We chose the Lancelot as a last-minute getaway after a bit of indecision between there and the Gran Hotel. The decision to stay at the Lancelot was based entirely on the fact that it was the cheaper option.

A number of other reviews have referred to the Lancelot as a Travelodge-style hotel, and this description is quite apt. The foyer was often full of suited businessmen; the hotel offers free Wi Fi; and the rooms were functional and clean but not luxurious.

We paid extra for a sea view room. The traffic noise complained of by other reviewers did not really bother us, however, we are rather early risers. Any minor irritations caused by the road were more than made up for by the view.

The hotel has a pool on the roof which we used most days. In our eight days at the hotel, we only saw one other couple in this area!

Upon arrival we had a problem with our safe. We reported the problem to the receptionist and, by the time we returned from a wander around the town, the issue had been resolved. Indeed, whenever we had cause to ask staff for assistance, they were always very willing to help and were extremely efficient.

The choice on the breakfast buffet was limited and became a bit ‘samey’ towards the end of our stay. We ate in the hotel’s restaurant on the first evening, and found the food and wine to be very good and very reasonably priced.

Insofar as the hotel’s location is concerned, there is a beach directly opposite which is generally very quiet. Although a busy road separates the hotel from the beach, the noise from the traffic during the day is not intrusive. There are a number of restaurants and bars within easy walking distance of the hotel.

If you wish to explore the island there are a handful of car rental shops within a few minutes’ walk of the hotel, or you can do as we did and ask the receptionist to organise a hire car. There is also a pleasant three-or-so hour sea-front walk from Arrecife to Puerto del Carmen.

We found the Lancelot to be perfect for our needs and would thoroughly recommend it to anyone who is looking for an inexpensive break in the sun.

A note about Arrecife (which does not form part of my review).

Arrecife is not what one would consider as a ‘typical’ Canary Islands resort. There are no sunloungers on the beach and we did not stumble upon anywhere that sold fry-ups. Anyone looking for a home-away-from-home will probably be disappointed - we heard a number of British couples complain that they were having to travel back and forth to other resorts as they were unable to find restaurants in Arrecife which sold food they would eat.

It was also our experience that very few bartenders or waiters spoke particularly good English. If you do intend to stay in Arrecife, then it would be a very good idea to learn a bit of Spanish before you go!