My first ibis experience as in Amsterdam (18th to 20th May 2012) where I stayed in Ibis Hotel near Amsterdam Airport.
I remembered it to be small but cosy and they had an efficient check-in kiosk which I took an immediate liking to.
The breakfast was great (a lot of breads, cheeses and European pastries!) and the hotel gym is pretty equipped.
Fast forward a few years later, I toured a few ibis hotels during the Hong Kong es-capers Scavenger Hunt by Accor Hotels. It was then that I got a better understanding of the ibis brand.
Today I am an ibis guest again, though this time it is my first time at an ibis Styles hotel.
To began, do you know that there are 3 “different” categories of ibis hotels?
ibis, ibis Styles and ibis budget are 3 hotel brands with a common vision of hospitality.
Ibis is the full-service brand (1), while Ibis Budget offers fewer facilities (2) (no restaurants, most items are pay by use) while Ibis Styles (3) is Accor’s Ibis non-standardised product where the public areas can be different.
Ibis Styles also offers one price for all services including breakfast and WIFI.
The one I’m stayed in at Ibis Macpherson is ibis Styles. That translates to perks like comfy cabanas by a nice 25m freeform pool, free WIFI, restaurant and a gym.
I truly enjoyed my ibis Styles Macpherson stay as it was a breather for me after 3 hectic days at FHA 2016.
There were few distractions and the hotel provides basic but sufficient facilities for a comfortable stay.
The room is cosy and I marvelled at the clever use of design and furniture placement to maximise the available space.
One was making do without the wardrobe and putting an open closet in its place.
- See the tee hung up behind me? That’s your wardrobe!
Like I’ve said in all my hotel reviews, images alone would not be able to convey the feel of space and layout of a room adequately and hence I included a video in all my hotel reviews.
Take a look at this short clip to know what to expect from a standard room in ibis Styles on Macpherson.
As I’ve mentioned in my video, instead of an entirely walled up wash area, a panel that doubled up as a mirror for the sink gave the impression of separation, yet doesn’t take up precious space or make the room feels smaller.
Bright colorful sturdy doors built at an angle ensured that both doors does not meet even if it is fully opened.
Small as it is, both washroom and toilet are maintained at a comfortable size for any standard human being.
The writing table has a fitted compartment for the mini fridge and angled to open to the side so it was easy to use the fridge whenever I need to.
The fridge is kept empty which was a positive point as guest could stock up on whatever they wish.
In this case it was my healthy water kefir drinks, my lemons (yes, a morning ritual of mine is a glass of half a lemon juice with warm water every morning) and some snacks.
If you find your luggages taking up space within the room, do what I did; take out what is needed and shove them (luggages) below the bed.
The room amenities include a hair dryer, safe and shampoo, soap and shower gel. 2 hand and bath towels are provided although there are no bathrobe or slippers.
Complimentary water, dental kit and ironing board will be sent on request.
All in all I found my room to be a compact, sunny, comfortable space that works for me.
There are plenty of power sockets for my needs; on both sides of the bed and at working desk so I could either work at the desk, on the bed or get comfy in this orange settee by the window.
I alternate between writing in the room and chilling by the poolside to enjoy the fresh air, slow music and the soothing sight of a blue, free form pool.
WIFI is complimentary and the signal is strong at all areas within the hotel.
If you prefer an air conditioned space, the web corner will be ready soon.
Otherwise this cheery corner at the lobby is an alternative.
I’m also an advocate of recycling habits and was glad to note that ibis hotels encourages its guests to separate their rubbish for recycling purposes.
You can read more about their Planet 21 initiative here –> http://www.ibis.com/gb/discovering-ibis-hotel/environment.shtml
The self-serve service laundrette is great for long stay guests. Pay SGD6 for a full load (around 10kg) and SGD6 for dryer (full load).
So what’s next, you ask?
What if you wish to explore and be out of the hotel?
ibis offers hourly complimentary shuttle rides to the nearest MRT (Tai Seng) and I was informed that more drop off locations would be available soon.
The ibis Styles Singapore on MacPherson is complemented by the MacPherson Mall (opening in June 2016) which is part of the same complex so you can expect more conveniences to go along with your ibis Macpherson stay once the mall opened its doors.
Meanwhile, here’s my suggestion.
Sleep well, keep fit at the gym or loll around at the pool area. Take a jog at Aljunied Park or the Circuit Road park which is just nearby.
For meals the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant which features rather bold colors and striking designs offers pretty decent grub.
From 6:30 to 10 am, and up to 11AM on weekends, the ibis Styles breakfast will give you the energy needed to start your day off on the right foot. The selection is fair, food is fresh and included in the room rates!
There is no room service available but you would be able to order food and beverages at the restaurant from 6:30 am – 10:00 pm.
So there you go, my review of my 3D2N stay at the stylish and colorful ibis Styles on Macpherson!
Service is commendable, the location advantageous, the rooms cosy and the rates are fair.
I’ll be following up with another article on the other attractions around ibis Styles on Macpherson (mostly food!) so stay tuned!
Like what you see?
You can book yourself a stay here with rates start from SGD100/night and reservations can be made from many hotel booking sites or via ibis Styles on Macpherson main site.
http://www.ibis.com/gb/hotel-9411-ibis-styles-singapore-on-macpherson/index.shtml
ibis Styles Macpherson Singapore
401 Macpherson Road,
Corner of Macpherson And Aljunied Road,
368215 Singapore.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/ibisStylesMacPherson
Tel: + 65 66226000
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hi, love the picof the hotel, not sure bout the photpgrapher who took ur pic at windows & bed,nice shot
Love the detailed review. You basically covered all aspect that a potential guest should know! Thanks for the video too!
How is the walk to Tai Seng MRT station ? Is it a pleasant walk ?
Are there any seven eleven or other shops along the path ?
Is it a far walk ? Do you have a video of it ?
Is there alot of traffic on the roads there ..
Thanks ! 🙂