Tony Pike

Tony Pike (1934-2008) was a British-Australian hotelier and businessman, best known for founding and operating Pikes Hotel (originally known as Pikes Ibiza) on the island of Ibiza, Spain.

Pike was born in England and emigrated to Australia. After a period in the Royal Australian Navy and various business ventures, he arrived in Ibiza in the late 1970s. In 1978, he purchased a dilapidated 500-year-old finca (farmhouse) and transformed it into a luxury boutique hotel.

Pikes Hotel became a legendary destination, famed for its hedonistic atmosphere, celebrity clientele, and association with the music industry. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, it was a popular haunt for musicians, actors, and artists, including Freddie Mercury, George Michael, Julio Iglesias, Grace Jones, and Kylie Minogue. Freddie Mercury famously celebrated his 41st birthday at Pikes Hotel and reportedly recorded parts of "Barcelona" there with Montserrat Caballé.

Pike's flamboyant personality and unconventional approach to hospitality contributed to the hotel's unique character. He authored an autobiography, "Mr. Pikes: The Story Behind The Ibiza Legend," detailing his life and experiences.

After battling illness, Tony Pike passed away in 2008. Pikes Hotel continues to operate under new ownership, preserving much of its original charm and reputation as an iconic Ibiza landmark.