Hotel Ibiza Playa

Although dating back to the mid-sixties, the whitewashed modernist facade of the Hotel Ibiza Playa looks as fresh as it might have when it opened. Stepping inside, however, there's still some evidence of the hotel's era of origin, with swathes of brown marble and yellow terrazzo flooring dating the interiors. Up-to-date, office-like furniture and modern art do little to create a more contemporary vibe. The result is humble and simple, though everything is kept spotlessly clean, and the atmosphere is relaxed and generally quiet throughout. Though it has little outdoor space of its own, the hotel shares a sun terrace and swimming pool with the apartment complex just next door. Clientele tend to be slightly older couples and the property doesn't get much in the way of the twentysomething party crowd. 

The hotel is located directly overlooking the yellow sands of Figuretas Beach in the quieter -- though far from boring -- neighborhood between Ibiza town and Playa d'en Bossa. The seafront promenade is lined with palm trees as well as plenty of decent restaurants and bars, and those needing supplies can find a Lidl supermarket a five-minute walk away. Ibiza's clubbing district, Playa d'en Bossa, is a five- to 10-minute cab ride away, and Ibiza Airport will take 15 minutes to reach by car. The ferry port that connects Ibiza to the islands of Majorca and Formentera -- as well as to mainland Spain -- is around 10 minute away by road.

The hotel has 157 rooms, all of which are simply decorated with white walls, tile floors, and basic light-wood furniture. While clean, they look spartan -- there's almost no art on the walls save in most rooms' entryways -- and some of the nightstands and other furniture showed signs of wear when we visited. The look, at least, isn't as dated as many other lower-middle-range and mid-range hotels on Ibiza -- you won't see any lime green bedspreads here. Most sea-facing rooms open to balconies with plastic seating and lovely views over the Mediterranean and out to Formentera Island, though those at the back of the hotel just overlook other apartments and unattractive rooftops. Amenities are basic, with air-conditioning, safes, and small flat-screen TVs (featuring limited British channels), but no minibar or electric kettles. Bathrooms are old-fashioned -- some are in need of a refresh -- with older wall-mounted hairdryers, shower/tub combos, and a simple selection of toiletries. Some guests have complained that walls are on the thin side. Wi-Fi is available in rooms for a fee, though some lower-level rooms can access the lobby's free connection.

As a humble hotel that's meant to be a value near the beaches of Ibiza, it's not surprising that there are a limited number of features on hand here. A decent buffet breakfast of hot and cold items is served for a fee in the hotel's restaurant, which opens to a covered terrace with sea views. Lunch and dinner are also provided as buffets, and food is generally well received. There's also a TV lounge and bar area, though some find the four TVs noisy and intrusive. The hotel has no pool of its own, but guests have access to one in the neighboring apartment complex. It's not very big, but is long enough for a few laps and features sea views. There is also a game room with table tennis and video games. Free Wi-Fi is only available in the hotel's lobby. Garage parking is available for a fee as well, and small pets are allowed.