Why We Love H10 Playa Esmeralda (Hotel & Privilege Review)
Wondering if H10 Playa Esmeralda is a good place to stay in Fuerteventura?
Well, you have arrived at the right place – because we’ve been to this hotel 4 TIMES now (& heading back again in December ’24), & it’s just one of our favourite places to stay.
We first went in 2019, & what has kept us going back is the chilled-out feel of the hotel, friendly staff, the quiet location & just how happy we feel when we’re there!
Since we’ve been so many times & adore this place, we thought we may as well share with you our H10 Playa Esmeralda review, experience & what you can expect.
We usually stay on an All-Inclusive Board Basis, & book a Privilege Room through the H10 Official Website – so bear in mind some of our review will be focused on this package & room type!
But we honestly think the hotel is perfect for couples, friends or solo travellers who are looking for a chilled-out vacation, enjoy sunrise walks or who want a great base to explore the island.
So without further ado here’s our (pretty lengthy) H10 Playa Esmeralda review for you! 馃檪
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a booking through one of these links, we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. thank you 鈾ワ笌
Our H10 Playa Esmeralda Review 馃尨
H10 Playa Esmeralda : The Location
H10 Playa Esmeralda is a 4* Adult’s Only Hotel in Costa Calma, a beachy resort located in the south of Fuerteventura.
If you are driving in a rental car, it will take about 1 hour to reach the hotel from the airport in Puerto del Rosario. The drive is fairly straightforward (there’s a few roundabouts) & it’s very scenic!
The hotel itself sits at the end of a road of a row of hotels, & is pretty much right on the beachfront. There are some gorgeous white sandy beaches to enjoy within walking distance – do note that some of them do allow nudity, so don’t be alarmed lol!
You can walk into the main town of Costa Calma along most of the promenade or walk on the road at the front of the hotel. It’s about a 20-30 minute walk or a 3 minute drive to the centre.
H10 Playa Esmeralda: The Hotel
The hotel is pretty gorgeous on the outside, as well as the inside. The d茅cor was one of things that attracted us to the hotel – especially the cactuses & palm trees everywhere! The whole hotel has a really summery feel to it!
The lobby is light, bright & airy – as are most of the main common areas throughout the hotel. There are plenty of places to sit, one of our favourite areas being the bar in the lobby & it’s spectacular outdoor terrace.
There are different rooms you can book at the hotel from a standard double, rooms with sea views, suites or privilege rooms. All will have air-conditioning, hairdryers & a terrace/balcony. It will just depend on your preferences & budget!
H10 Playa Esmeralda : The Amenities
Outdoor Pool
There are two outdoor pools – a large main pool & a small pool to the side if you just fancy dipping your toes in!
We go in December usually, so we find there are plenty of sunbeds free – but not sure what it’s like during the busier months. We aren’t huge sunbathers ourselves anyway, we enjoy finding a seat on the upstairs terrace instead!
Despacio Spa Centre
There’s a lovely spa at the hotel which offers beauty treatments & various wellness packages. In the spa you will also find a sauna, steam room, hot tub & indoor heated pool! We personally haven’t availed of any services in the spa but it’s definitely on our list for next time!
Free Parking
There are 3 places to park at the hotel, all of which are free! You can park right on the main road in front of the hotel, in the car park to the right & there’s another car park down towards the beachfront too.
Free Wi-Fi
Where would we be without free-wifi lol?! You get the code & sign-in details when you check-in to your room at the desk. From memory it’s pretty good connection.
Gym
If you like to stay active on vacation there is a really well-equipped gym in the Despacio Spa. It has plenty of weight training equipment & a couple of cardio machines. We usually find exploring & walking is enough for us lol but we did use it once & it was really great – do bring a towel as it can get hot!
Shop
There’s a small shop inside the hotel, next to Mike’s Coffee & the Privilege Lounge. It sells all the usual snacks, chocolates, sweeties plus cigarettes, soft drinks & souvenirs! (There’s a SuperDino supermarket about 14 minutes away if you want more selection!)
