Ibis Styles Phuket City — Hotel in Ratsada

I had a disappointing experience at Ibis Styles Phuket City. Upon check-in, the front desk refused to accept my prepaid virtual debit card, even though they already had a bank slip confirming the payment, which had been charged days before arrival. Despite showing proof of payment, the staff insisted that I present a physical credit card or take a photo of my card, even though their terms and conditions do not explicitly require this for prepaid bookings.

When I requested escalation, the receptionist refused to involve higher management, leaving me with no immediate resolution. This was extremely frustrating, especially after a long journey by car with kids.

The check-in experience is one of the most crucial moments of a hotel stay, as it sets the tone for the entire visit. The receptionist is the first point of contact and plays a key role in making guests feel welcomed and accommodated. Unfortunately, the way my check-in was handled made the entire stay unpleasant and stressful.

Additionally, the demand to take a photo of my credit card is a serious violation of PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) and personal data protection laws. Handling sensitive financial information in this manner is completely unacceptable, especially given that Accor suffered a major data breach just a year ago, exposing the personal data of 642,000 customers. This raises serious concerns about how guest data is being handled and protected.

From a banking and transaction perspective, prepaid debit transactions are settled instantly, unlike credit card pre-authorizations, making their refusal unjustified. If such a requirement exists, it should be clearly stated in their policies rather than being inconsistently enforced at check-in.

As a loyal Accor network member, I expected a seamless check-in experience and adherence to industry standards. Instead, I encountered poor service, data security risks, and inconsistent policies.

I strongly urge the management team to review their payment policies, ensure compliance with PCI DSS standards, and provide better customer service training to prevent unnecessary stress for guests.

Would not recommend unless they improve their transparency, professionalism, and data...

Located in the heart of Phuket, Ibis Styles offers an affordable stay with close proximity to the Old Town and a variety of dining options. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll around the city. If you’re staying on a Sunday, you can leave your car at the hotel and walk about 800 meters to the Sunday Walking Street Market.

The prices are reasonable, and I booked a Standard Room for one night at THB 9XX, which was upgraded to a Family Suite (Room 4415) as a Platinum member. I also received all the Platinum benefits, including a late check-out at 5:00 PM and a welcome drink for two, which can be accessed via the hotel’s app. Additionally, all benefits can be used at the Novotel on the 17th floor or the hotel lobby.

Breakfast is free for Platinum members (even though I booked without breakfast included) and is served from 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM at the Ibis restaurant. The breakfast options are varied and offer good value, with pork sausages and other choices available. There's also a welcome set consisting of macarons and chocolate balls.

The fitness center and swimming pool are located on the 3rd floor of the Novotel next door. Though the space is small, it’s well-equipped for a workout.

During my stay, I visited the Thai Hua Museum, which has an entrance fee of 50 Baht for two people. I asked the staff to give me a tour, and they happily obliged, providing a 1.5-hour guided tour about the history of Phuket, exploring different eras, and the various rooms in the museum. It was incredibly enjoyable and insightful.

I also recommend trying the delicious noodles at "Pee Mai" (a local noodle shop), especially the large pieces of fried chicken.

Overall, Ibis Styles Phuket City is a great option for those who enjoy taking photos, exploring old towns, and trying local food. It’s definitely a great choice for members looking for an affordable, comfortable, and...

Ibis Styles Phuket City is a very good budget hotel in Phuket Town. I'm glad that I decided to try out this hotel which is a bit hidden behind Novotel. The rooms are just as comfortable as in Novotel but without the view and 2-3 times cheaper. I highly recommend staying here if you are on a budget.

As Accor Plus Diamond member I got room upgrade to family suite, drinking voucher for the Novotel bar, free breakfast in Novotel, welcome fruit and welcome letter. All this for around 700 bath per night (Accor Plus red hot rooms price). This is great value.

The family suite is very comfortable, a queen bed, a bunk bed, several windows with a view of Courtyard Phuket and a banana farm. There is a desk and chair, comfortable enough for working. Everything very clean and tidy.

I would love to give five stars but there were some minor issues: The aircon vent was covered by dust when I check-in. I asked them to clean , which they did. But the dust had feel down on the floor when I came back to the room. After I asked cleaning to clean the room, the dust was still there. So I had to ask them to come again and clean the dust up. Some cleaning ladies did not wear a mask, which poses a risk to themselves and the guests, since we're at the height of a covid wave right now. Some staff and almost all guests did not wear masks inside the lobby, I understand that it is now voluntary in Thailand, but I still think it would be good to wear a mask now due to the high rate of covid infections.

However, those are just minor issues and I will for sure come back again soon to IBIS Styles Phuket town as long as they have such...