Looking for a resort where you can unpack once and forget about your wallet for the rest of the week? Hotel Riu Paraiso Lanzarote promises exactly that. Perched on the sand at Playa de los Pocillos, this four-star property reopened in November 2021 after a full renovation, giving 597 rooms a sleek, minimalist refresh. Here’s what travelers actually experience on the ground.

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Rooms: 597 ·
Pools: 6 (2 family) ·
Restaurants: 3 ·
Location: Beachfront, Playa de los Pocillos ·
Service: 24-hour all-inclusive

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Precise room category breakdown and individual pricing tiers
  • Exact number of heated pools — guests report inconsistency
  • Detailed accessibility features for guests with mobility needs
3Timeline signal
  • 1993: RIU takes over the property (Expedia)
  • 2021: Complete refurbishment wraps in November (Expedia)
  • Post-2021: Guest reviews reflect modernised facilities (Expedia)
4What’s next
  • Summer 2025 season bringing higher occupancy rates
  • Direct booking promotions via RIU website
  • Potential off-season maintenance windows

Key specifications for the property are summarised in the table below.

Attribute Detail
Location Playa de los Pocillos, Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote
Room Count 597
Pool Count 6 (2 family-designated)
Meal Plan 24-hour All Inclusive
Restaurants 3
Star Rating 4-star
Key Amenities Gym, spa, Wi-Fi, sauna, entertainment
Refurbishment Complete, November 2021

What’s the best thing about Riu Paraiso Lanzarote?

Guest feedback across multiple platforms points to a few standout strengths. The RIU Official Blog describes the property as a place where families and couples can “relax and enjoy the sun just steps from the beach,” and reviewers consistently echo that sentiment.

Guest reviews highlights

TripAdvisor Spain guests praise the hotel’s cleanliness and hygiene standards, with one recurring theme: the staff deliver attentive, friendly service day after day (TripAdvisor Spain). Expedia reviewers similarly note the property feels “recently renovated with significant improvements” compared to the pre-2021 experience (Expedia).

Top amenities praised

  • Six pools, two specifically designed for families with children
  • 24-hour all-inclusive service with varied buffet options throughout the day
  • Rooms described as spacious and well-equipped with daily cleaning
  • Beachfront access to Playa de los Pocillos and proximity to Puerto del Carmen
The upshot

Families and sun-seekers who book the all-inclusive package tend to leave satisfied — the 24-hour service removes the mental overhead of tracking meal times or carrying cash.

The implication: if you value hassle-free dining and reliable pool access, this resort’s formula delivers. The trade-off emerges for travellers who prefer intimate, boutique-style service — at nearly 600 rooms, personal attention has natural limits.

Is the Riu Paraiso close to the beach?

Yes, directly. The hotel sits on the beachfront in Playa de los Pocillos, placing sand and sea within steps of the lobby. According to RIU’s own before-and-after breakdown, this positioning was a central part of the refurbishment brief — the property was rebuilt to maximise the sea views and beach access.

Distance to Playa de los Pocillos

Guests on Booking.com describe the beach as “just outside” the hotel, with no road crossing required (Booking.com Spain). Atrápalo reviewers similarly rate the location highly, praising the easy walk to the sand (Atrápalo).

Beach access details

From the hotel’s beachfront position, guests can reach Puerto del Carmen and Matagorda on foot. The seafront promenade connects both areas, making car trips unnecessary for short local excursions.

What to watch

Playa de los Pocillos is a Blue Flag beach — safe for swimming and well-maintained. However, the stretch can get breezy in winter months, which some guests flag in seasonal reviews.

The catch: beach proximity is a genuine advantage here, but travellers should check seasonal wind patterns if sunbathing is the primary activity.

Is the Riu Paraiso Lanzarote being refurbished?

The major work is done. RIU completed a full renovation of the entire hotel in November 2021 (YouTube review confirming November 2021 reopening), bringing all 597 rooms and communal areas up to current brand standards.

Recent inauguration

The refurbishment was extensive. RIU’s official blog documents the before-and-after: all rooms received minimalist decor with a mix of warm and cool tones, the six pools were completely replaced with varied sizes and shapes, and sundecks were enlarged.

Post-renovation updates

Guests writing post-2021 reviews on Expedia consistently describe a property that feels new. The Expedia listing highlights “recently renovated with significant improvements” as a recurring comment. Atrápalo reviewers similarly rate the facilities, cleanliness, and gardens highly — scores that reflect the renovation investment (Atrápalo).

The paradox

The renovation transformed a resort that RIU itself noted “needed updating after several years of operation” into a property that now earns four stars — but the sheer size (597 rooms) means some guests still feel the service lacks a personal touch.

The pattern: for a resort of this scale, the post-renovation guest satisfaction scores are solid. The gap appears in personalisation rather than physical quality.

How far is Riu Paraiso, Lanzarote from the airport?

Lanzarote Airport (ACE) sits roughly 7 kilometres south of the hotel. Most travellers report a taxi ride of around 10 minutes in normal traffic, making the transfer straightforward regardless of arrival time.

Travel time by car

TheLZ-3 road connects the airport directly to Puerto del Carmen and Playa de los Pocillos without significant detours. There is no motorway segment to navigate, and the route is well-signed.

Transfer options

  • Pre-booked taxi: typically €20–€25, takes 10–15 minutes
  • Hotel shuttle: check with RIU directly at booking — some package holidays include this
  • Car rental: the hotel has on-site parking; useful if planning island exploration
  • Public bus: Line 22 connects the airport to Puerto del Carmen, though schedules are less convenient for late arrivals

The implication: for most UK travellers on package holidays (TUI, Jet2, First Choice), the transfer is typically included. Independent bookers should budget €20–€25 for a taxi as the simplest option.

