HOTEL IBIZA PLAYA, Ibiza Town

The hotel sits directly on Figueretas beach, offering immediate sand and sea access. Ibiza Airport is less than 10 km away; bus line 10 stops a 2-3 minute walk from the entrance, making a cheap airport transfer straightforward without a taxi. The historic old town and Dalt Vila are reachable on foot in about 15 minutes. Playa d'en Bossa - home to the island's most famous nightclubs - is 2 km away, and the ferry to Formentera departs right in front of the hotel. The Figueretas promenade is lined with restaurants, bars, supermarkets and a Lidl within an easy walk, though the street and promenade can be lively into the early hours, especially from passing crowds and weekend events. The immediate neighbourhood behind the hotel is less appealing, but the beachfront amenities and proximity to the main city attractions make it a practical base for exploring Ibiza Town by foot or public transport.

Rooms are described as bright, spacious and functional, with air conditioning, satellite television, a private bathroom (bath or shower) and a safety deposit box. Many double and twin rooms have a private balcony overlooking the sea, which provides the best view and some natural light. Single rooms lack a sea view, though upgrading to one costs €10 per night. Bedding is flexible: double rooms can be configured with one king-size or two single beds; triple rooms contain three single beds. An extra bed is available on request. Tea- and coffee-making facilities are not standard, but a kettle can be provided on request; all rooms include a mini fridge. Sound insulation is poor - noise from the corridor, neighbouring rooms, the street and, on lower floors, the promenade is clearly audible. Sea-view rooms on higher floors are quieter in terms of street noise but still susceptible to corridor sound. Curtains in some rooms leave a gap, making the room difficult to darken completely. The décor and bathroom fittings are dated; some rooms show wear and tear, with older tiling, loose fixtures and poor water pressure in the shower. For light sleepers, a room on a higher floor away from the lift and stairwell is recommended.

Breakfast is served as a self-service buffet from 7:30 to 10:30 in the sea-view dining room, costing €14 per person. The spread includes fruit, yoghurt, cereals, pastries, cold meats, cheese, hot items (scrambled egg, boiled eggs, fried eggs, bacon, beans, sausages) and fruit juices, with tea and coffee from machines. The hot dishes tend to be served warm rather than hot. There are gluten-free options available. The variety is generally appreciated, though the quality is considered reasonable for a three-star hotel. For those who prefer a different pace, the surrounding Figueretas promenade offers numerous bars, restaurants and supermarkets within a few minutes' walk. The hotel's own bar has a pleasant sun terrace and serves bar snacks, including pizza from €14, daily drink promotions (such as two glasses of wine with focaccia for €8 or 2-for-1 Aperol Spritz) and a snack vending machine. The bar is open until late, although the indoor area is described as having low atmosphere.

The outdoor swimming pool is located on the sea-front promenade and offers beautiful views, though it is small and shared with a neighbouring hotel. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available for an additional charge, and a towel deposit of €10 is required. The pool area can become very crowded, with many loungers reserved early in the morning. The fitness centre is well-regarded for a three-star hotel: it's in-house, has sea views and is equipped better than many four-star hotels, with free entry. Additional leisure facilities include a games room, billiards, table tennis and live sport events (free to watch). The beach itself is literally a 10-second walk from the hotel, so swimming in the sea is an easy alternative to the pool. For families, a separate children's pool is available.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, though the connection can be slow and occasionally unreliable inside rooms and on the balcony. The 24-hour front desk handles late check-ins smoothly and can help book tours, ferry tickets and car hire. Daily housekeeping is free and generally efficient - bedding and towels are changed regularly, and a kettle can be delivered on request. Luggage storage is free, which is useful for flights after checkout. There is no on-site parking; street parking in the blue zone costs €1 per hour, and finding a space for a scooter can also be difficult. Services available include a safety deposit box (charge applies), a vending machine for drinks and snacks, and meeting and banquet facilities. Pets (small breeds) are allowed on request at no extra cost. Accepted payment methods include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and Maestro.