Hostal Illes Pitiuses

Part of a three-story property shared with a bank and a general store, the entrance to the Hostal Illes Pitiuses is marked by a small, low-walled patio lined with greenery and dominated by a single fig tree. Guest enter a spartan lobby set with an unstaffed reception desk, dated mixture of furniture, and scrappy information board. Reception is actually on the next floor up, and not open around the clock (late arrivals should warn the hotel in advance). The guest rooms are spread over two floors and there's no elevator. While the interiors and hotel as a whole are very much stuck in the last century -- this family-run business dates back to the early '80s -- it's one of the cheapest options on an expensive island. It's also just one of the few hotels in the area that's open all year, attracting budget-conscious tourists in the summer and more business related guests over the winter months. 

The hotel's location is its biggest asset. Set in the village of Sant Ferran de ses Roques, situated right in the middle of the Formentera, practically nowhere on the island takes more than 15 minutes' drive. There's also a few restaurants, car rental agencies, and banks within walking distance. While quiet off-season, the main road the hotel overlooks can get busy with traffic over the summer months. The nearest beach is at the resort of Es Pujols, a five-minute drive away. Ses Illetes -- named best beach in Europe by TripAdvisor in 2016 -- is about a 10-minute drive. The ferry port of La Sabina is also around 10 minutes. There's no airport on Formentera, with the only access via ferry crossing from Ibiza taking just under an hour.

The hotel has 26 single, double, and triple rooms. Though they're clean and spacious, they're also undeniably dated with dark terrazzo-tile flooring, tatty wood furniture, and old-fashioned textured walls. Amenities are limited to small flat-screen TVs, electronic safes, and air-conditioning units, with no Wi-Fi or refreshment facilities. All rooms open to balconies or terraces, either overlooking neighboring fields, the rear garden, or the road, which can get busy over the summer season. Bathrooms are functional with either shower/tub combos or shower stalls, plus a set of generic toiletries. 

There's very little in the way of on-site facilities at Hostal Illes Pitiuses, though its restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, serving a mix of Mediterranean and international dishes. Breakfast is not included in the room rates. Over the summer months, the restaurant fires up a barbecue on its rear terrace, which also has comfy seating and parasols. Free parking is also available on-site. Free Wi-Fi is available in the restaurant only.