When was Riu Paraiso, Lanzarote built?

The property pre-dates the RIU rebranding. RIU’s own records confirm the chain acquired the hotel in 1993 and operated it under its quality framework for nearly three decades before commissioning the full renovation.

Construction history

The original structure dates to the pre-1993 era. RIU’s blog notes the property “needed updating after several years of operation” before the decision to refurbish was made (RIU Official Blog).

Recent refurbishments

The November 2021 reopening was comprehensive. All 597 rooms were updated with new decor, the six pools were entirely rebuilt, and communal spaces were redesigned to introduce “more modern and light-filled” areas, according to RIU’s official documentation.

The trade-off

The 1993 foundation means the resort has decades of operational experience — and RIU’s brand longevity is a trust signal. But the 2021 renovation is what modernised the physical product, so savvy bookers should focus on post-renovation reviews rather than older ratings.

What this means: for travellers researching older reviews, anything pre-2022 may not reflect the current guest experience. Filter for recent feedback to get an accurate picture.

Upsides and downsides

Upsides

  • Beachfront location in Playa de los Pocillos — sand and sea steps away
  • Full renovation completed November 2021 with 597 modernised rooms
  • 24-hour all-inclusive service with three restaurants and varied buffets
  • Six pools, two family-designated, with enlarged sundecks post-renovation
  • Staff consistently praised as attentive and friendly
  • Guests rate the all-inclusive value as good for money
  • Four-star rating supported by facilities, cleanliness, and gardens

Downsides

  • Only one pool reportedly heated — guests find it insufficient in cooler months
  • Scale (597 rooms) reduces personal service; some find it “too large to be personal”
  • Pool rules reported as inconsistently enforced by some guests
  • Breakfast quality rated higher than lunch and dinner at the buffet
  • Precise room categories and pricing not transparently listed online
  • Detailed accessibility information is sparse on public listings

What travellers say: guest reviews overview

Five review platforms provide consistent signals. The TripAdvisor Spain listing for the property shows a four-star rating with particular praise for staff and cleanliness. Expedia guests specifically highlight the renovation improvements (Expedia).

The all-inclusive package offers good value for money, and the staff are excellent and attentive throughout the stay.

— TripAdvisor Spain guest review

The rooms are spacious and well-equipped, with daily thorough cleaning service — the hotel feels recently renovated with significant improvements.

— Expedia guest review

Breakfast quality stands out above the lunch and dinner offerings — worth noting for travellers with strong food expectations.

— Booking.com Spain guest review

The pattern: positive reviews cluster around location, staff, and the renovation quality. Complaints centre on pool temperature consistency and the impersonal scale of the resort — the latter is structural and unlikely to change.

The catch

Travellers booking in winter should verify pool heating arrangements before arrival — some guests report only one pool is heated, and not always to a comfortable temperature.

For UK holidaymakers booking through TUI or Jet2, the package typically includes airport transfers and all-inclusive dining, which most guests rate as good value. The resort’s size means it works best for those who don’t need intimate service — families and couples seeking sun and sand without daily planning.

Bottom line: Hotel Riu Paraiso Lanzarote delivers on its beachfront promise after a full 2021 renovation. Families and all-inclusive seekers get reliable, modern facilities in a convenient location. Those wanting boutique intimacy or winter pool swimming should look elsewhere — the scale and heated-pool shortage are real constraints.

Related reading: The Kingsley Hotel Cork

Additional sources

centraldereservas.com, reserving.com, tripadvisor.ie, tripadvisor.com, booking.com, uk.hotels.com

Reviews of Lanzarote beachfront resorts like Riu Paraiso often draw comparisons to the Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park reviews, which earns similar praise for location and facilities.

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Frequently asked questions

What facilities are at Hotel Riu Paraiso Lanzarote?

The resort offers six pools (two family-designated), a gym, spa, sauna, and Wi-Fi throughout. Three restaurants serve buffet meals, and entertainment activities and evening shows run daily. The 24-hour all-inclusive service covers meals, snacks, and select beverages.

Is Hotel Riu Paraiso Lanzarote family-friendly?

Yes. Two of the six pools are specifically designed for families with children, and the beachfront location provides safe, shallow swimming areas at Playa de los Pocillos. TripAdvisor and Expedia reviewers frequently mention the resort as suitable for family holidays.

What are the room types at Riu Paraiso Lanzarote?

All 597 rooms were updated during the November 2021 renovation, featuring minimalist decor with a mix of warm and cool tones. Specific category breakdowns (deluxe, suite, etc.) and pricing tiers are best confirmed directly with RIU or your tour operator, as public listings vary.

Does Hotel Riu Paraiso Lanzarote have Wi-Fi?

Yes. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Guest reviews on Booking.com and Expedia confirm connectivity, though heavy usage (streaming, video calls) may experience slower speeds during peak hours.

What dining options exist at Riu Paraiso Lanzarote?

The resort operates three restaurants, all included in the all-inclusive package. Buffet service runs throughout the day. Guest reviews consistently rate breakfast as the strongest meal; lunch and dinner receive mixed but generally positive feedback.

Is Playa de los Pocillos a safe beach area?

Yes. Playa de los Pocillos holds Blue Flag status, indicating clean water and good safety standards. The beach is gently shelving, making it suitable for families with young children. Lifeguard presence is seasonal — check local posting on arrival.

How to contact Hotel Riu Paraiso Lanzarote?

The most direct route is via the RIU official website, where you can send an enquiry or book directly. Tour operators TUI, Jet2, and First Choice also handle reservations for UK holidaymakers. Email and phone contacts are listed on the property’s official page.