Ibiza Rocks

I visited the island of Ibiza in August 2008 and stayed at the ‘Ibiza Rocks’ hotel, formerly the Club Paraiso hotel.

I was really looking forward to staying here after hearing it was the best hotel in San Antonio… and in many respects it certainly didn’t disappoint. Recently refurbished it is really impressive upon arrival, the pristine white lobby is filled with Xbox 360’s, a seating area made out of bath tubs and a stylish glass bar. Check in was quick and easy, and we were given wrist bands to wear for the duration of our stay which would get us in and out of the hotel without any interrogation by the two security guards that sat by the entrance 24/7. Image conscious folks need not worry, the wrist band wasn’t essential and as long as you had your key card you’d be able to get in and out of the hotel without harm. Unfortunately the key cards didn’t get you into your room, it was more of an identity thing, and for using it to buy drinks and snacks at the poolside bar once you’d topped it up with some euros. ‘Ibiza Rocks’ is sponsored by Xbox 360 and Sony Ericsson and it’s clear that no expense has been spared in making the general facilities very modern and appealing, my boyfriend was over the moon that there were Xbox 360 gaming areas everywhere. They had about 10 computer stations dotted around the hotel which was ideal for logging on to check e-mails etc. I think it was about 2 Euros’ for 10 minutes of internet use.

The rooms themselves could definitely do with refurbishing. We were advised that our room was poolside and at 2am it seemed ideal, thinking that we’d just have to step out of our patio doors and have no trouble getting a sun lounger, plus the stage where they hold all the gigs was a maximum of 10 metres away. To get in the room we had a key with a massive leather key ring on it, which wasn’t ideal, bit of a pain having to take it out with us everywhere. Our ‘studio’ consisted of a bathroom with shower, toilet, sink and bath. And the main area combined the kitchen, the living area and the sleeping area. We ended up with two single beds which had very hard mattresses, and as a couple it meant we had to squeeze together on one bed, but we didn’t mind that so much. The Kitchenette had cupboard space, a hob and a fridge so it meant we could get things at the supermarket, which was attached to the hotel. The supermarket was really well equipped and had a wide range of things, mostly British products, the hotel obviously knew how to appeal to their main demographic. The only problem was the price, we spent 20 Euros’ on a loaf of bread, cereal, milk and a large bottle of Coca Cola. We soon realised that it would be better to use another supermarket, even if it meant carrying bags for a few blocks.

So, as I mentioned earlier we got there at about 2am and the hotel was really quiet, because everybody was still out partying. We quickly unpacked our stuff and went to sleep. At about 6am we heard people making a bit of noise as they came in from a night at one of the many super clubs. But we got back to sleep shortly afterwards so it wasn’t a big deal… plus we were in Ibiza, so it had to be expected, right? On our first morning we checked out the facilities and did a spot of sunbathing, feeling fresh and ready to go. We were the only people out by the pool until about 11am. Slowly other guests came down, and shortly after, the music started pumping out by the side of the pool from the DJ hut. The music was really really loud, which we didn’t mind, but the next morning after we’d had a late night out it was a real pain, we’d only been asleep for about 4 hours when the music started, loud enough to make the glass in our patio doors vibrate. And that was the major downside of our stay, if you want to party all night and sleep all day then don’t get a room by the pool. It seemed like a general rule of thumb that once there were more than 5 guests by the pool the resident DJ would assume that the entire hotel was ready to party, and by our 6th day of having minimal sleep we were really tired. The hotel was completely booked up so we couldn’t be moved anywhere else either. The poolside bar and café were really nice and there was a range of snacks available, pretty pricey though, but I think that’s true of Ibiza in general. And there were massage tables by the pool, there would be two masseuses there every day giving massages for about 30 Euros’ for a half hour rub down.

On a good note, staying at the hotel does give you instant access to the poolside gigs that are held during the week. During our week at the hotel ‘The Streets’, ‘Cage the Elephant’ and ‘Nightmares on Wax’ all performed, and ‘The Streets’ gig was absolutely magnificent. The location of the hotel was good, within walking distance of Café Del Mar and about a 5 minute walk to the main strip in San Antonio.

All in all it was a really enjoyable holiday, and the hotel was really funky and had lots of cool features. But I don’t know if I would stay there again, maybe if the rooms were refurbished and brought up to date a bit more?! And I definitely wouldn’t take a room by the pool again, I like to party, but I like to sleep too! Lol