The Sandos Papagayo Beach Resort is impressive even from the outside, with its long circular driveway and stately marble columns. The lobby also doesn't disappoint, with cathedral-height ceilings, huge windows, and lush green plants. There are several small seating areas with tables and chairs both indoors and out, though the outdoor seating has the benefit of spectacular water views. Grounds and buildings are so expansive that past guests report getting lost. The hotel is a popular choice for families and groups, largely because of its convenient all-inclusive pricing and non-stop activities.

Located right on Las Coloradas Beach in a town called Yaiza, the Sandos Papagayo Beach Resort has direct access to the rocky shore. It's a 20-minute stroll along a wide and well-lit walkway to the marina and an additional 15 minutes on foot to Playa Blanca. The hotel does provide a free shuttle four times a day to the beach. Timanfaya National Park takes about 20 minutes to reach by car and the Arrecife Airport is a 25-minute drive away. Parking at the resort is free. 

This mega-resort of 488 rooms ranges from Standard Rooms to Family Suites that sleep up to five adults. Sea-facing rooms have spectacular views of the water. Sleeping sofas, separate sitting areas, and terraces come standard and amenities such as hydrotherapy tubs are available in the higher-end suites. Each room has satellite TV and air-conditioning, and safes and mini-fridges are available to rent. Room decor in unrenovated rooms is dated, with blonde-wood furniture and thin brown covers on the beds. Flat-screen TVs sit on desks instead of hanging on the walls, which reduces desk space to almost nothing. Superior and Royal Elite rooms, renovated in May 2016, have a much more contemporary look, with attractive wooden floors, padded pincushion headboards, and more modern furniture. TVs still sit on desks, however. Bathrooms have separate showers and bathtubs or shower/tub combinations, and come with hairdryers.

This Sandos Papagayo Beach Resort has three outdoor pools, several restaurants, and five bars. Food options include a buffet restaurant, a pizzeria, and an Asian, Mexican and French restaurant. There's also a spa with treatment rooms, a hot tub, and a sauna. The on-site gym is bright and spacious, with a variety of cardio and weight machines. The resort has nightly entertainment as well as daily activities for kids and adults, including a sports complex with tennis and basketball courts, miniature golf, and a kids' club with a playground and lots of toys and activities. Expect to pay for Wi-Fi.