Apartamentos Sabina Playa

As a nondescript whitewashed building sandwiched between two bike rental shops and (on our visit) clearly missing its signage, the Apartamentos Sabina Playa doesn't make the most impressive first impression. Inside, a concrete bench extends the length of a breeze block wall, and opposite, a simple front desk is flanked by frosted glass. The effect is more student hostel than industrial chic. Hallways are also basic, but clean and well-maintained, though there's no elevator so guests have to climb up two flights of stairs. To the rear is the hotel's highlight -- a pleasant terra-cotta tile, canopied terrace and small circular pool that overlooks the sea (though part of it is shared with the neighboring restaurant). Low season brings travelers from Northern Europe, mostly couples and groups of friends. In the summer Italians predominate, and families with kids make up the clientele. 

The Apartamentos Sabina Playais is located in the working port village of La Sabina on the north coast of Formentera. It's one of the first hotels you pass after arriving on the ferry from Ibiza, and is surrounded by car, scooter, and bike rental offices, plus a few restaurants and supermarkets. The local marina is filled with luxury yachts and the natural Estany des Peix Harbor gives the neighborhood a nautical atmosphere. While the hotel overlooks a small beach, it's a 10-minute drive to one of the island's nicest beaches, Ses Illetes -- named best in Europe by TripAdvisor in 2016. Es Pujols is also 10 minutes' drive, or the more rugged stretch of coast can be found just 15 minutes' drive away in Playa de Migjorn, on the island's southern coast. There's no airport on Formentera, the island is only accessible via ferry crossing from Ibiza, which takes around an hour.

Most of the 48 apartments are studio layout, with combined living and bedroom spaces furnished with two twin beds and sofa beds that sleep up to three guests. Other units have separate bedrooms and sleep up to four guests. All apartments open to spacious furnished balconies, around half with sea views, while some top-floor rooms extend to rooftop terraces with loungers and 360-degree panoramas. Rooms are cooled via air-conditioning and ceiling fans. Decor is basic, but clean and modern with tiled floors and simple contemporary furnishings. Living areas have flat-screen TVs, dining tables, and kitchenettes with fridges, electric burners, and basic cookware (that could use replacing). Old-fashioned safes are available for a fee. Don't expect in-room Wi-Fi or hairdryers. Bathrooms are clean and updated, with spacious walk-in showers and limited toiletries.

The complex offers very little beyond the apartments, though there's a small circular pool surrounded by a few loungers. The surrounding terrace is also a pleasant place to relax and enjoy sea views, shared with the next door pizza restaurant (which is not part of the hotel). Free Wi-Fi is available around the reception area, which stretches to the rear terrace.