Elba Lanzarote Royal Village Resort

Hotel Elba location close to town along a very good, purpose built walkway (with cycle route); pretty cactus’ planted up in freshly made beds - route very accessible for all (not steep and very flat). This Hotel could be amazing, sadly lack of staff having a huge impact here. Food can only be described as ‘you’ll find something’ - of course they’re catering for many preferences so ….. Lack of cleanliness is a huge issue here. If you do actually locate a cup, glass or plate, often these are not well washed - lipstick, lip-salve or stains evident often. Room was not cleaned thoroughly; ‘fruit flies’ a huge problem in my and my friends rooms; kettle broken; basics not provided until asked multiple times (eg soap or bottled water in ‘comfort level’ room). Apparently two levels of ‘all inclusive’. Premium have their own pool and ‘adults only’ restaurants (with gated access) - general all-inclusive is good as drinks are premium brands and during our stay, lunch was much better than dinner. BUT, wrist bands are not checked or policed and of course there are the few that play the system and obtain free food and drinks with no shame … this is sad to see as there are some honest people out there trying to pay for drinks … the new management (which apparently changed a few months ago) are flushing money away here …. Plenty of pool areas and sun loungers and the abundance of children appeared to be having a fabulous time. Entertainment during evening was poor - though the children running around seemed to be having a ball! Sadly those on stays under 7 nights are not permitted speciality dining at either the steak or Italian restaurants without a charge (one visit per 7 days at one of the two areas … ) - even those on all-inclusive package … Tui service from uk airport to hotel was fantastic. Exception being ‘more mature’ tui rep visiting hotel who condemned those writing reviews as ‘keyboard warriors’ - saying ‘those people never actually complain to reps, just write bad reviews; don’t believe what you read ‘ - well, I do write reviews and I do bring to the attention of staff areas of concern (flies in room and no soap not great ..). In defence of ‘more sympathetic tui rep’, Guest Relations were notified; Nadia did try and resolve issues (and provided a spa voucher) but flies continued and kettle remained broken … All things considered, great location, spa lovely, pools and loungers plentiful, food adequate. Very quiet, spacious rooms. Would I return to this hotel? No, not until management have resolved many glitches and certainly wouldn’t pay all inclusive when not managed fairly.