Esmeralda Cotillo Homes by Livvo

We had a really enjoyable 5-night stay at Esmeralda Cotillo Homes (formerly Lacasa Apartments). We booked through On The Beach and it was our first time visiting Fuerteventura. We hired a car and it took about 45 minutes from the airport. Drove up the coastal route on the way up but returned via the mountain route on the way back, both easy. We checked in after 5pm so reception was closed. Two days before our stay, our apartment number and 2 entry codes were sent to us by the hotel, one for the front gate, one for the apartment. This was very straightforward and 2 key cards were in the apartment on arrival. We stayed in 4122 in Block C which was a 1 bed, ground floor apartment with a terrace overlooking the pool. It was clear at the time of booking that building work is going on in the area and we didn't mind as this was reflected in the price. The building work didn't happen at the weekend, just weekdays from 8am to around 6pm (with siesta in the middle) and, to be honest, it really didn't bother us. The apartment was spotlessly clean, lovely and modern with air conditioning in the living area - the bedroom also stayed cool, we just left the door open and there are well designed layered curtains to reduce too much sun anyway. El Cotillo itself is a fantastic place to visit, so relaxed and friendly. Lots of cafes, restaurants and activities on offer. We played padel tennis at a nearby hotel but mainly enjoyed relaxing by the beautiful pool and swimming at the lagoon beach a few minutes walk away. Staff at the hotel were very friendly and helpful.

Location wise,superb for a short walk to the harbour area and beaches in close proximity. Apartment was modern,clean, spacious and the complex is impressive. Pool area and also a gym. Open the patio doors and 2 sun Loungers and a table and chairs. Yes there is ongoing building work but it didn't spoil my enjoyment of the holiday, which I actually extended by an additional 4 days ,as I really enjoyed the apartment as a base and it's proximity to beaches, restaurants etc. A Bus service is also close by if you wanted to visit corralejo (No.6) which takes approximately 45 minutes. Would not hesitate to return.

I'm writing this to assist any future travellers to this venue. We travelled via Jet 2 from Glasgow arriving at Lacasa at approx 11pm. On arrival at the airport in Fuerteventura we were met by a member of Jet 2 staff who gave us a postcard with 2 access codes on it one marked keycode and the other main entry. The note also said keys will be in the room. When we arrived we saw a large self check in panel on the wall opposite the locked gate to the complex. We tried to operate this unsuccessfully. Fortunately some residents came back and drew our attention to a small black keycode panel just to the left of the gate. You need to put your main entry code into this. Next we had to locate our room using the plan on the wall in front of you. We did this, found the room and inputted the keycode. On the table in the room were 2 plastic cards which turned out to be pre programmed room keys. The problem was we had booked a room with an upper solarium, which we had paid extra for, but his was a downstairs room without it. Bearing in mind it was 11pm we thought we'd call the Jet 2 number without any expectation of it being answered but it was and the person we spoke to couldn't have been more helpful in trying to sort the situation out. Unfortunately, as we had anticipated nothing could be done at such a late stage. However the next morning when we went to reception they knew all about the situation and moved us to the correct room. Jet 2 phoned later that day and again 2 days later to check that we were happy. Moreover we were offered £80 in compensation without even asking for it. Great service well done Jet 2! The main reason for describing the above is that having spoken to 2 other sets of guest the same thing had happened to them. One couple even got to their allocated room to find people already in bed! And no, I don't think it's supposed to be that kind of complex! A couple of other tips, if you do plan to have a bath on the upper solarium be aware that people in other rooms can see you as there is no adequate screening. Also don't expect an adequate room cleaning service, we only had 1 visit in 7 days and we only knew someone had been in as 2 towels had been changed - nothing else touched! A hired car is a real benefit on the island, we booked ours via the Jet2 site which was good value via Topcar. If you do go with them on the Jert2 site they wanted 60 Euros to add an extra driver. Don't do it. At the airport they gave us the extra driver free of charge, you can also waive the 700 Euro deposit by paying a one off sum of 35 Euros. A brilliant drive to take from the North is to follow the FV30 from Casillas del Angel stopping off at Betancuria for lunch before continuing to Pajara (the route in reverse is equally good). Be aware steep gradients, road narrow in places but great views. With regard to eating out, we visited a number of the restaurants listed on tripadvisor but our favourite was to eat on the upper floor of the restaurant Pez Gord