Ibiza is a fascinating place! An island of contradictions and something that a visitor will notice before they even arrive. Take a flight from mainland Europe to Ibiza and you will notice that your fellow passengers are an interesting mix of clubbers, people going on a yoga retreat, and families.
It should come as no surprise that there is a variety of restaurants, shops, and – most importantly – accommodation to cater for the diverse visitor demographic. Having previously visited Ibiza in the summer and enjoyed the beach resorts and vibrant lifestyle, this time I decided to spend a long weekend exploring what Ibiza Town has to offer during the off-season and stayed in The Castle Suite at The Standard Ibiza hotel.
What were my impressions? Read on to find out!
The Concept
“The simple premise behind The Standard is that it is anything but. Founded in 1999, the goals of every Standard are to up the aesthetic stakes and defy convention while attending to every detail, embracing our local communities, providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for our teams, and, of course, delivering a smashing good time for our guests.”
Location
The Standard Ibiza boasts a prime location in the heart of Ibiza Town, placing you right in the center of the action. Stroll through the charming labyrinth of whitewashed streets in the nearby old town, where you’ll discover unique boutiques and a delightful selection of cozy restaurants, but please note that some of these will be closed if visiting the island off-season.
After a delicious dinner (tapas, of course!), take a leisurely walk down to the port, just steps away from the hotel. The Standard Ibiza sits on one of the main plazas – technically an avenue Vara de Rey – , so you’ll be surrounded by a vibrant atmosphere with an abundance of shops, restaurants, and bars, all within easy reach. This central location allows you to experience the best of Ibiza Town, from its rich history and cultural gems to its lively nightlife and delicious culinary scene. At the time of my visit there was Christmas market taking place there. It was popular with visitors and locals alike.
Arrival/Departure Information
The hotel was a quick 20-minute taxi ride from Ibiza airport. Upon arrival, the receptionist was assisting someone else (who was, coincidentally, on the same flight as me). However, we were seen very quickly. Refreshments were available at reception, which were very welcome as we were feeling a bit dehydrated by that point.
The check-in process was swift, and we were escorted to our suite where we were given a brief tour of the amenities.
Departure was equally efficient. We were able to leave our luggage at the hotel while we enjoyed one final walk around Ibiza Town. Upon our return, the receptionist readily called a taxi to take us to the airport. Overall, the arrival and departure processes were very smooth. 10/10
The Castle Suite
I spent a few days in The Castle Suite and – if you haven’t guessed already – the views of the Ibiza Castle from the suite’s five (5!) balconies were spectacular. Imagine waking up in the morning and seeing the castle whilst still in bed.
Whether you like to spread out and relax, or invite friends/fellow travellers over and socialise there is plenty of room in the suite.
As you walk through the front door (yes, there’s also a service door that takes to the small catering kitchen) you are in the dining room. This sits 8 and could potentially be used as a board room but we used it for breakfast, lunch, and as my home office away from home.
On the right, there is separate room on the corner of the building; this has the advantage of having two balconies, one facing the small street on the side, and the other one the main plaza and castle. This room is very much designed with entertainment in mind! There’s comfortable chilled sitting in different clusters, and a fully stocked bar that I would expect would be very much the centre of activity on a fun evening (or even day). NB The Standard Ibiza is NOT a BYOB hotel.
On the other end of the The Castle Suite there’s a spacious bedroom featuring a king-size bed. My favourite thing in the morning was to open the curtains and balcony door and enjoy the view of the castle while sipping a cup of hot coffee. There is also a comfortable chair and reading light, as well TV #3 of the suite in here.
The walk-in wardrobe (with plenty of space and a safe large enough for a regular laptop and other valuables) leads to the even bigger bathroom. Double vanity? check! Massive walk-in rain shower? Check. A sizeable bathtub? Also check.
Dining
The Jara restaurant on the ground floor is where breakfast for hotel guests is served but it is also open to non-guests for coffee, food, and drinks throughout the day. The cuisine is fresh with Mexican influences. The vibe is trendy, yet relaxed.
This area is also used for regular events. Wednesday is Bingo night and very popular night out in Ibiza for both locals and hotel guests. Don’t miss it!
Other Amenities
The gym in the basement features the usual cardio equipment one would expect from a hotel of this calibre, plus some free weights and resistance machines. The photo below makes it look really red but it is doesn’t feel like that in real-life. It isn’t uncomfortable. Fresh towels and bottles of water are available for guests.
During the warmer months, there is also a rooftop pool and bar area for enjoying cool refreshments and a bite to eat whilst enjoying the fresh air and views of the castle and Ibiza town.
Pros/Cons of the Property
Pros
- Location – Great starting point for exploring the old town
- New hotel with brand new facilities
- The restaurant is a hub of activity for the local community
- Clean & comfortable interior
- Did I mention the views? Especially on the castle side of the building the rooftop pool/bar area
Cons
- If direct access to a beach is required, then the location of The Standard Ibiza is probably not great. This is not a beach resort.
Enhanced Perks
I took advantage of an incredible promotion that allowed me to book the The Standard Ibiza‘s top suite for only €165/night (Sign up to my travel newsletter to ensure you don’t miss such great deals). For context, the going rate for this suite at peak times is often over €2385 and during off-peak as little as €747. Needless to say, I assessed everything with the higher price tag in mind – even though the promotional rate didn’t include breakfast and airport transfers.
The Standard Ibiza is a member of The Standard hotels ‘Secret Agent’ program that offers clients of travel advisors enhanced perks during their stay. This partnership allows me (as your Secret Agent) to offer you exclusive rates and benefits when you book with me. At the time of writing, these include:
- €80 hotel credit that can be used towards food & drink
- Room upgrade on arrival (subject to availability)
- Late check-out, early check-in (subject to availability)
Please contact me request a quote & book.
Summary
Ibiza’s charm lies in its ability to cater to diverse interests and lifestyles. Whether you’re a party enthusiast seeking the vibrant nightlife, a wellness seeker looking for a rejuvenating yoga retreat, or a family wanting to enjoy the beautiful beaches and attractions, Ibiza has something for everyone. The island’s atmosphere is a unique blend of energy and relaxation, creating an intriguing juxtaposition that captivates visitors.
Please contact me request a quote & book.
@thirdpassport - Luxury Travel Advisor 