Gran Hotel Montesol, Ibiza

The Gran Hotel Montesol – which originally opened in 1933, claiming the title of the island's first hotel – occupies a corner of the main square Vara del Rey. It has an eye-catching façade and offers a refined escape from the hurly-burly of the surrounding streets and port.

The building is a Unesco Property of Cultural Interest, so great care has been taken  to maintain its original charm. One of Spain's leading designers Lázaro Rosa-Violán has stayed true to the hotel’s authentic style. Think cruise-ship-inspired interiors with circular mirrors and windows, muted palettes, dark wood and flecks of gold, and rooms with white walls and soft furnishings contrasted by sleek black finishes. Public spaces are equally chic – the bar and restaurant embody Art Deco New York vibes.

Accommodation

There are 33 rooms, including three suites, and these are divided into three categories. All are of a good size and feature white walls, offset by black furnishings and wooden floors; a small balcony overlooks the square on some rooms. The large beds are supremely comfortable and rooms also have 55-inch televisions, espresso machines and a well-stocked in-room bar. There's air-conditioning and a ceiling fan. Bathrooms are also roomy with neolite and white surfaces, rain and handheld showers and a cool frosted glass porthole through to the bedroom.

Dining

Café Montesol, has a Basque-based menu – the restaurant is now run by Grupo Sagardi. Hence there are pintxos (rather than tapas on the bar). With an emphasis on simple, flavoursome and carefully sourced Basque-style dishes, the menu might include a prawn carpaccio, wild fish with light green pea sauce, matured beef entrecôte and rice pudding with truffles. There are tasting menus too and a good and varied wine list too with some excellent reds. Breakfast's are perfectly presented – make sure to have the fresh fruit – with dishes such as eggs and local ham cooked to order. 

Facilities

Due to the hotel's size there is no spa or pool, but a fabulous rooftop bar offering panoramic views of the cathedral and the port. The hotel also has links to beach clubs on the island of Formentera.