By Alimat Aliyeva

Booking.com, the world’s leading online travel platform, is
currently facing one of the largest class-action lawsuits in the
history of the tourism industry, Azernews
reports.

More than 10,000 hotels across various European countries have
joined forces to file a lawsuit against Booking.com. These hotel
representatives are seeking compensation for what they describe as
unfair terms and excessive commission fees imposed over the past 20
years. The dispute centers on a landmark decision made by the
European Court of Justice in the fall of 2024. The court ruled that
Booking.com’s “best price” clauses—which prevented hotels from
offering lower rates on their own websites or through other
channels—violated European competition laws. These restrictions
severely limited hotels’ freedom to set their own prices and led to
a significant decline in direct bookings. The plaintiffs claim that
between 2004 and 2024, they incurred financial losses amounting to
millions of euros due to these practices.

The ongoing class-action lawsuit is being handled in the
Netherlands, where Booking.com is registered, and is coordinated by
the Hotel Claims Review Alliance. The lawsuit is supported by
HOTREC, the European association representing hotels, restaurants,
and cafés, as well as over 30 national hotel associations,
including the German Hotel Association (IHA). To accommodate more
participants, HOTREC has extended the deadline for hotels wishing
to join the lawsuit until August 29.

Despite this legal challenge, Booking.com remains a crucial
sales channel for many hotels, helping them reach millions of
travelers worldwide. According to recent studies, Booking Holdings,
the parent company of Booking.com, held a dominant market share of
71% in Europe and 72.3% in Germany in 2023. Meanwhile, the share of
direct bookings in Germany declined by 8% during the same period,
further increasing hotels’ reliance on online travel agencies.

It’s worth noting that while platforms like Booking.com have
revolutionized the global travel industry by offering unprecedented
reach and convenience, some industry experts argue that the golden
age of such platforms may be nearing its end. With growing calls
for fairer pricing practices and the rising popularity of direct
booking incentives, the travel landscape is poised for significant
change.

Casetta Hotels has reopened Big Bear’s beloved Hotel Marina Riviera, marking a new chapter for an iconic lakefront lodge originally built in 1968.

Perched on the quiet edge of Big Bear Lake, the Viking-inspired property underwent a thoughtful restoration led by Los Angeles-based design studio Electric Bowery. The result is a layered, nostalgic hospitality experience that merges alpine nostalgia with the louche charm of a 1970s mountain escape.

Cozy guestrooms

The 42 guestrooms at Hotel Marina Riviera have been reimagined with a warm, earthy palette of terracotta, umber, pine, and deep forest green.

Natural oak flooring, hand-finished woodwork in graphic plaid, and bespoke furnishings by local artisans ground the interiors, while murals of pastoral scenes nod to the lodge’s vintage roots. Accommodations are also punctuated by lake-blue, mossy green, and burnt orange tones that mirror the surrounding alpine terrain.

Public spaces at Hotel Marina Riviera

In the lobby, guests are greeted by a moody fireplace lounge and a curated analog record nook, which sets the tone for slow afternoons and cozy evenings.

Adding to the revitalized energy is De La Nonna Big Bear, the first mountain outpost of the popular LA pizzeria. The restaurant is breezy and unfussy, channeling the relaxed rhythm of lake life with inlaid wood paneling, Japanese tilework, and mirrored surfaces that reflect the mountain’s changing light.

Outside, guests can relax in the year-round heated pool, cold plunge, barrel sauna, or kick back by one of several sunset-facing fire pits.

More from HD:
High-End Residences Are the Next Frontier of Living Well
What I’ve Learned Podcast: Chantell Walsh, Strategic Hotels & Resorts
5 Designers Get Real About Gen Z Misconceptions

One of the eight official Canary Islands, Lanzarote is perhaps the most instantly recognisable from the air. Its black lava landscape dotted with whitewashed houses and properties is in stark contrast to its desert-like neighbour, Fuerteventura. While it may look otherworldly and quite exclusive, Lanzarote has been welcoming holidaymakers for decades. Holidays in Lanzarote can be incredibly good value for those looking for sun, sand and solace on a budget.

While the island has been undergoing somewhat of a luxury makeover in the last few years, it doesn’t mean that prices are inflated. Whether you’re looking for a cheap-and-cheerful self-catering apartment, a basic beach hotel to rest your head, a good-value family resort or simply a place to stay that doesn’t break the bank, Lanzarote has you covered.

Looking for the very best hotels in Lanzarote? Discover them with our guide.

