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A Serendipitous Journey to Ibis Styles Krabi Ao Nang

This journey was made possible by the "พักสบาย" page and "ibis Erawan Hotels – Thailand," who collaborated to find reviewers. We were fortunate to be among the three reviewers chosen for this opportunity.

As an Accor Plus member for over eight years, I consider myself a loyal Ibis enthusiast. The Ibis brand, part of the Accor group, has been my go-to choice for accommodation due to its affordability and accessibility. I've often secured promotional rates below 1,000 baht per night, and even as low as 100 baht a few years ago.

My Ibis experiences have spanned almost the entire country, with the exception of "Ibis Siam," where I've only dined. For my latest stay, I specifically chose "ibis Styles Krabi Ao Nang," the newest Ibis property under the Ibis Erawan Hotels group. It had been on my list for a while, and upon being selected as a reviewer, I immediately requested to stay there.

Before we head to Krabi, let's delve into some information about "ibis"...

Ibis hotels in Thailand are divided into two categories: ibis (red pillow logo) and ibis Styles (green pillow logo). Ibis Styles (green pillow logo) has only two locations, one in Chiang Mai and one in Krabi. However, the Chiang Mai location is not part of the Ibis Erawan group, so the decoration and room design are completely different from other Ibis hotels in Thailand (which are part of the Ibis Erawan group).

Red and green pillows: These were not provided by the accommodation. We brought them ourselves.

• Red pillow: This was obtained by submitting a photo to the ibis Happy Sleep campaign.
• Green pillow: This was obtained by catching stars at the ibis Market event.

ibis Erawan Hotels – Thailand

Facebook page of Ibis Thailand

Among the ibis hotels under the "ibis Erawan" group, the following branches have the most locations in Thailand: ...
1) ibis Phuket Kata
2) ibis Phuket Patong
3) ibis Samui Bophut - The only ibis hotel in Thailand located by the sea.
4) ibis Hua Hin
5) ibis Pattaya
6) ibis Bangkok Siam
7) ibis Bangkok Sathorn
8) ibis Bangkok Riverside
9) ibis Bangkok Nana
10) ibis Styles Krabi Ao Nang ** (The newest addition to the ibis Erawan group, opened in October 2014).

The square-shaped logo of ibis symbolizes a "pillow", which led to the campaign "Sleep comfortably with ibis - ibis Happy Sleep" around 2012-2013. During that time, ibis revamped its image and changed its mattresses to be softer and more comfortable (if you've ever stayed at ibis before, you'll know that their mattresses used to be very hard. T.T I'm so glad they changed the mattresses to be softer, because I used to get back pain from sleeping on them before).

The addition of "Styles" to the name has sparked curiosity about how it differs from other Ibis hotels (with the red pillow logo). This review will delve into those differences.

A Family Trip to Krabi with a Mischievous Little Bear

This trip took our playful little bear cub on a plane ride to Krabi. As an airplane enthusiast, he was thrilled to finally take to the skies during his school break. The view from the window was breathtaking, with a beautiful blue sky. However, little did we know that a scorching 38 degrees Celsius awaited us at our destination. Initially, we planned to take a day trip to explore the islands, but the intense heat forced us to abandon our plans.

The journey took approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. After picking up the rental car, we continued our journey (if you don't rent a car, they offer a shuttle bus service to various accommodations in Ao Nang for 150 baht per person, but we had a small child with us, so we opted for a bit more comfort and convenience).

Simple and Short

The famous Krabi restaurant "Ko Joy Fried Chicken and Rice Noodles" has moved from its original location opposite Municipal School 1 in the Old Town Market. After searching for a while, we stumbled upon the new location by chance.

The restaurant is now situated on the road to Krabi Airport, just outside the city center. According to the staff, the move took place in early November 2015 due to the difficulty of finding parking near the old location. The new branch is located next to the Baan Long Rak Krabi guesthouse and is closed every Sunday. Opening hours are from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

Note : Kojoy Fried Chicken Noodle Shop currently has 4 branches:
- Old Market Branch (moved to the front of Baan Long Rak Krabi)
- City Branch
- Krabi Airport Branch
- North Khlong Branch

After a satisfying meal, we headed towards Ao Nang, where our accommodation was located. Following the signs for Ao Nang, we found our accommodation just before the beach, on the left-hand side opposite the Ao Nang Mosque.

Ibis Styles Krabi Ao Nang
https://www.facebook.com/ibisStylesKrabiAoNang

We arrived at the accommodation at noon. It was quite crowded as it was the check-out time. After completing the check-in process, we had to wait for about half an hour as the housekeeper had not yet finished cleaning the room.

