In Eivissa, accommodation can vary vastly. The luxury Ibiza Grand, Ocean Drive and Pacha Hotels are offset at the other end by tired, often poorly located or just bad value small hotels. What may seem a smaller price tag at the beginning can soon build up hefty additional costs which could have been avoided with a little forethought. You can avoid making some costly basic mistakes and have a better vacation if you take time out before booking and understand exactly what you want out of your trip to Ibiza.
Think about how much moving around you'll be doing, what type of holiday you're looking for and what balance you're looking for between budget control and sheer unadulterated pleasure!
Staying in Ibiza towns a breeze. If your plan is to beach in the day, party at night and take in the vibe of a town that has so many dimensions to it, then I'd suggest leaving the driving licence at home. Public transports makes getting around easy all day and night! There's always plenty of taxi's, regular buses to key beaches, markets or day trips locations and the ferries run like clockwork.
My top-tip here is to try and avoid the hotels in Figueretes just south of the old town and North of Platja d'en Bossa unless you really are just there for sunshine and a good view. What these hotels may offer regards pool facilities they lack regards central location. They may look close to the centre on a map but the winding road network in these parts means a stroll in to Eivissa is around 25 minutes and they are not served particularly well by the bus network. With so many lovely beaches on Ibiza, who needs a pool!!
So plant yourself in the heart of Eivissa, anywhere between the northern edge of the Marina and Dalt Vila, the beautiful UNESCO protected old town that rises out of the sea like a sandstorm on a flat dessert. Take this advice and you'll have everything you need within walking distance, including great connections to other parts of the island.
The trick now is to balance your budget and here's some super recommendations:
Don't discount luxury hotels: Sometimes, the devils in the detail. For example when you stay at El Pacha hotel (www.elhotelpacha.com/english/ ), not only are you staying in well located luxury, you're on the guest list for Pacha every night of your stay. Top nights such as Friday's All Gone
Pete Tong night charge around 60€ on the door. This starts to save you around 120€ for two people, gives you the convenience of beating the queues and at the end of the night is a five minutes walk back to your bed. With convenience and cost saving, its got to be worth a look, especially on some of the hotel websites such as www.hotelscombined.com where we grabbed a great deal on El Pacha at the beginning of June for just 232€ a night. Clean, secure basics at a budget price. Think sprawling non-twee guest-house run by friendly locals where you can check-in and check-out without the hassle of pompous hotel receptions in the heart of the town. Situated in a tree-lined square populated with vibrant tapas restaurants and free-wifi (see the sign's dotted around for the passcode) Vara de Rey Guest House (www.hibiza.com), has cornered the perfect location in Ibiza town and delvers all the basics at a nice price.
Run by Lia, a Dutch lady by origin who has spend 25 years living on the white isle and engrained in the culture with a knowledge that will always lead you to a full-moon party or a hidden café-bar. The rooms first and foremost are secure, clean and well-maintained. Beyond that, you pay for what you want, be it a room with a view or ensuite bathroom. The reception doubles up as an impromptue art gallery. Bookings can be made directly with the hotel.
Location, Location, Location. Finally, if you're looking to experience the romance of Eivissa, little cobbled alleyways and stunning views over the old town and out to sea, then a stay at the boutique El Corsario (www.elcorsario-ibiza.com) will give you all of this.
The small suite features a four poster king sized bed, sofa, bathroom and annex for a single second bed. But the best feature of El Corsario is the direction it faces and its height which dominates the Old Town skyline. Possibly a better location that the more expensive hotels in Dalt Vila such as the five star Hotel Mirador (www.hotelmiradoribiza.com). El Corsario's panoramic view stretches from the old town to the port and beyond. Looking down at dusk and you might enjoy one of the marching bands that parade through the winding streets during the height of the summer months........................
Look out for tomorrow's post which brings you some tips on how to make the most of beach-life in and around Eivissa.
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