Pikes Ibiza

We were staying on the coast but not having been to Ibiza before, we had to visit Pikes - quite simply because we are from the Wham! generation. We went for lunch on a Saturday. Food in the roof-top Pikes restaurant was all enjoyable. Some of it superb, some a bit ordinary. Nice atmosphere. After lunch, a wander round the place, which was made even more interesting having read “Mr Pikes” - a hilarious book about Tony Pike. It is quite a treck from anywhere so I wouldn’t stay there but it is definitely worth a visit.

We stayed here for 5 nights in a garden plus suite in July as my wife had always wanted to stay in this iconic venue. On the whole the stay was great, however there are a few suggestions for improvement which we hope the management may take on board for next year. The garden room was lovely. Recently built, a nice size with a great bathroom, bathtub in garden and also quite private. Didn't hear any noise from the club or people leaving late at night. The breakfast was superb (although we only managed it once!) The pool was a great spot with a DJ playing chilled tunes all day. Never had a problem getting a day bed and it was such a chilled out place to relax during the day. We met so many friendly people of a similar age and outlook, especially sat around the table in the pool! The drinks were superb, especially the cocktails and were reasonably priced for such a venue. The bar and pool staff were all so lovely and welcoming. We ate in the restaurant 3 nights as well as the famous Sunday lunch (which was superb). The restaurant was again great with welcoming staff. The food was very well cooked, however I found the menu to be a bit bland and "samey". There was nothing wrong with it, but there wasn't enough variety for us - especially if eating there frequently. We actually preferred the daytime pool menu and thought that some of those dishes could/should be included in the evening. The vibe at night was great and we again met several people around the bar. Although we went into Freddie's every night, I found it to be too full and too hot. I also think that the number of people in there is a potential safety hazard with one entry and exit door.The plaza court yard was great as was the other bar above the pool. Overall we had a great stay at this iconic and historic place, illustrated by the fact we have already booked to stay again next year with a couple of friends who we have recommended this place to. Having said all that, we do have a few suggestions for areas of improvement: Although the Sunday vibe around the pool is excellent, again its starts to get crowded with people later in the afternoon as people stay on after having Sunday lunch. Maybe keep the pool and pool bar area exclusive to paying residents and allow restaurant users to use the square and the bar above the pool? On a Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, the whole place felt overcrowded, especially with too many people being allowed free entry to the club, bars and gardens. We paid literally thousands of pounds to stay here, and for that expect a little bit of exclusivity. We heard stories from other guests that we met of random people trying to gain access to their terraces and even their rooms to use the bathrooms! We would suggest that the capacity is reduced and there is a charge for entry, in addition to free if dining in the restaurant. Finally, we went out to watch the Euro final one evening with some other hotel residents and on returning were made to queue in