Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza

Swanky Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza opened along the beach in mid-2014 to become the first Hard Rock property in Europe. Playa d’en Bossa is known for being home to some of the world’s -- or at least Ibiza's -- most famous nightclubs, and the Hard Rock not only regularly throws popular pool parties and various events, but it also offers a location within walking distance of Ibiza’s top nightlife spots.
Although the music theme is obvious in some areas (think lots of memorabilia, tiny guitars embroidered on pillows, and a room service menu that includes Fender guitar rentals), it's less conspicuous than in other Hard Rock properties. Bright pops of colors, stylish furniture, custom-designed wallpaper, and clean lines make common spaces and rooms contemporary and sleek. Hard Rock Ibiza is mostly popular with couples and groups of young people, but the hotel is extremely family-friendly, and offers activities for kids of all ages, with a kids' club and pool, teens’ area, and playground.
Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza is not an all-inclusive resort, so travelers wanting all-inclusive rates should consider the Grand Palladium White Island Resort & Spa nearby. Although not all-inclusive, Ushuaia Ibiza Beach Hotel is another good option, as it’s the area’s most famous nightlife spot, and all room rates include tickets to on-site shows.

The hotel sits on a sandy stretch of Playa d’en Bossa, Ibiza’s longest beach. Ushuaïa -- easily Ibiza’s most famous hotel and club -- is located right across the street, and Space and Bora Bora, also well-known party spots, are within walking distance. There are several other luxury properties around, and a number of restaurants and bars are within minutes of the hotel. The Ibiza Airport is a five-minute drive away (expect to hear some plane noise), and the town of Ibiza is less than 10 minutes away by car, or 20 minutes away by bus.

The Hard Rock's 493 sleek, stylish rooms are decorated in metallic tones and bright pops of color. Custom-designed wallpaper, laminate floors, mood lighting, silver-colored couches and armchairs, and black-and-white accents make the rooms appealingly trendy. Artwork, pillows, even ironing- board covers, are music-themed, but few other decorative elements scream “Hard Rock” here. All rooms have stylishly furnished balconies or terraces. Most rooms have views of the hopping pool areas, but higher-category units offer expansive ocean views.
Open bathrooms have frosted glass-enclosed WCs (toilet areas) and showers with rain showerheads and peach-colored mosaic tiling, with huge mirrors over one or two modern sinks. All rooms come with free Wi-Fi, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, minibars, iPod and iPad docks, signature bedding, and electric kettles with free tea and coffee. A standout here are the beds, which have chromotherapy lighting.
Some rooms, including Studio Suite Gold, Platinum, and Tub Terrace categories have whirlpools -- some overlooking the ocean -- and Swim-up Suites get direct access to three private river-style pools. The Rock Suites come in Platinum, Diamond, and Legend categories, all with living spaces and Nespresso machines. They have either hot tubs or clawfoot tubs, and the Rock Suite Platinum has a big rooftop solarium with a whirlpool and loungers.

Overlooking the pool areas are most of the hotel’s five restaurants, which include a solid buffet at Sessions (breakfast only), a Spanish eatery, and a snack bar. The Beach, located right on the sand, serves light Mediterranean cuisine, and 3rd Half offers standard bar food. The hotel also has a coffee shop and a rooftop lounge with expansive ocean views and occasional DJ performances. The Hard Rock's Sublimotion, an exclusive restaurant that serves an uber-expensive menu by star chef Paco Roncero (two Michelin stars) to a maximum of 12 guests per night, is the culinary highlight here.

The pool in the main stage area is known for hosting hopping parties, but it’s also a relaxing spot to spend a lazy morning in the sun, with underwater loungers, umbrellas, a swim-up bar, and hydromassage jets. I can be loud and busy here. There's a kids' area with a slide next to the bar, as well as some loungers where parents can keep an eye on their kids. The other main pool is located closer to the Tower Building, and features Balinese beds and underwater loungers. More cushioned loungers and daybeds can be found at the hotel’s private beach area, which is large and pretty.
The stylish Rock Spa is expansive, offering a lovely outdoor pool, several thermal pools (where guests get a discount), a wide array of body treatments, and salon services. The fitness center is bright and modern, with cardio- and strength-training machines, and spinning bikes.
In addition to pool parties, there are various events and musical acts that take place on-site. The party atmosphere and rock-and-roll theme should not put families off, as the hotel is surprisingly kid-friendly, with well-received kids’ and teens’ clubs, as well as a day nursery and a playground. Free Wi-Fi and free parking are also available.