Hotel Playasol The New Algarb

Hotel Playasol The New Hotel Algarb went through a much-needed full renovation in 2015, giving a modern look to the hotel's tired spaces. Warm tones and dated furniture were replaced with stylish bright-white couches, walls, and tile floors, while popping turquoise accents and contemporary natural wood slatted panels give it a contemporary edge. The redesigned pool area has updated tiling and loungers around the pool, plus an added hammock and lounge bed area in place of a playground. The new vibe is reminiscent of some of Europe's chic hostels, and it's wide variety of on-site features make it an outstanding bang-for-your-buck pick.  

The crowd here is some of the most mixed we've seen in this area, consisting of Europeans and Americans that range from families with younger kids and senior citizens, to groups of 18 year olds. The thin walls, low price, and location make this a spot for partiers, so those looking to get some shut-eye in high season should look elsewhere. 

This hotel is in a prime spot for club-goers looking to be in Ibiza's party-heavy Playa d'en Bossa area. The New Algarb is wedged right between Pere Matutes Noguera Avenue and the golden-sand beach of Playa d'en Bossa. Visitors don't need a car as there's easy access to cabs and nearly everything, from small markets to bowling, are all within walking distance. There's also a nifty ATM machine across the street where you can buy club tickets, if not from one of the many vendors on the street, or the hotel itself. 

• Seven-minute drive to Ibiza Airport
• 10-minute drive to Talamanca 
• 11-minute drive to Es Cavallet Beach
• 12-minute drive to Port of Ibiza
• 16-minute drive to Dalt Vila
• 17-minute drive to Santa Eulalia
• 23-minute drive to San Antonio 

Details like rusted towel racks, dated AC controls, and archaic metal safes linger from the rooms’ former dated glory, but overall, the 406 rooms pull off a modern (if basic) look thanks to the whiteout of IKEA-style box furniture, tile flooring, bed linens, and walls. Expect some scuffs and firm but comfortable beds with turquoise accents, individual bedside lights and charging sockets, and small flat-screen TVs with minimal English channels. All rooms come with individually controlled AC, mini-fridges, and furnished balconies, but the walls are so thin that you can hear your neighbor cough. 

Standard rooms come as doubles or singles that can sleep up to three (these are a tight squeeze). They have spacious bathrooms with bidets, hairdryers, and shower/tub combos that sport upgraded handheld showerheads and basic toiletries. Suites are much more spacious, featuring walk-in showers and rainfall showerheads, sea views, king-sized beds, and sitting areas. 

A variety of meal plan options are available, ranging from bed-and-breakfast to all-inclusive plus. For those on the all-inclusive, half-board, and all-inclusive plus plans, a steady flow of snacks, including poolside fare like nachos, pastries, and pizza, are available throughout the day, and three meals served buffet-style in the  restaurant. Meals are also available at a flat rate for a la carte guests. All-inclusive plus guests receive an upgraded selection of snacks that include hamburgers and sandwiches, as well as international brands of booze. Meal plans are denoted by the color of (or lack of) wristband, and staff watch the food like a hawk. Buffet meals are surprisingly varied, though basic in their offerings, which usually include live cooking stations, a large bread selection, and even themed nights. 

There are also 24-hour vending machines with pricey snacks, condoms, sandwiches, and soft drinks in the lobby. 

All-inclusive guests can grab drinks from three of the hotel's four bars: Tokio Bar, pool bar, and restaurant bar (which we never saw open). Drinks from the QIUB Pool-Beach Club are not included in either drink package. Expect a variety of cocktails, frozen popsicle cocktails, sangria and wine on tap, and beer (including gluten-free beer). Guests not on the all-inclusive packages have to purchase per drink in cash at the bar. 

Playa d’en Bossa is known for its long, wide stretch of golden sand and The New Algarb rubs right up against it. Guests have direct beach access down a few steps from the pool area. While the beach is public, the hotel has its own private QIUB Pool Beach Club with a dedicated bar, Bali beds that face the sea, hammocks, and lounge areas that overlook the sea. Bali beds cost a flat rate per day and include a bottle of champagne or prosecco, while the other seating areas require a drink or food purchase from the bar. 

During the day, the hotel’s beachside pool area is queen. While we found the pool itself to be small for the overall size of the hotel, there are plenty of different spaces where guests can lounge in the sun or shade. The light-blue canvas loungers on gray tiles surrounding the pool tend to all get claimed by midday (and people tend to stay put). A little back from the pool, there’s a courtyard with a few hammocks and  white wooden loungers that are filled on a rolling basis. Table and chair seating is on the terrace overlooking the pool and down at the shaded poolside snack bar. Upbeat music plays lightly most of the day until the late afternoon when a DJ starts spinning live on the small poolside stage and people get poolside tent massages. Once the sun starts to lose intensity (and the all-inclusive perks kick in), loungers are abandoned in favor of seats by the bars.  

A lifeguard is on duty nearby. 

Where many hotels might stop at a pool and beach club, The New Algarb packs a punch when it comes to entertainment options for its guests. In addition to the stage and DJ booth out by the pool, there’s another stage behind the lobby with a semi-circle set of cushioned seats where guests can watch nightly magic, music, or performance shows until early October. Behind the stage, there are a pool table and electronic slot machines. Opposite the stage, there’s a massive flat-screen TV and several rows of white-vinyl leather couches set up for movie screenings, plus two separate pay-to-play gaming stations. 

At the hotel’s entrance, there are two shops: one selling clothes and the other selling souvenirs. Concierge staff can help book club tickets and tours, rent cars, and give general tips. 

While the website may mention free parking, it’s only partially true. There’s free public parking in a lot adjacent to the hotel, but be warned that there’s no security and space can get tight. Other features include free Wi-Fi throughout, a mail drop box, electronic luggage scale, and laundry service. This is a non-smoking hotel offering cribs on request.