As part of the economy brand revitalisation strategy announced last September, Accor UK & Ireland is this month launching two new-design hotels within the new ibis brand family. The hotels mark the first openings for the new ibis budget (previously Etap Hotels) and ibis Styles (previously all seasons) brands in London and are clear examples of the Group’s vision and transformation of the budget hotel segment. On the 22nd June, Accor opened its first new ibis budget hotel in Whitechapel in a ceremony attended by Tower Hamlets Mayor Lutfur Rahman. The 29th June marked the opening of the first new ibis Styles in Croydon follows as the new ibis brand family rolls out across the UK.Ibis budget London Whitechapel has led to the creation of 30 jobs, meanwhile ibis Styles London Croydon has created a further 13 jobs in the local area.
Both hotels follow the announcement of the revitalisation of Accor’s economy hotel segment, and mark the first of the ibis rebranding which will see the three brands of ‘ibis’, ‘ibis Styles’ and ‘ibis budget’ in the UK, based on three key assets: modernity, simplicity and well-being.
Thomas Dubaere, Managing Director, Accor UK & Ireland said,
“Last September we announced a change to our ibis offering, to boost each brand’s visibility and market potential. The rebrand is a reinvention of Accor’s economy hotel products and services so they can transcend their market segment and cater for the changes in consumer expectations. Both the new ibis Styles and ibis budget reflect changing consumer expectations by offering contemporary, stylish services at a modest price. These hotel openings mark the first of the ibis rebrand roll-out in the UK, which will play an integral role in the overall Accor UK business, helping us to meet our pledge to increase our portfolio to 300 hotels by 2015.
“Our first new design Ibis budget is situated in London’s up and coming East End – an area which we expect to provide huge growth potential in the coming years. Meanwhile Ibis Styles will operate in Croydon – within easy reach of London Bridge and Victoria as well as the UK’s largest airports – ideal for business or leisure travellers.”
Commenting on the opening of the Ibis budget London Whitechapel, Lutfur Rahman, Mayor for Tower Hamlets said;
“I congratulate Accor on the opening of their new ibis budget in Whitechapel. This is a great new venture which displays the strength of local businesses in the community. I believe this will bring new opportunities to the borough and its local residents. I hope for its prosperity and I wish the hotel success for the future”.
Ibis budget London Whitechapel will be the first hotel to feature the new, state of the art cocoon style bedroom concept with LED-lit showers and touch-sensitive reading lights which aims to provide an affordable, ergonomic design solution for the budget hotel segment. A variety of rooms are available for one, two or three people. Julien Lamarre has been appointed General Manager of ibis budget London Whitechapel.
Ibis Styles London Croydon has undergone a complete refurbishment and now features the unique design of a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere with a modern twist – warm colours of the reception area and modern décor of the breakfast, lounge, restaurant and bar area. Pritam Kotian has been appointed General Manager of ibis Styles London Croydon.
The new ibis budget and ibis Styles hotels reflect the transformation of consumer expectations. Consumers now demand modern, contemporary, stylish brands that are also socially and environmentally responsible in all consumption segments. Brands must provide a customer experience that meets new emotional and sensory expectations, including in the budget segment – a message central to the revitalisation of the ibis brand family.
