We have been to several IBIS and Mercure across Europe and frankly thinking of not keeping up with our loyalty program anymore. The standard of services and facilities etc not up to the standard in the Asian / Australian/ NZ region.....Until we hit the UK!
IBIS Heathrow is a far cry from the average IBIS and Mercure in Europe. Firstly a very sophisticated front counter where the staff use phones and walk around. There is no big front counter but just mobile staff checking people in using mobile app. The front counter was just customer facilities...Huge area for free water, coffee, tea and some IT equipment for customers.
The lobby area design is all about customers. Lots of sitting area and comfy sofas with the bar and bf lounge rolling from the front lobby. Very spacious and well designed. The rooms are bigger than your IBIS and Mercure rooms in Europe. Hey..There is coffee/tea making facility in room. Coffee with little milk pods rather than powdered creamer. Toilets very clean. Good design in use of plastic for the bath rather than tiles where cleaners often do not care about cleaning the mould!! Much smarter design which contributes to the comfort of customers!
This IBIS though very very busy is very well staffed and great service. Everything run professionally in lobby, bar and breakfast even tho it is very busy! Breakfast is about 80 % capacity utilized but clean and orderly.
I have changed my mind. If we are back into London, no hesitation to stay here again! Great value (half the price of Mercure, IBIS in Europe but includes breakfast), great service, spacious room and comfortable bed, clean and professional staff!! Jolly good..Thumbs up!