H10 Playa Esmeralda : The Activities
We will be very honest & say we aren’t ones for joining in on activities on vacation – mainly because we are out & about all day exploring lol! So when we are back at the hotel we prefer to chill & relax.
However if you do enjoy partaking in activities they do have a team who take guests through activities such as yoga, water aerobics, tai chi, chess etc, & it looks really fun.
In the evening there is usually music or live performances in the main Blue Bar & the Maxatora Snack Bar. (They used to have a main performance room but I think they’ve replaced it with the Pizza Restaurant!)
There’s also a tennis court & a mini golf course on the hotel grounds. (You do have to pay for access to these.)
H10 Playa Esmeralda: Bars & Restaurants
You can choose to do Bed & Breakfast, Half-Board or All-Inclusive at the hotel – depending obviously on your budget & your preferences.
We have always went all-inclusive. Initially we were hesitant as we had never been all-inclusive before, but we do think it’s worth it here. We are usually out & about in the car exploring, so it’s nice to be able to have breakfast, then come back & go straight for something to eat – instead of having to find somewhere for lunch or leave the hotel at night & walk to Costa Calma for dinner.
The food in the buffet is lovely & we find there’s a great selection. Even though we aren’t big drinkers, even having a few drinks/coffees each day adds up – so doing all-inclusive is worth it for us.
Here’s a wee peek at the different bars & restaurants in the hotel:
Blue Bar
This gorgeous bar is just as you enter the hotel lobby. It has plenty of seating, it’s spacious & has summery d茅cor that you’ll definitely want to Instagram. You can take your drink onto the outside terrace, & relax yourself whilst taking in some breath taking views over the sea.
There are plenty of lovely cocktails, spirits or beers to choose from on the menu as well as coffee options!
I personally recommend the Mojitos – they are so fresh!
Jandia Restaurant
This is the main buffet restaurant. We personally think the food is really nice & great quality, we’ve never went hungry that’s for sure!
There’s a good selection for everyone depending on your preferences. In the morning you can pour your own coffee & there’s a bakery if you want something sweet. At lunch & in the evenings the staff will bring your drinks to your table which is super & they are so friendly!
We usually sit inside if it’s hot, but if you like eating in the sunshine, you can enjoy your meal outside on the terrace & enjoy the views.
TIP: At lunchtime instead of getting a burger in at the pool bar, head up to Jandia & get the chef to cook one in front of you – Andrew said it’s much tastier!
Mike’s Coffee
If you love a coffee like us, or a tasty pastry – you’ll love Mike’s Coffee! This is such a great addition to the hotel. There is a seating area inside, or it has it’s own small terrace where you can watch the world go by poolside.
If you go All-Inclusive everything here is included.
Maxatora Snack Bar
This is the pool bar, which serves mostly snacks, lunch items & drinks! Think burgers, sandwiches, fries etc. You can grab a drink from here too & take it to your sun lounger. (We personally prefer the Jandia Resturant for lunch!)
They often do BBQ’s here & sangria making demonstrations!
Stromboli Pizzeria Restaurant
Okay, we are so excited because there is now ANOTHER restaurant in the hotel – Stromboli Pizzeria! Unfortunately we haven’t got to try it out yet as it opened after we left, but are huge pizza fans so we are really excited to try it out for dinner next time we visit.
H10 Playa Esmeralda Privilege Review
At every H10 hotel there is the option of choosing the Privilege Package which means you will get an exclusive Privilege room, & access to different services.
What is included will vary from hotel to hotel so do be mindful of that.
The first time we went, we thought we would book the Privilege Package as a treat, as it was our first proper time away at a fancy hotel – and now we’ve spoilt ourselves with it that we have to choose that option every time lol.
Is Privilege worth it at this H10? We personally think Privilege IS worth it at H10 Playa Esmeralda – this is in contrast to another H10 hotel which we didn’t really feel it was worth it.
