They say it still stands as the biggest party of the 20th century. In any case, it unquestionably remains the largest ever held in Ibiza, and every year many continue to celebrate it. On September 5, 1987, Freddie Mercury, the leader of Queen, was already aware of his terminal illness, which inspired him to celebrate his 41st birthday like never before.
Freddie had turned Hotel Pikes into his personal Ibizan retreat, so he approached the charismatic owner, Tony Pikes, with his idea. Given the host’s fondness for eccentricities, it was clear that the proposal for “the party of the century” would be embraced.
The guest list exceeded five hundred, including radiant stars, exclusive members of the jet set, and even Mercury’s London street friends. Such a gathering inevitably led to a cascade of excesses and spectacular figures: 350 bottles of Moët Chandon, hundreds of giant helium balloons, 230 broken glasses (all billed to the “birthday boy”), and a gigantic cake shaped like La Sagrada Familia. The fireworks were so thunderous that, as the chronicles narrate, they were heard more than a hundred kilometers away.
35 years later, Pikes, a legendary venue where you could encounter Mick Jagger, George Michael, or Julio Iglesias, among others, celebrates Freddie Rocks every September 5th. It’s a massive party with music, dance, and a grand feast in homage to the Tanzanian singer. Mercury would pass away just four years later from bronchopneumonia caused by HIV. However, he departed, taking with him the greatest party in history.
The Pikes Hotel Today
Fancy a taste of the 80s? You can literally dine where Freddie did. The restaurant serves up top-notch dishes, with a view that’ll make you want to stay forever. The best part? The pool and bar look just like they did back in the day—those tiles haven’t changed a bit, and neither has the soundtrack. Ibiza lounge beats mixed with 80s classics? Yes, please. It’s like a time machine with gourmet food on the side.
If you want to have dinner, you can simply make a reservation and go there – it’s not complicated to get your self into pikes. And if you’re early, you can find your way to the painted tennis court!
Can you sleep in Freddie’s bedroom?
Can you sleep in Freddie’s bedroom? Well, not exactly. What was once Freddie Mercury’s luxury suite at Pikes has transformed into something even more magical—Freddies, an intimate little club with a big reputation. Instead of resting your head on his pillow, you’ll be dancing the night away under a glittering disco ball, where the DJ line-up is nothing short of legendary. This isn’t just a room; it’s a vibe, a place where everyone, from bus drivers to billionaires, can lose themselves in the music. So, while you can’t sleep in Freddie’s bed, you can definitely party like a rockstar in his honour.
Party like Freddie!
Launched in 2018, Pikes Presents… is the kind of party you only find in the unique atmosphere of Freddies at Pikes. This isn’t just any party—it’s a night where some of the biggest names in music take to the decks in an intimate setting, digging deep into their personal collections to deliver sets that are truly one-of-a-kind. Imagine Fatboy Slim, Sven Väth, Goldie, Robyn, or Jamie xx spinning tracks that might never be heard the same way again. With a guest list that reads like a who’s who of the music world—Carl Craig, The Blessed Madonna, and David Morales, to name just a few—this is a party that’s up close, personal, and unbelievably special. In other words, if you’re on the island, you simply have to be there.
If you want to party at Pikes, make sure you sign up for the guest list about two weeks in advance. But no party will be like Freddy Mercury his 41st birthday, unfortunately.
