You probably won’t spend too much time in your bunk, so budget accommodation makes sense, unless of course you’re rolling in cash. It may sound like a good idea to cram more people into the room than there are beds (with the intention of kipping in shifts or alternating nights sleeping on a li-lo), but it’s best to match the amount of beds to people or, ideally, allow a spare one for a trashbag in need. Remember, insufficient zzzz’s will impact negatively on your stamina and subsequent enjoyment!
Organising a package holiday with accommodation, transfers and a return flight is advisable. Ridiculously cheap flight/accommodation packages are available from the UK, and last minute offers can be a steal. The convenience of a pre-paid shuttle to your hotel will save you from embarrassing Spanish charades and exorbitant cab fees; the driver will assume you have no point of comparison having just landed. At the other end of your holiday you’ll appreciate being able to spend up the last of your Euros on beers, and as you stagger onto the shuttle bus you’ll also be comforted to know enough time has been factored in to make your flight. Unless, of course, you’d prefer to miss it.
Daily accommodation rates vary from week to week, peaking during August 3 -19 (this coincides with the Radio 1 weekend August 12-14). Prices can quadruple from those advertised for the low seasons (May 1-25 and October 4-31).
Playa d’en Bossa
Advertised as an area for “no snobs” Playa d’en Bossa is the most sought-after accommodation on the island. This is largely due to its proximity to picturesque Ibiza town (2kms away and home to Pacha). Space and DC10 will undoubtedly be your last ports of call for the evening/morning/next day, both of which are situated stumbling distance from Playa d’en Bossa. Bora Bora and the sandy, palm-tree lined beach it faces also share this postcode. Once you’ve ogled the stunners on the Space terrace, modelling the latest in designer eyewear, you’ll understand the importance of a tan. It’ll help you look perfect even though you’ve forgotten what a bed looks like. Low-flying aeroplanes shake Space’s foundations (along with the basslines) and serve as a constant reminder that you’re on holiday. The short trip to the airport will be appreciated as you farewell the carnage.
San Antonio
If you’ve ever been called a snob, this part of the White Isle ain’t for your residence. The notorious West End, lined with bars and their respective touts, featured heavily on the 1998 Sky TV show ‘Ibiza Uncovered’ – think Schoolies Week and the resulting shenanigans. You will often hear folk who stay in these parts refer to the island as; “Ebeefa, n’ah mean?” In saying that, San Antonio is an ideal place to commence your evening. The sunset strip boasts the best vantage point for sunset/fire show viewing. Once dominated by Café Del Mar, numerous bars have sprouted up as competition, including Café Mambo and Coastline, who often play host to warm-up sets by big-name DJs. San Antonio is probably the best place to stay if you’re taking in the Radio 1 weekend as their opening party is broadcast live from Café Mambo. Drinks in the West End are competitively priced, and opulent pool bars on the sunset strip almost make up for the lack of fine beaches on which you can sunbake this side of the island.
San Antonio Bay
When booking your holiday, be warned – this is not the same as San Antonio town. You need to catch a ferry to the town or else it’s a good half-hour walk. San Antonio Bay is designed for family holidays; nightly entertainment at your hotel could be anything from a Robbie Williams tribute show to parrots trained to perform tricks. Trust me, trying to explain you need a spare key to your room when still dressed in the previous night’s finery while a coach-load of families spill into the foyer is not good for your head-space!
Ibiza Town
Tending toward the more expensive, lodgings in this historic town are out of most clubber’s budgets.