Our Privilege Room At H10 Playa Esmeralda
The Privilege Rooms are located away from the main hotel, closer to the seafront. There are ground floor rooms or upper level rooms – & we recommend when booking to request which you prefer. If you want a better sunrise view – try getting an upper floor room!
On one occasion we had a ground floor room next to the back gate (accessing the beach) & it didn’t feel overly private when we went out onto the terrace. So I just went up to reception right away & requested to move to the upper floor instead. We had to stay in that room one night but they moved us the next day & our new room was much better!
In the Privilege rooms themselves you will have a few extras that you won’t find in a standard room. They are slightly more spacious, have bigger beds & a large furnished outdoor terrace.
Our fave thing about these rooms has to be the complimentary Nespresso machine & coffees! We love getting up to watch the sunrise so it’s nice to be able to make an espresso in the morning in your room & then sit on the balcony.
The minibar in the room is also included, & there’s usually bottles of water in there (still & sparkling), a couple of beers & soft drinks.
The coffees get filled up every day by the lovely staff who come round to clean your room, then usually later on someone comes round to see if you need anything in your minibar.
We always find it’s handy to have some bottles of water in the fridge!
Privilege Sun Terrace & Private Lounge At H10 Playa Esmeralda
Probably the best thing for us about Privilege is that you get access to the Privilege Lounge (which is right next to the El Jable Restaurant) & also a roped off outdoor terrace next to the pool area.
To access the Privilege Lounge (usually open 9am-9pm), all you need to do is scan your room key. In the lounge you’ll find a small range of alcoholic drinks & soft drinks to choose from, as well as water bottles. There’s also a Nespresso machine if you fancy a coffee & usually some small snacks, pastries & sandwiches if you are peckish.
We normally pour ourselves a drink, grab a plate of snacks & take it out onto the Privilege Terrace, which really close to the lounge, out the double doors to the left. It is a roped off area, just in front & to the side of the El Jable Restaurant. It overlooks the main pool area.
It’s perfect for us as we aren’t really ones for sunbathing all day & it just gives us another option of somewhere to sit where we can enjoy the shade & the poolside atmosphere. There are seats with tables, then some sun loungers down the side of the area so you can still sunbathe in this terrace if you like!
Privilege Restaurant at H10 Playa Esmeralda
If you have the Privilege Package, you can enjoy the perk of having a la carte breakfasts & dinners at the El Jable Restaurant. Just make sure you book your dinner in advance. (They will usually ask each night when you leave if you want to rebook for the next evening which is very handy.)
There are some really tasty dishes on the menu, & we find it a nice change from the buffet. Plus it gives us an excuse to get a bit more dressed up!
We also love the breakfast here too as it’s cooked fresh for you & there are plenty of great options!
Cons Of H10 Playa Esmeralda, Fuerteventura
You might be wondering why we are even writing this section as we’ve been to this hotel 4 times & we obviously rate it very highly at 5/5.
However we understand it may not be the hotel for everyone – so here are a few things that we think *may* make this hotel less suitable for some.
- It’s not child-friendly – H10 Playa Esmeralda is Adult’s Only, therefore not suitable for children. The great thing is, the H10 Tindaya is pretty much right next door – it’s a family friendly hotel & also looks pretty good!
- It’s not a lively 18-30 hotel. If you are looking for a hotel with lots of young people & everyone dressed up like influencers – this isn’t going to be the place for you lol. We’re in our mid-30s & honestly every time we go we are one of the youngest couples there. There’s a lot of older couples & retirees at this hotel, which suits us perfectly as the atmosphere is much more relaxed & that’s what we want. There are plenty of activities & entertainment but if you prefer a busier, livelier hotel this may not be the place for you.
- It’s more remote than other hotels. Whilst not completely remote, it does take about 20-30mins to walk into Costa Calma itself. There are still things happening in the town but it’s not going to be as lively as the likes of Corralejo & it doesn’t have as many shops or restaurants. We recommend hiring a car if you want explore the wider area around the hotel.
