NAIROBI, Kenya, July 27 – ibis Styles is synonymous with stylish, trendy, and well-designed rooms that attract local and international customers.
Despite sitting in one of the prime areas of Nairobi, Westlands, ibis, which is part of the French hotel group Accor, offers visitors cheap accommodations a few steps from the Central Business District.
Whether on a business trip to Kenya or a local Kenyan looking for a weekend gateway, the hotel offers it all.
Apart from spacious rooms, which come in different sizes, it also runs a restaurant, offering international cuisine.
And as it celebrates its seven years of Kenyan operations, Capital Business sat down with its General manager, Thomas Simonnet, and this is what he had to say:
Tell us about ibis Hotel as a destination; what does the hotel offer to its guests
ibis Styles is an economy hotel brand owned by Accor; each ibis Styles has its own unique design, theme and personality. Creative and urban brand our eclectic hotel offers warm services and a stylish comfort.
Each hotel reflects the spirit of its location; our theme being African arts with a musical touch. Given its an affordable and budget friendly brand it gives us a strong position in a city like Nairobi.
What is unique or different about ibis Styles as compared to other hotel brands in the same category
We have great quality, offer value for money and it gives an opportunity to give our guests more than hospitality.
We believe that we have the power to unlock a better tomorrow that’s why we support and empower communities around us and protect the planet through a greener hospitality experience.
Tell us about the other markets you worked in and how that compares to your current role
I have been lucky to work in different markets and every market is different because of the economic situation is diverse.
The markets adapt to the reality of the situation in different countries. I can’t compare the people I have come across and work with but the Kenyan market is very dynamic.
You just have to see how many hotels are opening. This is a great economical trend for a country.
In your opinion, What are the biggest challenges that the hospitality industry faces
The main is the recovery after Covid-19, in fact this is around the world. We had to reinvent our services and what we offer the guests.
This break reminded us of human touch, connecting face to face with people.
It is still a challenge paused and it’s a teaching lesson that in case there is yet another pandemic we can be able to navigate through it, so we are still in recovery.
In terms of excitement and inspiration, what gives you the passion for the role? What do you find inspiring about working in hospitality and being a General Manager
The people, working with people, if you want to learn about a country it’s the people and culture that will help you navigate through this country.
The richness of a country is the people. Here at the hotel I learn so much about people and their trends and that’s the most exciting part of my career, socialising and networking.
Tell us about the ibis Styles anniversary
On this momentous occasion I would like to thank each member of ibis Styles who has been part of this stylish Journey.
These 7 years have seen us go through numerous ups and downs and this celebration is a testament to the dedication, hard work and resilience of every single team member who has helped us reach the milestone.
ibis Styles is about the free spirit of the brand , respect for the two types of guests (our staff and guests) insertion of social, ethnic, racial, cultural, people with disabilities; diversity is manifold and a daily reality at Accor- a leading player in the hospitality sector.
We provide Karibu Kenyan spirit at its best within our hotel with emphasis on style aspect and value for money. Karibu ibis Styles, come experience the unique feeling of the Kenyan soul.