Best budget hotels in Lanzarote 2025

1. Nautilus Lanzarote hotel

Puerto del Carmen

This four-star beachside hotel is great for those wanting the flexibility of an apartment with the convenience of hotel facilities and services. Its range of apartments, many fully accessible, come with their own terraces for sunbathing and outdoor feasts, a fully equipped kitchen, an iron and ironing board, a TV and more. There are two heated swimming pools, mini-golf, library, a breakfast room, and a staggering 800 pieces of art dotted around the complex.

Address: Calle Gramillo, 5, 35500 Puerto del Carmen, Las Palmas, Spain

Read more: The 7 best things to do in Tenerife’s Costa Adeje, from sunbathing to whale watching

2. H10 Timanfaya Palace hotel

Playa Blanca

If you’re looking an adults-only break on a budget, then the Timanfaya Palace would be a savvy choice. Located in the much-loved southern resort of Playa Blanca, the hotel has an all-inclusive board basis which can help keep costs down, as meals, snacks and drinks are covered. There are two outdoor swimming pools to cool off plus a heated indoor pool. Rooms are modern and comfortable, and many have sea views. For something special, try the Privilege level package that gives you exclusive access to private sunbathing areas and an à la carte dinner service, as well as other perks.

Address: Calle Gran Canaria, 1. Urb, 35580 Montaña Roja, Las Palmas

Doubles from £118. Book now

Read more: 11 of the best budget-friendly hotels in Tenerife

Read more: Why the Canary Islands should be your next holiday destination

4. Jardines del Sol hotel

Playa Blanca

A collection of whitewashed bungalows around a central pool, Jardines del Sol might just be the most well-equipped apartments around. They have washing machines, dishwashers, coffee machines, TVs, private terraces and even filtered water taps. Each property has separate bedrooms and kitchens, as well as spacious lounge-diners. The complex is quiet, although there is a restaurant and bar – and you’re a pleasant 25-minute stroll from the centre of bustling Playa Blanca. One-bedroom to four-bedroom villas sleep anywhere between four and 10 people.

Address: Urb, Montaña Roja, C. Francia, 1, 35580 Playa Blanca, Las Palmas, Spain

Read more: The 14 best hotels in Tenerife

5. Finca de Arrieta hotel

Arrieta

For an alternative sort of stay, Finca de Arrieta offers a choice of stone cottages, yurts, and eco villas in its semi-rural surrounds. Everything here has a sustainable focus, from off-grid, renewable energy and a solar-heated swimming pool, to hybrid car airport transfers. All the accommodation options have access to a kitchen and come with private terraces. The quirky two-storey, former windmill Eco Tower has 360-degree views, volcanic stone walls and its own banana plants. Guests receive a free welcome pack on arrival that includes a bottle of Cava, water, milk, wine and tea and coffee.

Address: 34A, 35542 Tabayesco, Las Palmas, Spain

Read more: 26 of the best beaches in Spain

6. Pension Magec hotel

La Tiñosa – Puerto del Carmen

Pension simply means a guesthouse, and this one in the old harbour of Puerto del Carmen is a wonderfully cheap and cheerful option for budget-conscious travellers. If you’re happy to forgo the big hotel luxuries in favour of simple, clean rooms with easy access to the beaches and amenities of this popular resort, then this is a great choice. There’s a shared kitchen for preparing meals and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Popular with divers, the hotel has special rates at local diving schools.

Address: C. Hierro, 11, 35510 Puerto del Carmen, Las Palmas, Spain

Read more: The Canary Island you might not have thought of for wine – and running

7. El Hotelito del Golfo hotel

The clue is in the name of this property: “hotelito” means “little hotel”, and that’s exactly what it is. With just five rooms, it’s boutique, but has all the makings of a much larger hotel, with a tempting saltwater pool and sun terrace, homemade breakfast using local products and a bar for savouring a glass of wine as the sun goes down over the horizon. El Hotelito is located on the southwest of the island right next to one of Lanzarote’s most famous sights: El Golfo’s volcanic green lagoon.

Address: Av. Marítima, 6, 35570 El Golfo, Las Palmas, Spain

Read more: This Canary Island resort is a haven for active travellers – and surprisingly good for toddlers too

8. Grupotel Cinco Plazas hotel

Puerto del Carmen

Just 350 metres from the Blue Flag beaches of Puerto del Carmen, this dazzling blue and white apartment complex is an ideal choice for families. There are two pools and a splash zone for frolicking in the water and sunshine, plus a playground. The apartments are bright, spacious and come with walk-in showers, kitchens, and balconies or terraces. If you don’t want to cook, there’s a buffet restaurant onsite serving breakfast and dinner, plus a poolside snack bar for refreshing smoothies.