FAQ: H10 Playa Esmeralda 馃尀
Is H10 Playa Esmeralda An Adults Only Hotel?
Yes, the hotel is just for adults & you must be 18 or over to stay there.
Does H10 Playa Esmeralda Have A Pool?
Yes! H10 Playa Esmeralda has an amazing pool area. There is one large main pool which has a small walkway across it, & a smaller pool.
How Far Is H10 Playa Esmeralda From The Airport?
H10 Playa Esmeralda is approx 66kms from the airport in Puerto Del Rosario. It usually takes us around 1 hour to arrive at the hotel in our rental car.
How Many Rooms Are There At H10 Playa Esmeralda?
There are 333 rooms at H10 Playa Esmeralda. These include Standard Rooms, Superior Rooms, Junior-Suites, Privilege Rooms, Sea-View Rooms etc.
Is There Free Parking At H10 Playa Esmeralda?
Yes there are 3 places you can park at the hotel. There is on-street parking on the road in front of the hotel. There is also a car park beside the hotel.
If you go into that car park & drive down the side of the hotel, you’ll find another car park just beside the walkway to the beach! We find this the handiest parking when we are staying in a Privilege Room down near the beach front as you can enter the hotel from the beach gates.
Can You Do Self-Catering At H10 Playa Esmeralda?
No, this isn’t an option at the hotel as there are no self-catering facilities in the rooms. You can choose between bed & breakfast, half board & all-inclusive – depending on your budget & whether or not you prefer to eat out more.
Is There A Spa or Gym At H10 Playa Esmeralda?
Yes the hotel does have a spa & a gym. You’ll find the Despacio Spa Centre on the ground floor of the main hotel. You can pay for various beauty & spa-type services here or use the steam room, sauna or indoor heated pool. There is also a well-equipped gym that is open throughout the day. It has weights & cardio machines!
Is There Free Wi-Fi At H10 Playa Esmeralda?
Yes there is free wi-fi throughout the hotel. You will receive a password when you check-in to your room at reception!
What’s The Best Way To Get To H10 Playa Esmeralda?
We think the best way to get to the hotel is by car. We usually hire a car & pick it up at the airport when we arrive. As mentioned above it takes around 1 hour to get to the hotel from the airport.
The other alternative is a transfer – but bear in mind it may take an hour or so longer as they need to drop everyone off at different hotels!
What Are The Best Places To Eat Near H10 Playa Esmeralda In Costa Calma?
We usually go all-inclusive at the hotel or we are out & about exploring the island, so unfortunately haven’t experienced much of Costa Calma’s restaurant scene!
However we did have a lovely coffee & lunch in Rapa Nui Surf bar one afternoon which we enjoyed so we recommend trying it out!
According to TripAdvisor the top 5 places to eat in Costa Calma are – Tasca Dos Jotas, L’Aperipizza, La Alacena34, El Bar de Marko y Moni & Dock Grill Rock.
Things To Do Near H10 Playa Esmeralda
If you want to explore the areas around the hotel or Fuerteventura itself, we do recommend hiring a car, as it’s the easiest way to get around.
Of course there is always the option of getting a bus or taxi too, but we find the car gives us bit more freedom!
Here are just a few things to do near the hotel:
- Take a sunrise dip at Playa Esmeralda Beach
- Walk along the seafront promenade into Costa Calma
- Check out the Mirador Atlantico Viewpoint
- Try kitesurfing at Playa de Sotavento
- Catch a sunset over at La Pared (20 min drive)
If you want to explore further afield, then check out our blog post on our favourite things to do in Fuerteventura including viewpoints & towns you must see when you visit! You can also book tours through & activities through GetYourGuide.com!
Recap: H10 Playa Esmeralda Review
If you want somewhere you can get away from it all, read your book by the pool in peace & totally relax – H10 Playa Esmeralda might just be the perfect place for you!
