Ibis hotel chain - experiences?
 

Hi,

I am heading to Germany in June for a few world cup matches. As expected, most of the hotels I would normally choose from are sold out. However, I noticed in a few places that Ibis hotels are available. I know Ibis is related to the Sofitel chain, and I have had very good experiences with Sofitels in Europe.

Has anyone used the Ibis chain before? I have checked Trip Advisor, however, the particular hotels that I am interested in do not have reviews listed.

Thanks in advance,
Chels

My one experience was an Ibis near/in Paris. It was a location somewhat on the outskirts and the rooms were somewhat dorm-like, definately no frills. In a situation like yours I might stay there again but probably not if there were other choices. They are inexpensive tho!

I stayed at an Ibis in Amsterdam and it was pretty good. I felt like staying in a standard American-chain hotel: inexpensive, clean, good size bed and bath, and generous hot breakfast. Next time though, I'd probably look for smaller hotels with charm in the middle of the city. Good Luck!

The Ibis would be my choice in Germany.
It's bound to be basic but spotless.
I always stay at the Ibis Euston in London for it's convenient local and have no complaints.

Yes, Ibis is one of the brands offered by Accor, the parent company that also runs Sofitel. They are at decidedly different levels, though. Ibis is the basic no frills product. An apt analogy might be the Crown Plaza and Holiday Inn Express brands offered by the same company.
I have stayed at Ibis in several European countries and they were pretty consistent - basic but clean, and pretty good value for the money.

I stayed in an Ibis just outside Paris one night, and I thought it was an excellent value. The room was spotlessly clean, the furnishings new. It was definitely no-frills, but the price was good. If there were Ibis hotels in central Paris, I'd book a room in a flash because I like to save on lodging and spend my money on other (more important) things.

I stayed at one in Gothenburg, Sweden. It was a moored boat, used as a hotel. It was indeed spotless and shipshape. The room was very small (I'd guess 9 x 9 plus the smallish bathroom), but everything worked very well.

Thanks for the replies. It looks like Ibis is the more reliable hotel chain that is still available. I will probably end up giving Ibis a try.

Thanks again,
Chels

sandykins - there are Ibis hotels all over Paris, not just in the suburbs. One of my favorites is on rue Breguet near the Bastille.

Thank you, Seamus. I'm going to go check out the place on-line right now, for my next trip to Paris.

Chels: Not our first choice, but on three occasions (one in Bamburg)it was what was available. I have to tell you we were very pleasantly suprised. The rooms are always very clean, simply but colorfully decorated, with everything we needed to be comfortable. Breakfast is extra, but inexpensive and good. I wouldn't hesitate if that is what is available.

We've generally had good results with Ibis, along the lines that others have mentioned re cleanliness, etc.

The BIG exception to which was a stay at the Ibis in the Edinburgh old town last spring. Room shabby/dirty, things that didn't work, plus the hotel staff (all French apparently) brought all the warmth and hospitality of Parisian waiters to their duties.

I always stay at the Gatwick Ibis the night before an early flight/ after a late arrival. No frills, clean, comfortable, nice staff and a shuttle bus to and from the airport. And cheap. It's not as if I'm looking for a resort hotel, just somewhere convenient.

My husband had the same opinion as Gardyloo about the Edinburgh Ibis. Other than that, we've been satisfied with the Ibis hotels we've stayed at in the Netherlands, France and Germany. They're basic but the ones in Germany that I've stayed at should certainly be clean and comfortable.
Don't expect an Ibis to be anything like a Sofitel though...those are the luxury side of the Accor group. Which Ibis locations are you asking about?
I believe we've stayed at the Ibis hotels in Cologne, Dortmund, and Bamberg. All were fine and well located. The Ibis in Nuremberg is in the old town, a short walk from the train station. The hotel is fine although that area can get a little noisy at night--ask for a room at the back of the hotel if you want more quiet.
I plan to spend a night at a Germany Ibis in Feb. before catching a train to Vienna.
P.S. My one complaint with the Ibis hotels is the breakfast. If it's not included with your rate, don't bother. It's overpriced for what you get. You'll do better at a local bakery.

The breakfast at the Gothenburg Ibis was excellent. But Scandinavian breakfasts in general are.

BTilke, I think you also stayed at the Chartres Ibis, if I recall? (I have a memory that is fairly good, but sometimes faulty.)

I stayed at the Ibis in Strasbourg. Clean room, decent bathroom, nice staff. Good location and decent snacks available at all hours if you need one (eg. leaving early for a flight) I thought it was good value for the money.

I have stayed at the Ibis on the river in Frankfurt. It was very nice and the buffet breakfast was amazing. The price is generally moderate, but during events such as the International Auto Show, the rates almost double.

I have also stayed at the Ibis in Strasbourg, France. It is just across from the train station. Very clean, great air conditioner, and nice buffet breakfast.

WillTravel - Stayed at the Hotel Ibis Chartres in 2004 and was pleased with the close proximity to the cathedral(just a leisurely stroll up the hill)and also their restaurant was very good.

Here's the deal:
As posted above, the Accor Hotel chain has a variety of 'brands', all pitched at a different price point. All the ones I have been to have been fine for the money paid.
Sofitel
Grand Mercure
Novotel
Ibis
ETAP
Formule 1
The last name goes for about 25-29 euros a room in France, and the prices for the others increase incrementally.

Overall, Accor Hotels seem slightly more expensive in Germany than in France.

I was going to say the Ibis is not the bottom of the heap:)

Cheap and cheerful- does what it says on the tin. Don't expect room service.

Yes, we've stayed at the Ibis in Chartres. It's comfortable and clean, in a good location with plenty of parking. We didn't think the restaurant was good, perhaps it was just an off night in the kitchen. And the breakfast seemed pretty sparse for the price.
(I didn't mention it here because the OP was asking about German Ibis hotels. Overall, our best Ibis experience was at the Ibis in suburban Utrecht. Newly renovated rooms, informative, sociable staff. We stayed there a few times, made a good base for exploring towns like Amersfoort)

Thanks for the many comments. I feel better about the choice. We are looking at Ibis hotels in Frankfurt, Heidelberg, and a few other places. Thanks again for the responses.

-Chels

Another endorsement for Ibis, though our experience was back in 1994. We stayed in several (5-6) during a 3-week driving trip from Strasbourg to the Riviera. At that time, there were very few outside of France. They were all exactly the same, clean, very reasonably priced, simple decor with a decent and inexpensive restaurant. They aren't really charming in style but serve as the "moderate" American hotels do. Some were in the centers of the cities, like Avignon, Dijon and were hotels. Others were out of town (more like motels). At that time they all had free parking. We have always said that we would stay at an Ibis if looking for an inexpensive hotel. They have opened so many more in other countries than in France, but I would think they have maintained their standards. Happy travels!

We stayed at an Ibis in Paris. It was a teensy-weensy little room with a teensy-weensy little bathroom, but it was clean and comfortable.

The highlight of our Ibis stay was watching the Olympics in our room and hearing the announcer say, "Ooh, la la," after a beautiful dive by one of the athletes. We thought that was great!

I stayed at the Ibis Star in Copenhagen in May and it was more than fine. The room was like a smaller version of what you'd find in a Fairfield Inn by Marriott - modern with all the basic necesities. The Danish buffet breakfast was really good, and the price - in pricey Copenhagen - was excellent.