++ Lobby area to be captured at night due to high daytime traffic ++

Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a self-service welcome drink station in the lobby. This thoughtful amenity allows guests to enjoy refreshments at their leisure throughout their stay. A selection of small snacks, such as fried taro, banana chips, and pineapple-filled bread, complements the beverages. The attentive staff ensures a constant supply of refreshing herbal drinks, which vary daily. During my visit, I was offered roselle juice upon arrival, followed by guava juice in the evening and matum fruit juice the next day.

The staff member explained that the shower is intended for guests returning from day trips to the sea. Guests appreciate the opportunity to cool off after a hot day, and sometimes there is a queue of people waiting to use it.

++ The bear cub is very happy. She is sitting and waiting for the housekeeper to clean the room. She is enjoying her food and there is no limit. ++

Lobby Bar: Welcome Drinks for Accor Plus Members

The lobby features the Koh Bar, offering a variety of beverages. Accor Plus members can redeem a welcome drink coupon, with the available options varying based on membership tier. Silver members can choose from soft drinks, juices, and smoothies. Gold members have access to an expanded menu, while Platinum members enjoy full access to all beverages, including cocktails, beers, and wines.

++ Mocktail: Krabi Blossom, an exclusive benefit for Accor members ++

Nearby, there is a pool table (coin-operated).

The highlight is the "multicolored macaron chair" located next to the internet corner, which provides free internet access for guests. There are also bicycles for rent and a free shutter service that takes guests to Ao Nang every hour and back to the hotel. The hotel is about 1.5 kilometers from Ao Nang, a 5-minute drive away.

++ The macaron chair – a unique feature of this place. ++

++ Bicycle rental service is available. If you don't want to wait for the shuttle service, you can ride a bicycle to the beach.++

The word "Styles" simply means "having style".

Therefore, the room decoration here has a design and style hidden in various corners, emphasizing brightness and fun, so that it does not feel too plain, compared to the Ibis with red pillows.

Examples include:
- Macaron-colored chairs, vibrant and colorful.
- The internet corner and curtains in the guest rooms, which conceal the decor of the rock climbing activities, a unique feature of Krabi Province.
- The headboard pattern, which is a map of Krabi Province.

++ Observe the image of a person scaling a cliff, above a computer. ++

This accommodation offers two room types: Standard Room and Family Room. Extra beds are available for an additional fee, while baby cots for infants are provided free of charge.

For this stay, we stayed in a "Family Room," which typically accommodates two adults and two children. This room type features a unique bunk bed and complimentary in-room XBOX gaming console (game discs can be borrowed from the front office).

Upon entering the room, the child was immediately captivated by the vibrant fish murals adorning the walls, erupting in excited squeals. Without hesitation, they began to clamber up and down the bunk bed, their laughter echoing through the room. It was evident that the child, accustomed to a home devoid of bunk beds, was relishing this newfound opportunity for playful exploration.

This room is designed for children, with dolls placed on the bed. It's very cute. In the end, the mother ended up sleeping on the top bunk with her child, hugging the doll. Her legs hung over the edge a bit because it was a child-sized bed.

++ The curtain pattern also depicts a person climbing a cliff. ++

The room, like other Ibis hotels, may not be very spacious, but the space is well-proportioned. Personally, we like the idea of storing luggage under the bed, which makes the room tidy and spacious. The luggage is not in the way.

++ Store your luggage under the bed to maximize space in your room. ++

++ Compact but adequate bathroom ++

The corner of the dressing table is adjacent to the clothes hanging cabinet... No, it should be said that it is more like a box than a wardrobe, because there is no door to open and close.

The room is well-equipped with standard amenities, including a safe, umbrellas, and emergency flashlights. I particularly appreciated the additional pool towels provided in the room, which were convenient and eliminated the need to sign for them. They were also perfect for taking to the beach.

The refrigerator does not have a minibar with a wide variety of items, only bottled water, which is typical of budget hotels. This did not bother us, as we do not usually consume anything else from minibars anyway.

The headboard area is equipped with tea, coffee, and an electric kettle, which is a standard amenity.

However, there is no writing desk in this room. Instead, there is a small sofa. (Some ibis hotels, such as ibis Bangkok Riverside, have larger rooms with writing desks.)

A small balcony with chairs offers stunning views of the swimming pool and the limestone mountains, a hallmark of Krabi province. The tinted film provides excellent shade, keeping the room cool despite the direct sunlight in the afternoon. From the outside balcony, only a reflection is visible, ensuring privacy within the room.

