Palladium Hotel Don Carlos

Tucked away in an oceanfront plot of land in quiet Siesta area, Palladium Hotel Don Carlos offers a hassle-free, relaxing stay for couples and groups of friends. It may not be quite as luxurious as its 4.5-star rating suggests, but the property (formerly the Fiesta Hotel Don Carlos) underwent renovations in 2014 and now feels fresh and updated for the most part. 

Decor is contemporary if a little generic throughout, with a mix of gray tones and purple accents in both common spaces and rooms. The lobby is bright and spacious, with large windows overlooking the grounds, and several seating areas. The dark terrazzo floors are a little old-fashioned, but the colorful furniture and modern touches -- such as low-hanging lamps lighting up a small area with a purple rug and several green and gray ottomans -- have added some style. The front desk’s back wall has black wallpaper with an abstract, futuristic pattern that continues into the a la carte restaurant and business center.

The hotel is located in Siesta, a quiet residential neighborhood directly south of Santa Eulalia. There are hotels and private homes nearby, but few bars and restaurants in the immediate vicinity. However, central Santa Eulalia, which is home to an array of dining and drinking options, is just a short stroll away. The Palladium is near a small sandy beach, but it gets seaweed sometimes, and some may not find it pleasant. Still, Santa Eulalia’s main beach can be reached on foot in about ten to 15 minutes, and there are a couple of other stretches of sand a little farther north. Ibiza Town can be reached by car in 20 minutes, and party areas such as Playa d’en Bossa and Sant Antoni de Portmany are a 25- to 30-minute drive away. The drive to the airport takes about 25 minutes.

Decorated with pops of purple and dark brown, the Palladium’s 168 units come in a variety of room types, including Standard, Master Suites, and Preferencial. Blonde wood furniture and purple bed runners make Standard Rooms a little generic, but black-and-white photos with serene local scenes add some style. Suites are a little bit more stylish, with dark brown and white furniture, small separate living areas with sofa beds and brown rugs, and deep soaking tubs. 

All bathrooms were gutted in the 2014 renovations, and are now modern and appealing, with large walk-in hydromassage showers, wall tiling in earth tones, and rectangular sinks on white counters. Suites have open bathrooms with separate cabins for the toilets and showers, and Preferencial Suites feature large terraces with loungers and double whirlpools. Flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, air-conditioning, and iPod docks are standard amenities in all room types. Free Wi-Fi is available in common spaces, but there is a fee for in-room Internet access. 

The hotel’s main restaurant serves a varied buffet with fresh veggies, pasta, meat, fish, and an array of desserts for all three meals. Additionally, the all-inclusive rate includes one meal per stay at the a la carte restaurant, serving up Mediterranean cuisine in a modern space with stylish black decor and lime and salmon accents. For lighter meals, the poolside snack bar offers ice cream, burgers, and drinks. The pool is not huge but large enough for a relaxing dip or a few laps, and there are daily fitness and sports activities in or around the pool. The most common complaints here are that there aren’t enough umbrellas on the deck, and that the "no lounger reservation" policy is not enforced. Although there is no full spa at the Palladium, there is a small tent by the pool where guests can get manicures and pedicures for a fee. With up-to-date cardio and strength-training machines, a large window on one side, and free towel service, the fitness center is a pleasant spot for a workout. Airport transfer service is available for a fee.