An ibis flagship hotel makes its debut in Sheung Wan marking milestone for Accor to surpass 100,000 rooms in Asia Pacific

As economy hotels open in the city almost every month, the two-month-old ibis Hong Kong Central & Sheung Wan distinguishes itself from the pack with a superb city-centre location and lavish bedding that is on par with five-star rivals.

The city's second ibis hotel marks a milestone for the Accor Group. Its soft opening on August 11 brought Accor's room count in the Asia Pacific region to more than 100,000, reinforcing the France-based group's market leadership in the region.

With the 550-room ibis included, the neighborhoods of Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun have witnessed an addition of more than 1,200 economy hotel rooms in just two months, with three properties run under international brands.

The boom in Sheung Wan is a testimony to a region-wide enthusiasm for international economy brands among guests and hotel owners.

The Asia Economy Hotels Research 2012, commissioned by the Accor Group, shows that six out of ten respondents in markets such as India and Hong Kong would pay a premium of 90 percent to choose an international brand that is considered "stylish, high-class, reliable, attractive and energetic".

Mael Vastine, resident manager of ibis Hong Kong Central & Sheung Wan, says Hong Kong presents an immense opportunity for the industry.

"The market is basically booming. Last year, all hotels averaged 89-percent occupancy. There were 42 million people coming from all around the world, which was a remarkable increase," says Mael Vastine.

The number speaks for itself - occupancy on ibis' first day in business was a whopping 84 percent, a level that Mael Vastine says, "exceeded everyone's expectations". The mainland contributes to a large part of the guest mix, but the new hotel is also popular with visitors from Europe and Southeast Asia. The current fair season has kept occupancy at high level.

Mael Vastine, who has run Accor properties in the mainland and Britain before being appointed to head the flagship in Hong Kong, says expectations of guests from mature markets, like Hong Kong and Europe, are higher than those in emerging markets. The key is that his team is seasoned and well-trained to handle all types of needs.

"My entire Hong Kong team is working energetically and optimistically, and has always striven to offer warm hospitality," says Mael Vastine.

It would be unrealistic to look for fancy features such as function space, gym or swimming pool in any economy hotel. But following a major brand revamp last year, ibis delivers on goals that are utterly important to every hotel guest.

"All our focus is to create a very good night's sleep for our guests," says Vastine, adding that the company's ultimate goal is to deliver "well-being at the best prices".

Quality sleep at the ibis is ensured by a Simmons mattress - a favorite of the city's top hotels, a seven-centimeter feather topping, completed with microfibre pillows and silky duvet cover.

The 17 square-meter room manages to create a good sense of space - credits to the bay windows and 3-meter high ceiling. Those who ask for a HK$300 upgrade to the harbor view room will be rewarded with a spectacular lookout towards the city's tallest skyscraper, International Commerce Centre, across the world-famous Victoria Harbor.

The refreshed ibis standard also promises to solve all problems in guestrooms or food and beverage outlets within 15 minutes, so the guests can enjoy a stay free of frustration. High speed wireless Internet keeps guests connected throughout the property, free of charge.

A highlight of ibis that differentiates it from other brands, Vastine points out, is the very long breakfast hours that span from 4am to noon, aiming to suit everyone's schedule. TASTE, the hotel's sole restaurant, serves a buffet-style breakfast between 6.30am and 11am.

TASTE also offers an all-day la carte menu for the rest of the day. LE BAR, connected with the main lobby, is open 24/7 and guests can still fulfill their gastronomic needs after service hours with the provision of ready-packed light meals and drinks options.

The area also offers great variety for adventurous food lovers. Some of the most celebrated Chiu Chow style cuisine in the city can be found right at the doorsteps of ibis Hong Kong Central & Sheung Wan, while cafes and western delicacy outlets that line Gough Street and Hollywood Road are within walking distance.

ibis is also a great hub to explore the rest of the city, and even outside of it. Day trips to Macao or other cities in the Pearl River Delta are made easy as the Hong Kong and Macau Ferry Terminal is just across the Connaught Road Central.

The Sheung Wan MTR station is a few minutes' walk and must-see attractions such as the Man Mo Temple and the wholesale and retail markets selling dried seafood, ginseng, bird's nest and herbal medicine, are also within walking distance.

(HK Edition 10/19/2012 page10)