++ The view from the balcony of the room shows the swimming pool and the limestone mountains ++

Another advantage of Ibis is that it is a "Pet Friendly Hotel". It welcomes pets with weight restrictions and additional charges. ... I apologize that I don't have much information on this part, because the one that the little bear was carrying stayed for free without any charges. ^^" (Well, the mother bear wouldn't let him keep a dog, so he has this doll as his favorite, carrying it with him everywhere.)

The father and son went swimming together (the little bear made new friends from many countries during their stay here). As for myself, I went to see the standard room and took some pictures.

The Standard Room is decorated in the same style as the Family Room, but without the bunk beds or Xbox game console. Guests can choose between a double bed or twin beds. Connecting rooms are available upon request.

++ Please note the picture at the head of the bed, which is a map of Krabi Province. ++

++ Twin bed room ++

++ Balcony View ++

Returning to the lobby area ... Here, there are also other facilities, such as

• Meeting and seminar room services: I didn't have the opportunity to take pictures of these services, as I didn't use them during my stay.
• Tour counter services: There are a variety of tour programs available, with the most popular being the 4 Islands and Koh Hong tours.
• Koh Bar: (Details already provided earlier in the text).

Plum Siam Massage & Spa
Located by the poolside pavilion, this spa is reportedly operated by an external vendor rather than the hotel itself. Prices are reasonable, with foot massages or scrubs costing 300 baht per hour.

We returned from our stay here less than two weeks ago. They had a promotion for a two-night stay with a one-hour Thai massage package included... Unfortunately, we missed out on this great promotion. T.T

++ Poolside massage area ++

The Cliff Cafe & Restaurant

The restaurant is located near the swimming pool, with both an outdoor area decorated in vibrant colors and an air-conditioned indoor section.

++ Open-air outdoor area ++

++ Indoor area with air conditioning ++

Breakfast is served from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM. The breakfast menu is standard, but from my observations and inquiries with the chef, the main pork dishes are ham and bacon. These dishes are clearly labeled with a picture of a pig. However, other dishes such as fried rice, rice porridge, or stir-fried noodles do not contain pork. They will use chicken instead.

A portion of the food here is halal. This is likely because the accommodation is located opposite the Ao Nang Mosque and receives a significant number of Muslim guests.

The hotel offers a la carte lunch service, as well as afternoon tea sets. For dinner, there is a buffet on certain days, such as a BarBQ Buffet on Tuesdays, Thai food on Thursdays, and Italian Night on Saturday evenings.

The pool area features two separate pools, one for children and one for adults. I particularly appreciate the availability of pool toys, such as inflatable rings and water guns, which allow children to play freely.

++ Private jet, bring it yourself in your bag, but the staff here is very nice, they helped to inflate it. ++

Additionally, there is a small playground corner with a slide and swings.

A short walk up the stairs to the second floor reveals the Sun Deck, equipped with beach chairs for sunbathing. (Needless to say, we didn't use them, as it was already scorching hot.)

During our three-day, two-night stay, we spent the first day relaxing at the resort. The children had a blast jumping in the pool and playing all day long. They were full of energy after their school break and woke up at 3 am to catch our flight (they even woke up before their alarm, they were so excited to go on vacation). They didn't nap during the day and played in the water all day long. They didn't even go to bed until after 11 pm. I, the mother bear, gave up trying to get them to sleep. Oh well.

Day 2, I wanted to explore the world outside. I had already rented a car, so I went to "Tha Pom Khlong Song Nam", one of Krabi's Unseen attractions. I had been there once before in 2003, which was a long time ago (I hadn't been back for 12 years). It took about 30 minutes to drive there, but if you don't have a car, you can buy a day trip tour. They will combine it with a kayaking program at Tha Len and end at Tha Pom Khlong Song Nam.

Tha Pom Khlong Song Nam

Entrance fee: 20 baht for adults, 10 baht for children.

Meaning of "Khlong Song Nam": This name refers to the confluence of fresh and saltwater. When the tide is high, the freshwater in the canal becomes brackish. When the tide goes out, the freshwater from the upstream forest pushes the seawater out, creating a unique mangrove forest ecosystem where saltwater and freshwater meet.

The water here is beautifully clear, with some sections beneath the surface adorned with the vibrant green of underwater plants that are clearly visible. Schools of fish can be seen swimming, and the beauty of the area can be appreciated on a 700-meter circular nature trail. In addition to the Khlong Song Nam, there are also natural forests to explore on the nature trail.

Our first visit here was in 2003. We recently returned to find that swimming is now prohibited, with a 500 baht fine for violators. Apparently, the ban was implemented after people were observed bathing with soap and shampoo in the water.

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++ Beautiful views during the journey ++

In the afternoon, we returned to Ao Nang Bay, but went further to the Million-Year Shell Cemetery, as suggested by a staff member at Ibis Styles. With permission, I would like to mention her name, "Khun Maew." Khun Maew was an exceptional staff member who took great care of our family from the moment we arrived until she saw us off at the car on our departure day.

