In the vibrant world of Ibiza, there lies a hotel that has seen it all – from wild parties with celebrity guests like Freddie Mercury and Kate Moss to scandals involving cocaine on cornflakes and sexual escapades with thousands of women. Pikes Hotel, established in 1978 by the flamboyant Anthony ‘Tony’ Pike, is now the subject of a new film by actor Tamer Hassan. The Guinness Book of Records has recognised the associated nightclub, now named ‘UNVRS’, as the “world’s biggest”, attracting stars such as Grace Jones, Jade Jagger, and Tony Curtis.
Tony Pike, who passed away in 2019 from prostate cancer, left behind a legacy of indulgence and extravagance. In his 2017 memoir, he divulged details of his hedonistic lifestyle, admitting to being a self-proclaimed “sex addict” with conquests numbering around 3,000 women. One unforgettable encounter was with 80s Bond girl Grace Jones at an infamous orgy, where he described a scene of sensory overload with music, sex, and marijuana filling the air. Tony fondly recalled their liaison as the best sex he ever had, praising Grace for her allure and warmth.
Celebrity-filled parties at Pikes Hotel were legendary, including Freddie Mercury’s opulent 41st birthday bash following his AIDS diagnosis. The event saw a lavish display of excess with stars like Tony Curtis, Naomi Campbell, Spandau Ballet, and Bon Jovi in attendance. A 1996 People magazine report detailed the festivities, from champagne flowing freely to a dessert shaped like Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia Cathedral. However, the party ended abruptly after a fire incident, highlighting the hotel’s reputation for indulgence and chaos.
Drugs were said to be a constant presence at Pikes Hotel, with Tony recounting nights spent talking and doing lines with Freddie Mercury. The rock icon’s insatiable cocaine consumption was noted, with Tony recalling Freddie’s request for more lines without concern for the quantity. Rumours of cocaine-sprinkled cornflakes for guests circulated, adding to the hotel’s notorious image. Despite brushes with authorities, such as Spanish singer Julio Iglesias smoothing over tensions, Pikes Hotel continued to captivate with its allure of excess and celebrity debauchery.
As the years went by, the hotel faced changes and challenges, including Tony’s contemplation of selling to Italian TV producer Enrico Forti. Tragedy struck when Tony’s son, Anthony ‘Dale’ Pike, met a tragic end in Miami in 1998, leading to a murder conviction against Forti. The hotel’s legacy lives on, with tales of decadence and misfortune intertwining to create a colourful history. From extravagant parties to scandalous revelations, Pikes Hotel remains a symbol of Ibiza’s hedonistic past and the larger-than-life persona of its founder, Tony Pike.