Having stayed at this hotel on 2 previous occasions, I was somewhat disappointed to find that there were too few staff in various key areas of the hotel, with the result being that dirty plates and glasses were often left for hours on end; further, the childrens pool was found to have glass in it - my daughter and some other guests suffered cuts to their feet. This was eventually dredged, but not thoroughly. Surprisingly, despite this problem, the management seemed content to continue permitting glasses to be used around the pool areas.

Entertainment was generally tired and in need of refreshing. Definite evidence of falling standards since control of the hotel group passed to the son of the founder, a point made to us by members of staff.

If you are a self contained couple or family that just wants a rest this is a good self contained place. If you are a gastro or need to be sure your kids meet others then also consider elsewhere. (Princess Yaiza in Playa Blanca?).

Good place to read and sunbathe poolside (in truth that is why anyone would go to Lanzarote as there is nowt else to do except drink - unless you force the issue and start studying Volcanos....).

Clientele was very international (quite a few a bit pretentious / 'I sat at the Captain's table' types) LOTS of older than middle aged German couples who seem to scowl at each other at breakfast then need to be 'dodged' at the buffet (For some reason they don't give way....) but also enclaves of Italian, Irish and Brits.

Great first impressions of a grand lobby and fine spacious bedrooms (ours were super but others were apparently less super) and a cared for / quality feel to the surroundings (beware some of it being refurbished too in Jan/Feb 2008).

Kids club OK (and cleverly links to a 'show' each evening) but dated ('Agadoo' every night....) and repetitive if children are over say 5yrs old - animated but dubious care by delightful young kids club staff - if you have a 4 year old I wouldn't be sure they would notice if your child left their care plus some health & safety issues with the kids club area - 4 kids banged heads badly on the same poorly designed play equipment in 2 days....... (not sure they were the first 4 either...)

Buffet dinner varied from hmmm to poor to awful but always plentiful. The ingredients they started with were all fine but if it could be overcooked or oversalted it was. We tried eating early and late to see if it was our fault for picking a bad time. It wasn't. If you don't like the aroma of smelly fish cooking then beware: I don't mind it but on a couple of nights we left without dessert (which were generally very good) because of the pong from fish being griddled in a cloud of smoke.

Lunchtime poolside Bar snacks good value and tasty - it was really pleasing not to be ripped off for eating lunch in. Don't however do full board at any cost because snacks are cheap and better than the lunch buffet.

Beware special events - these guys do a lot of hot buffets (not that well but at least often) but table service is not their thing and they can't do it - New years eve Gala dinner was a huge dissapointment: ambitious, pretentious but dreadful menu (sorbet flavoured with synthetic apple drizzled with olive oil?) and zero atmosphere stemming from no understanding of how people have fun. (In this case I'm not sure phrases 'German ownership' and 'Good Party ' go together well....)

The rather rules obsessed approach (here we go again with that national stereotype) was at times tiresome and on new years eve enraging.

Staff seemed mostly delightful although short numbered most of the time and morale not great.

In summary - A 'grandish' German hotel with good facilities in a good location. Generally well run but still serving poor 1980's / Cruise ship style nosh that wasn't good in 1980. Enjoyable nonetheless.

By the way - We were impressed with slick service from our tour operator - Prestige Holidays - if you decide to visit Los Jameos I'd look a their pricing first

My wife and I spent Christmas 2007 at Los Jameos Playa, and it was without doubt a most relaxing, friendly experience.
The staff were most welcoming and throughout our stay they couldn't do enough for us. The reception staff were courteous and helpful throughout, the restaurant and bar staff were very attentive and friendly without being at all overbearing.
Very popular with German guests (German owned hotel) but there were quite a few English speaking voices to be heard (including lots of very friendly Irish guests, both North and South). A liberal assortment of Spanish, Dutch and a few French guests made for a really friendly bunch.

This hotel sets very high standards of service and the vast majority of guests, whatever nationality, clearly expected and demonstrated a high level of behaviour. Throughout the week we never saw a single baseball cap on the wrong way round, no more than one football shirt and only a handful of tattoos - mostly on ladies! All in all there was a feeling of "class" about the place.
Even so there was no feeling of stuffiness and we had a most carefree relaxing time.

We would recomment this hotel to anyone who is looking for good food, high standards of cleanliness and service and facilities second to none.

Where do I begin? It may be a huge complex and more like a holiday village but it felt friendly, welcoming and that bit special from the moment our taxi dropped us off at the door. The hotel is 5-10 minutes from the airport but you would not know you were that close as we only heard the odd one or two. The rooms were very spacious, well decorated and light and airy with bathrooms looking very smart as well. We had side sea view and saw the sunsets. The two pools are set in the gardens; one heated, the other not and are very large with a safe shallow area at the front of them for children as well as a childrens pool and childrens club. Plenty of sunbeds around the pool. Entertainment was there during the day if you wanted it, or you could just step out of the back gate and you are at the beach. The food was excellent and had a different theme each of the seven days were were there. Staff and management were extremely helpful. We meant to explore the island but enjoyed the hotel so much we did not hardly venture out. Facilities were excellent: squash court, 4 tennis courts, 2 tennis coaches available for hire, gymnasium, sauna, outdoor chess, pertanque - the list is endless. First week of November was 26 degrees and very little wind. Cannot wait to go back there. Personally we would give it 5 stars.