Montesol Experimental – Ibiza’s First Hotel, Dreamt Anew
A Pastel-Hued Colonial Icon Reborn with Celestial Chic
Passeig de Vara de Rey, 2
07800 Eivissa
Type: boutique hotel, design hotel, historic hotel, luxury hotel
Style: boho chic, colonial, glam & sexy
Vibe: lively, rooftop bar
From 1933 Pioneer to 21st-Century Muse
Originally opened on June 4, 1933, as Ibiza’s second-ever hotel and later renamed Hotel Montesol in 1958, this neocolonial landmark served everyone from Hollywood royalty to bohemian hippies. After a storied history, including military use and ownership under Hilton’s Curio Collection, it was sold to Paris-based Experimental Group in 2021, undergoing an extensive renovation that culminated in its rebirth as Montesol Experimental in April 2023.
A Colonial Facade in Soft Focus
The hotel’s protected pastel exterior remains—a beacon on Vara de Rey square—while inside, Dorothée Meilichzon infused rooms and public spaces with her signature calm-meets-cosmic palette: pastel pinks, sunrise yellows, lunar blues, and soothing grays. Shell-pressed lime walls, moon-carved openings, ceramic masks, and playful design elements like “Playdough Stools” and cosmic motifs bring a whimsical yet refined soul to the interiors.
Rooms That Float Between Past and Present
The 33 guest rooms and suites offer views over Dalt Vila, the marina, or the lively square—each a textural canvas of fringe, velvet, curved headboards, and artisanal lighting. Pastel tones and “lunar” color schemes create a cooling contrast to Ibiza’s sun, supported by sculptural details and bespoke finishes that echo island rhythms.
A Rooftop for Soulful Sunsets
The intimate rooftop bar is more than a perch—it’s an experience: panoramic sunset views over the ancient citadel, finely crafted cocktails, chilled rosés, and even a Japanese pop-up with sashimi and nigiri. Here, design, nature, and ease blend into one iconic moment.
Ground-Level Pulse, Elevated Calm
At street level, Café Montesol pours local tapas and breakfast dishes beneath an ambiance sculpted by playful lighting and patterned tiles. Light filters through curved archways, echoing the island’s relaxed yet energetic spirit.
DNA Hotels Verdict
Montesol Experimental is a rare fusion: Ibiza’s oldest hotel, reinterpreted with brilliant contemporary warmth and poetic design. It bridges eras—from 1930s grandeur to experimental glamour—while anchoring its charm in the intimacy of pastel moments and moonlit nights. For those seeking history, hospitality, and heart in one luminous stay, this is Ibiza reimagined.
Amenities:
• 24-hour front desk • air conditioning • near beach • free WiFi • massages • private parking nearby (charged) • pets allowed (charged) • restaurant • room service • yoga
