Ibiza offers an enormous range of hotels from those close to clubs and better for nightlife, to family-friendly resorts to rural idylls. Here we give you a guide on what to consider and where to go on the island. Ibiza Spotlight has selected the best hotels and apartments on Ibiza, so do take a look.
Who are you?
Your needs are going to be based first on who is actually going on your holiday. Are you going just with your partner; are you a newlywed couple; are you a family with small or teenage children or both; are you a small or large group of friends? Identify places that match that fit your own needs.
What matters most to you?
The next stage is to identify what it is you actually want out of the holiday. If you want an escape from everything, better to be away from the noise, possibly in the country or a quieter town. If you want to be pampered, consider a hotel with an onsite spa. If clubbing is your priority, then you might want to save money for that and get cheaper accommodation. Plus, do you want to be fed all day or have more control over your mealtimes – this will narrow things down a lot.
Making your decision
Decide on a price range before you look based on what you want. The star ratings and price are not the main markers you should consider though as they don't necessarily indicate how well appointed the rooms are or the value they offer. Check out all the facilities then take a look at the pictures and read reviews from other people - these can be gold to help you match what you want. Each place is different; there are lots of variants, so do your research.
What type of hotel?
Casa Munich, Las Salinas
You can opt for a hotel room or choose an apartment complex with a kitchenette and lounge that offers hotel facilities. Look closely at each hotel's amenities, such as a pool, an outside area for relaxing or sunbathing, or a gym. Is it important that there is a selection of bars and restaurants in the complex or nearby? Don't limit yourself to just large hotels as they come in all shapes, sizes and prices. Here are the main types:
FERGUS Style Bahamas, Playa d'en Bossa
All-inclusive: an easy option that means that all your meals and drinks are included so you don't have to keep working out what you are spending. It's good to go and discover other places on Ibiza around you including the odd restaurant, so you get more variety and see what else the island has to offer. This a top choice for families, not least because you don't have to keep giving your kids pocket money.
Marsol Apartments, Santa Eulalia
Self-catering apartments: A great option if you want to have more control over when you eat or what, e.g. for people with special dietary requirements. It is often cheaper than a hotel and shopping in a supermarket will save you cash. Better to hire a car if you go for this option, as you are more likely to want to move around more.
Mikasa boutique Hotel, Marina Botafoc
Smaller hotels (e.g. bed and breakfast): Great if you want quiet time and more personal service. A small hotel means you'll be more likely to speak to other guests and the hotel owners are more on hand to give you insightful tips on what to do or where to go.
Pacha Hotel, Talamanca
Luxury hotels: The place to be pampered and to do little. You'll get amazing room service or a limo service with a private driver to take you to Pacha or Hï Ibiza. You could opt to stay somewhere cheaper for part of the holiday and then spend a couple of nights in say Ushuaia combining clubbing with some luxury. Book early in all cases and look out for mid-week deals where the most bargains are to be had.
Can Pujolet, Santa Inés
Country hotels: Often the choice of the professional traveller who wants a bit of nature, culture and tranquility. It also means you get the ability to dip in and out of all kinds of activities plus the odd night out. Agroturismos offer lots of local produce and are good choices for the more eco-conscious consumer. In all cases hire a car to get about to shops and nearby beaches.
Where to go
Playa d'en Bossa: THE most popular resort on Ibiza and its great for clubbers though it also has family-orientated hotels located at the far end of the beach. Very buzzy in summer, you'll find a wide range of accommodation and restaurants.
San Antonio: Something for everyone with mainly a younger crowd, San An is generally cheaper for accommodation and eating and drinking. There's the spectacular bay for paragliding or water sports, the top drawer café/bars of the Sunset Strip and its long wide promenade.
Santa Eulalia: Mainly for couples and families, this cosmopolitan town has pretty beaches and an open marina. It's the gastronomic heart of Ibiza and is an all-year-round location. You are also close to the beautiful coves around the island's north east.
Ibiza Town: More city than small town, there's always something going on here day and night. There are lots of shops and boutiques, though no actual beaches, though Figueretas, Talamanca are both within easy reach so you could opt to stay in one of them combine nearby city with beachside restaurants and cafes. Figueretas even has its own mini gay scene.
Small resorts: If you are a family, small resorts like Es Cana, Cala Llonga, Portinatx or Cala Vadella will be the perfect fit for you. All these places are pretty and safe to walk around and offer water sports. There's no clubbing within these places, but the restaurants and bars are numerous and transport is easy to sort out.
If you follow these basic principles, you won't go far wrong in finding a place that's just right for you and the people you are with. Buena suerte!
Make sure you take a look at our hotels and apartments pages for an up-to-date set of accommodation available now.
WORDS: Julian Heathcote
