Small & Friendly, exclusive hosts on Ibiza

The beginning of the 1930s was a turning point in the economic development of the Pityusic Islands, and especially of Ibiza. The activity that today represents the bulk of the local economy began to emerge at that time, reinforced by the presence of European intellectuals and artists such as Walter Benjamin, Raoul Hausmann, Pierre Drieu la Rochelle and many others who came to Ibiza and began to divulge its unique natural idiosyncrasy.

In the 1930s, the first modern-format hotels were built, offering a more complete service and higher quality than the traditional accommodations of the time. 1933 was a prolific year in terms of openings: in Santa Eulària the Hotel Buenavista was opened, in Eivissa the Gran Hotel (now Montesol) and in Sant Antoni the Hotel Portmany. This was followed in 1935 by the Hotel Ses Savines, which complemented the accommodation offered by the Miramar and Esmeralda guesthouses. New cafés and bars were soon added to the tourist facilities. For example, cafés such as Esteve, Pep’s Estany, Micaleta, Ca n’Escandell, Central, El Patio and Can Frit were opened in Carrer Ample, while Café Bellver and Xumeu Ferrer were opened in Sa Riba.

Photograph taken from the Facebook page “Fotos Eivissa Antiga”

The following years would witness the expansion of the growing hotel business with new openings such as the Gració, March, Bahía and Catalina hotels. The Civil War was a tragic interlude after which tourist activity was gradually resumed, experiencing a boom in the 1960s.

Nowadays, the types of tourist facilities have proliferated with the aim of satisfying very specific profiles, increasingly interested in personalised, quality experiences. In response to this growing demand, the municipality of Sant Antoni launched its own Small & Friendly label, which includes a selection of family-run hotels with a long history and solid roots. Businesses with a work philosophy based on differentiated and personalised service, which also offer their clients facilities of a higher standard than those in the official category.

And, of course, there is a wide range of options. We will highlight the most unique features of each  Small & Friendly establishment in Sant Antoni:

The Hostal Residencia Adelino offers urban accommodation with a modern and yet cosy design. It has a swimming pool, Wi-Fi and exclusive services.

The Hotel Mitjorn, completely refurbished, has 18 rooms, most of them with views of the bay, a swimming pool and cafeteria where you can have breakfast or lunch in a friendly family atmosphere.

The Hostal Residencia Florencio is also in the city centre and offers its own cycling centre as a special feature. It offers guests its experience in the organisation of cycling events, providing a bicycle garage and rental of bicycles with or without a guide as well as all the necessary equipment.

Hotel Gran Solwas completely renovated in 2013, offering 138 first-class rooms and suites just 5 minutes from the beach and emblematic sites such as the Café del Mar or the Café Mambo.

Hostal Residencia La Torre is a must for lovers of a stylish atmosphere. It is located on the coast, at the top of Cap Negret, with breath-taking sea views and spectacular sunsets. It has a cosmopolitan restaurant with large terraces offering fusion cuisine.

Hostal Residencia Mallorca is an urban establishment that has been offering a friendly welcome to its guests for 30 years. It is welcoming and cosy with a neat and clean interior design and services that guarantee a pleasant stay.

Hotel Marfil has spacious, renovated rooms with all kinds of amenities and offers its guests the chance to go sailing with their own boat to visit coves or admire sunsets.

Hostal Mari, also in the centre, offers up to 6 different types of room, a cafeteria and outstanding hospitality cultivated over its more than 40 years of family history.

Marino is a hostel converted into a hotel in 2018, now offering carefully designed interior and exterior decor, with fully renovated rooms in a very quiet area. The restaurant and bar are popular with both locals and tourists.

Hotel Orosol is ideal for groups, families or couples and has an online reception as well as a quiet but central location.

Hotel Osiris is located in the bay, just 100 m. from the beach and its services include the possibility of practicing water sports such as sailing, parasailing or windsurfing.

El Hostal Tarba offers fully refurbished facilities in a central location with free services such as post-checkout luggage storage and courtesy shower.

The Purple Hotel is a modern hotel with a sophisticated design, intended exclusively for adult and gay guests and offering numerous advantages and upgrades.

Hostal Valencia is a classic with 21 spacious rooms of different types and a swimming pool. In 2002 its facade was awarded as the best in Sant Antoni.