Address: C. Anzuelo, 56, 35510 Las Palmas, Spain

Read more: Discover the lesser-known side of Tenerife where beers are €2.50 and landscapes appear straight out of a movie

9. Hipotels Natura Palace – Adults Only hotel

Playa Blanca

One for the adults, the Natura Palace sits waterfront in Playa Blanca in the south of the island with views over to neighbouring Fuerteventura and the Isla de Lobos. There are a mix of rooms, suites and villas to choose from; all are comfortable and modern and come with complimentary orange juice, fruit and water. There’s both a buffet and an à la carte restaurant that specialises in Canarian cuisine. You’ll also find a gym if you’re keen to maintain your fitness regime – or you can make the most of a long Playa Blanca promenade that stretches nine kilometres from the lighthouse to the marina.

Address: Calle Lanzarote, 9, 35580 Playa Blanca, Las Palmas, Spain

Read more: How to afford a family city break in one of Europe’s biggest tourism destinations

10. Sands Beach Resort hotel

Costa Teguise

Set out like a village with six different areas, the Sands Beach Resort has its own private beach, access to the public beach and several swimming pools, meaning whichever apartment you’re staying in, you’ll never be far from a swim. The mix of studios and apartments comes with full kitchens and private terraces to make the most of the al fresco lifestyle. You can play of game of tennis on the onsite court and children have access to a playground and kids’ club Buddy’s.

Address: Av. de las Islas Canarias, 18, 35508 Costa Teguise, Las Palmas, Spain

Read more: 11 best cities to visit in Spain: Where to stay and what to do in each one

Why trust us

The hotels featured in this list have been carefully selected by The Independent’s expert Canary Islands travel writer, Ross Clarke, who used to live in Gran Canaria and has been travelling to the Canary Islands for many years. Ross holds a WSET Level 2 Award in Wines and writes about food and wine for several publications, ensuring a personal and informed perspective. When selecting which hotels to include, Ross considered his own experience staying in the hotels and evaluated location, facilities, service and all the other details that make for an exceptional stay for all types of traveller.

Read more: 10 best family hotels in Tenerife

FAQs

What currency do I need?

The official currency in Lanzarote – and across all of Spain, including the Canary Islands – is the Euro (€).

How much should I budget per day?

Compared with other European holiday destinations, Lanzarote is a relatively affordable destination. Eating out is reasonably low-cost, particularly in establishments frequented by locals away from busy tourist hubs serving tapas and seafood. Public buses are reliable and inexpensive, while car hire costs between £20-35 a day. Plus, many of Lanzarote’s loveliest attractions, including beaches, volcanoes and scenic hiking routes, are all free. Travellers on a budget can expect to spend between £50-70 per day, including accommodation, while mid-range travellers can exist on a daily budget of around £80-150 (including accommodation).

When’s the cheapest time of year to visit Lanzarote?

The cheapest time to visit Lanzarote is during the low season, which falls between April and June and September and early December. At these times, visitors can expect to find lower flight prices, cheaper accommodation and fewer tourists. Temperatures also remain steady, too: travellers can expect an average daily temperature of 20C–23C throughout April, May and June, while September, October and November bring averages of between 21C–25C. Times to avoid for holidaymakers seeking a bargain include school holidays and February half-term.

Best free things to do in Lanzarote

Lanzarote is crammed with natural beauty and attractions, many of which are free to enjoy. Beaches are arguably one of the islands’ main attractions, from the crystal-clear waters of Playa Papagayo, to the sunsets and surf vibes of Playa de Famara. Take a hike and be wowed by the volcanic craters of Volcán El Cuervo or Caldera Blanca, or soak up the rugged scenery on a stroll along the cliffs of Risco de Famara. Browse local markets at Teguise Sunday market for handmade goods and music, or head to Haría’s artisan market every Saturday. Explore the volcanic landscapes of Los Hervideros and La Geria, or watch the sun set over La Graciosa island from the road at Mirador del Río.

How to get the best deal on flights and accommodation

Lanzarote is a popular package holiday destination, offering affordable deals from most major travel companies, including Tui, Jet2holidays, and easyJet Holidays. If you’re looking for a ‘fly-and-flop’ getaway with all-inclusive catering and everything you need in one resort, this is often the most affordable way to book. Booking last-minute or taking advantage of monthly flash sales can save you upwards of £400 at times.

That said, if you plan on venturing outside of your hotel, you may find it cheaper to book your hotel and flights separately. Booking platforms like Hotels.com, Booking.com and Expedia are great for comparing prices of larger hotel chains, alongside small independent businesses and you can often find promo codes for extra money off. If you prefer booking everything on a single platform, Expedia offers a dedicated flights section. Plus, The Independent readers can enjoy an exclusive six per cent discount on hotel bookings.

Read more: 7 of the best beaches in Lanzarote