It’s a great hotel for couples who enjoy a bit of a quieter atmosphere than an 18-30 type hotel or who want to be away from the hustle & bustle of a busy resort like Corralejo.
It’s also a great base to explore Fuerteventura by rental car, especially around the middle & south of the island.
We are heading back in December & we look forward to drinking coffees on the outdoor terrace, catching a beautiful sunrise from our balcony, taking some nice walks along the beachfront promenade & of course ordering a mojito or two!
If you have any questions about the hotel or Fuerteventura itself, let us know in the comments & we will do our best to answer them 馃檪
Here are some posts on Fuerteventura you might find useful:
- 8 Really Cool Places To Eat & Drink In Fuerteventura
- 18 Interesting Things To See & Do In Fuerteventura
- Is It Worth Hiring A Car In Fuerteventura?
- Our H10 Ocean Dunas Review: Photos, Rooms & More!
- 6 Excellent Things To Do In Costa Calma, Fuerteventura
- 7 Best Things To Do In Corralejo, Fuerteventura
- Hotel Review: H10 Ocean Dreams, Corralejo
Save this post to your Fuerteventura inspo board on Pinterest! 馃搶
Hi, I just wanted to get in touch to say thank you so much for this brilliant review of H10 Playa Esmerelda. It is my 50th in November and I have been looking at going to fuerteventura with my husband. This hotel caught my eye a good few days ago and I have been reading trip advisor review but came across your blog and it immediately made us book there and then! I鈥檓 so looking forwards to spending my birthday there! Thank you once again, loved your blog. Take care x
Hi Gill! Oh my gosh thank you so much for this lovely comment! That is so great to hear that our review was helpful – we really hope you enjoy the hotel as much as we do! 馃檪 Happy 50th birthday for November & have a great time in Fuerteventura too! & thank you again for taking the time to write to us! Jane xx
Hi!
Thanks for the great, in depth review!
Considering a stay in March 2025. How is the beach? You mention the pool but not the beach. Is it private? Public? Are there lounge chairs?
Thanks for any info you can supply!
Hi Jo! Apologies, I took some time away from the blog so I’m only getting back to comments now! Thank you so much for having a read of our review! So the beach nearest to the hotel is public – it’s called Playa Esmeralda as well. You just walk out the back gates of the hotel & straight down the steps to it! From memory I believe there are sun loungers but I’m unsure if you have to pay for them. It’s a really lovely beach & there’s another section to it called Playa Esmeralda Norte which is huge! Again I apologise for not getting back to you sooner & thank you for your comment! 馃檪
Thank you so much for this review, we are heading to h10 esmeralda in 2 weeks and your review really helped… so excited!!! Also seen you are building a camper!! We have a motorhome and love it, would love to bring it over here though! Do you have a you tube channel? Would love to see your vlogs on here too! X
Hi Claire! Thank you so much for your comment! I really hope you have a lovely trip to Fuerteventura & that you get some good weather! Omg yes we would also love to bring our campervan to Fuerteventura too – we’re hoping to maybe go on a little Europe trip the end of this year! We have a Youtube channel but haven’t posted anything as yet lol – but definitely will when we get out travelling in the van a bit more! 馃檪
What a fantastic review.
I know you said quiet which is good but is there some music by the pool, and some evening entertainment which can enjoy and sing along too ? etc. Don’t want silence x thanks
Hi Leeann!
Apologies, I was away on holidays & just getting a chance to get back to comments on here now :)!
As far as I can remember by the pool area there was no music playing (I can’t think that I’ve ever noticed any!) however there’s definitely some different activities you can join in with so there’s a bit going on! We normally go in December so possibly in the summertime there could be music playing!
At night time they have entertainment up in the bar area, usually a singer or band – so there’s definitely a bit of atmosphere in the evenings!
I hope that helps a bit & thank you for having a read – honestly really appreciate it!
If you go to Fuerteventura I hope you have a great time!
Jane 馃檪