You know how it is. You book the holiday after reading the good reviews but those niggling doubts creep in… poor ratings, criticisms, better hotels up the road etc, etc. Hence, on arrival we were hoping for the best but prepared for otherwise.

Firstly, it’s about expectation. What we didn’t want was a stuffy cow-towing over attentive service but we did want quiet efficiency.

On arrival, quick'ish check in and complimentary drinks whilst waiting. Niceties completed and we were shown to our room. Well so far so good, room perfect size, none of the cramped dark corners we had read about. No smells. The room overlooked the pool and marina, had a good seating area, big terrace, nice bathroom and was well furnished. Hurdle one over.

We were on half board, so the alternative arrangements for dining were adequately explained. Tried buffet restaurant first night, then second night, in fact all seven nights. Good selection of food, charming waiting staff, complimentary drink on arrival at restaurant each evening, brilliant food, yes you have to get it yourself but that’s no chore.

Checked out marina restaurants at lunch time but not the same friendly reception, except of course Lani’s snack bar. Cheapest on the marina, best service and plenty of simple food. Don’t confuse with other Lani’s restaurants as these were not so attentive and they even charge for your bread roll (even if it was not requested).

Eating early in the evening, we finished just before the entertainment started at 9.30pm. It was good solo duo or trio stuff, very listenable and a pleasant way to spend time after dinner, with acquaintances, before retiring.

Garden area, pools and architecture were beautiful. Atmosphere was laid back, relaxed and a ‘visit again’ sort of place.

Ah but, then you read, well what about Princess Yiaza? No thanks, a few steps into this hotel and you sense the difference in quality and clientele immediately. No snobs us, just want quiet quality and a good mix of international clients. We got this at the Gran Vulcan but sensed that it would not have been the same at Yiaza.

At the Vulcan, a few kids around, no problem at all, just the ones that have learned to sit in a restaurant and use a knife and fork. Some were very young but they were always welcomed even later into the evening. At the Yiaza, we heard it was all buggies and kids tearing around the place. We think we made the right decision but to be fair to Yiaza give it a try if this is your thing.

Oh, on the Royal Service, had a look around this area and what do you get:

1. A room exactly the same size as the one we had in standard class
2. A terrace the same size as the one we had
3. A few more cushions
4. A simple CD player but who needs one, try a book.
5. Your own communal sitting area ( shared with others of similar persuasion) if that what you need
6. Your own sun deck ( shared with others of similar persuasion), not overlooking the best part of Playa Blanca in my opinion and not as pleasant as the main pool area
7. Free afternoon tea or coffee.
8. The Royal breakfast area which I must admit had a slight pong about it.
9. A butler, if you believe someone should run after you all the time and your head is disappearing up your derriere with your own importance.

In summary, it’s a terrific place for a quiet week relaxing in the sun and worth paying a bit extra for the seclusion and quiet compared with some of the other manic 4 and 5 star establishments.

Not much happens around the marina but go for a wander. Walk into nearby Playa Blanca for a bit of everyman culture and your Man U ‘T’ shirt, but for real quality, hire a car and have a look at some of Cesar Manrique’s work, brilliant. Will definitely go back as long as the Melia quality continues.

My hubby and I have just recently returned from a great holiday in the Gran Melia Volcan. After reading some reviews on here I was very wary- but very pleasantly surprised. The staff at ths hotel are great- reception can be a little slow at times but otherwise great and helpful. I would describe the decor of the hotel very Canarian- it is not pretentious or particularly sophisticated, so mabe this is why others felt it was not 5 star status?!? but I thought it was very clean and had some beautiful features. I had wanted to upgrade to royal service but on arrival felt it was not needed- the room was big and had two balconies. All other benefits maybe more suited to high season, the belize sun loungers etc. Breakfast was great, with plenty of variety. My only grumbles are that tea and coffee and bottled water are available at a charge in the room, I think for a 5 star property this should be complimentary. ALthough i was under the impression that the hotel was in Playa Blanca it is actually in Marina Rubicion a 20 minute walk along the promenade, but this suited us as it was a little quieter.
Please feel free to email me if there are any questions.

We visited Playa Blanca at Christmas and stayed in another 5* hotel which was average, although looking back I would say that the hotel rooms were much better than the Gran Melia Volcan. We arrived on 6 April, with no hiccup. Rooms were not 5* quality my daughter and 2 children were put into a room that had been used by a very heavy smoker, but our room adjacent was ok and a bit dated. We did not complain and looking back should have. It was all down hill from there on. Rooms were not kept clean as the same hairs on the floor were still there when we left, the small bin in toilet was not emptied for 3 days and there was a foul smell coming from our the toilet which we reported and although they rang to say they would send someone to have a look at it the next day no one came. The toiletries were diabolical, cheap and nasty. We were given shower gel on the first day and had to request some later - we didnt use shampoo or body lotion as it was disgusting. I had to ask for our bathrobes and slippers 4 days into our holiday - there was no maid to turn down the bed either.
My grandchildren went to Kids Club and were left to their own devices, although the 2 people looking after it did manage a disco for them on the evening (our two were the only ones there).
Breakfast and dinners were ok but a bit repetitive. Vegetables on a morning but none except chips on an evening and we like the kids to have plenty.
The swimming pools were absolutely freezing, consequently no one used them except a few brave people - we complained and were informed it was the regulations in Lanzarote - so the kids could not swim - main reason we take them on holiday is to spend time in the pool. The entertainment was not existant and what we got was abysmal - so we retired to bed early. We travel all over the world and get 5* service but this was not. I would go as far as to say a good 3*. We wont be going back!

This is a 5 star luxury hotel. It's really amazing. You walk in through an area that is like a church. There is incense and you hear singing. It's very relaxing and sets the mood for what the hotel is all about. As you keep in walking you're in the Volcano area. There's lots of plants and water. Staff are very helpful and polite. All the workers greet you wherever you go. the rooms are big, comfortable and very nice. They clean the rooms, make the beds, etc twice a day. Everything is extra cleanThe whole hotel complex looks like a little mediterranean town with white washed walls. There are no high buildings. They have 4 beautiful pools and a very nice spa. It's a great hotel to go and relax. We didn't see many children and the children that were there were all very quiet.The breakfast buffet is absolutely amazing!!! There are several restaurants which are quite pricy.
We did have 1 problem with ants in our room. they moved us to another room immediately but the view was not as good. I was quite upset about this and made a complaint but nothing was really done.
The other thing is that there is not much to do in the very small village where the hotel is located. It's all newly buit and still starting. Not a lot for young people or kids to do. But you can walk up to Playa Blanca and there there's bars, clubs, restaurants. etc.