Every time we passed by or bumped into each other in the lobby, Ms. Cat would always greet and chat with Little Bear. When she learned that we were going out, Ms. Cat recommended a tourist spot not far from our accommodation. She said that the kids would probably like it there. We have to thank Ms. Cat because we didn't know about this place before. And of course, Little Bear loved it.

Coastal Fisheries Research and Development Center, Krabi

Directions: Follow the same route as the Million-Year Shell Cemetery. Drive past Ao Nam Mao Pier and look for the Nemo and Seahorse statues on your right.

Admission: Free

Highlights:

• Breeding center for various fish species
• Open and closed ponds
• Fish raised in cages and glass tanks

For outdoor ponds, there will be a walkway around the pond with a roof to provide shade. Even in the afternoon during the summer, it is still bearable.

Visiting this place for the first time, I realized that clownfish, or Nemo, have a wider variety of colors and patterns than I had imagined. They come in black and white stripes, polka dots like zebras, and I even saw a clownfish with a big belly for the first time, its belly bulging adorably. In addition, there were starfish, moray eels, pufferfish, angelfish, elephant ear fish, etc., but I couldn't find any seahorses.

The children came here for a field trip in large numbers. And of course, my son loved it. He shouted and called out to me to go this way and that way, and wouldn't stop.

Restaurant Baan Go Lek

A short drive from the fish-viewing spot, there is a left turn off the main road that leads deeper into the area. The last 300 meters are a dirt road, but the restaurant itself boasts a beautiful atmosphere, nestled beside the water and mangrove forest. In addition to the restaurant, there is also an air-conditioned bakery offering homemade treats. The food prices are reasonable, and the music selection is pleasant. While the restaurant's name may seem old-fashioned, the overall ambiance and music cater to a more modern, youthful crowd.

The Aiyya Laksa, priced at 230 baht, is a steamed seafood platter featuring clams, mussels, shrimp, squid, and fish, among other ingredients. It is garnished with crispy fried shallots and served with a separate seafood dipping sauce.

The roasted pork costs 150 baht, and your son's dish is deep-fried shrimp for 150 baht. The staff is attentive. ... It's a pity that we were too full to try their bakery, but it's another restaurant that we enjoyed on our trip to Krabi.

In the late afternoon, we returned to the hotel and let the baby bear play in the water to cool off. In the evening, we took the hotel's shuttle van to Ao Nang Beach for a walk.

In the evening, the beach was crowded and the shuttle van was full. However, the hotel was very accommodating and added additional shuttle runs during that time. The shuttle ride to the beach took less than 5 minutes, and the hotel also provided return service according to the schedule. Although the hotel may not be located directly on the beach, it provided excellent convenience.

++ Bus schedule to Ao Nang ++

Stroll along the sandy beach at dusk ... and admire the sunset view.

In the early evening, there is a small market in front of the ibis Styles Krabi Ao Nang Hotel where you can stroll and enjoy yourself. Or you can walk to find delicious snacks to eat in front of the Ao Nang Mosque on the opposite side of the hotel. There is a wide variety of snacks, especially Halal food, which is abundant in this area. And don't miss the roti, which comes in a wide variety. (Little Bear had never eaten roti before, but she was willing to try it on this trip.)

In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Paksabai page and ibis Erawan Hotels – Thailand for giving the Bear family the opportunity to return to stay at ibis again.

The following is an old message that was posted on my personal Facebook page in 2013.
As a child, I had the opportunity to stay at Ibis frequently and have been attached to Ibis since I can remember.

The laughter and smiles of my 2-year-old son...
* The image of him dragging his suitcase to check in at ibis Pattaya.
* The image of him bravely jumping into the pool for the first time at ibis Hua Hin.
* His first slice of pizza in life from the Taste restaurant at ibis Phuket Kata, which he loved so much that he walked back to the restaurant after leaving.
* The image of him clinging to the window of the hotel room, looking for boats and trains tirelessly at ibis Bangkok Riverside.
* The image of him meeting new friends from the other side of the world and playing together at ibis Phuket Patong.
* The image of him having fun crawling in and out of the baby cot at ibis Bangkok Riverside.
etc.

Every moment is a joy for this mother, seeing her child happy and full of smiles. It is a touching and memorable experience to return to a familiar place and hear him call out "ibis" without being prompted. He remembers and knows more than we think.

Thank you for bringing smiles to this child's face during the school break.

Currently 5 years old ...
No matter how many years pass, I will still "love ibis" as always, but I will also love "ibis Styles" ^.^