's not the Ritz-Carlton. It's not budget, budget, *budget*. It is somewhere in between. It is what it *is*. For the price, location, and the general vibe? Yeah, it's decent value. You get what you pay for. The price is relatively reasonable. Is it going to change your life? Probably not. Will you have a decent holiday? Likely. Will you have stories to tell? ABSOLUTELY! Just… manage your expectations. And maybe bring your own coffee maker.
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