Duquesa Playa

Duquesa Playa opened its doors as a seasonal hotel back in 1999, but changed to an all-year option just a few years later. If you're self-driving, finding this place can be nerve-raking, as it requires navigating the narrow busy streets packed with parked cars, traffic, and pedestrians. Thankfully, there's a parking spot right out front where guests can pull in to load and unload suitcases. Because of its apartment-style units, convenient location, and pool, this hotel attracts mostly families and couples in their 30s and 40s who are looking to save money by self-catering and walking. 

Since this area of Ibiza is more family-oriented, without clubs or crazy parties, the hotel tends to be spared the young partying groups often found in other areas of the island. Most of the time the hotel is quiet -- the rooftop terrace is a particularly serene spot to read a book or lounge by the pool -- though there can be occasional rowdy bunch during July and August's high season. Rooms and public spaces are renovated and upgraded on a continual basis. Beds were replaced in 2015 and contemporary furniture was introduced in 2016. This is primarily a low-key, hands-off property, so anyone who is looking for all-inclusive options or a more resort-style stay should compare prices with the nearby Apartahotel Orquidea. 

This hotel is smack in the middle of Santa Eulalia and just two blocks from the marina. While the water is close, there's not always enough sand to plop down on, so you might end up walking a few minutes up the coast in order to find a wider beach area. Nonetheless, this area is bustling and a favorite among families and those looking to escape the rambunctious party areas of San Antonio and Playa d'en Bossa. There are countless shops, restaurants, supermarkets, and bars in the immediate area. 

• Two-minute walk to Santa Eulalia
• 25-minute drive to Talamanca 
• 26-minute drive to Port of Ibiza
• 26-minute drive to Ibiza Airport
• 27-minute drive to Playa D'en Bossa
• 30-minute drive to Es Cavallet Beach
• 30-minute drive to Dalt Vila
• 35-minute drive to San Antonio's Sunset Strip

All 32 apartment-style rooms at Duquesa Playa start off surprisingly spacious, with the entry-level units measuring 43 square meters (463 square feet). Each self-catering unit comes with a kitchenette area consisting of a granite countertop, two-burner electric hobs, a dated microwave, kettle, fresh dishwashing kit, and large mini-fridge stocked with a free liter bottle of mineral water. Cabinets hold the minimal amount of cookware and dishes (it's worth giving them a quick clean before using them), and the kitchen areas could use more light, but all in all, it's a fairly workable space. 

For the most part, all the rooms follow a similar setup and have the same simple contemporary furniture, blank white walls, and spotless ceramic tile floors. Bedrooms have two twin beds that can either be converted into a king or left individually sheeted side by side, a basic white desk and bedside table furniture, adjustable reading lights, a raised cabinet closet behind wood doors, and mounted flat-screen TV. Bathrooms have shower stalls, basic shampoo and body gel, and a handful of kits, including a dental and shoe-shining kit. All apartments have balconies with plastic furniture and various city views. Upgrading from a Double Standard to Double Superior snags corner views of the harbor and a slightly larger living room, while Family Apartments come with two separate bedrooms and two separate bathrooms. All units have AC and satellite channels. 

Duquesa Playa's best feature is its most surprising: up on top of this unassuming building is a fantastic rooftop pool and wraparound terrace. Clean, simple, and spacious, this dual-level chill-out spot is a true oasis from the bustle of the city six floors down. Taking the elevator all the way up gets you to the tiled sun deck's collection of all-white bean bag chairs, stylish couches, and Bali beds. Around the corner, there are a few sets of tables and chairs and a phone to dial down for food and drink orders from the restaurant. On the next level up, there are a sparkling, good-sized pool, collection of loungers, small kids' pool, and raised area with padded bench seats. 

The hotel's adjacent restaurant is open to the public and has a relaxed Mediterranean cafe vibe, marble floors topped with wooden tables and chairs, and large TVs mounted in the corner. There's no buffet here, and a three-course daily set menu is a good price. Guests can sign up for several meal options from a la carte to full-board, though drinks are never included. This is the only place in the hotel where you'll hear music. 

Visitors also have access to a windowless basement library lounge and gym area, though the lack of airflow and AC is noticeable. The gym is spacious, though dated, and works best for folks looking to get in floor exercises or free weights. This level is also home to the on-site parking garage (daily fee). Anyone unsure about navigating the steep incline and tight space (or with a big car) should see if space is available in the hotel's wider, secondary garage two blocks away. The hotel is also set up for guests with mobility issues with elevators, adaptable rooms, and lifts on the terrace stairs and for the pool. 

Freebies include reliable Wi-Fi, use of a guest computer and printer in the lobby, luggage storage, and courtesy showers. This is a non-smoking hotel with a no-pet policy.