Etap or Ibis Hotels in Germany

I like Ibis hotels (especially their prices), but usually stay don't use them in the summer months as most don't have air conditioning. If your a person that wants AC, Ibis may not be for you.

Ed, I stayed at Ibis hotels in Paris and Australia and they both had air conditioning. Just check the Ibis website to make sure whatever hotel you choose offers a/c if it is a requirement for you.

Can't speak for the Germany/Austria Ibis chain, but overall (while lacking in European charm - think Best Western/Hampton Inn) I've found Ibis very clean, quiet - definitely a good budget hotel chain.

We stayed in the Ibis Marientor in Nuernberg. It was recently remodeled and nice, though fairly basic. The breakfast was good, with a very large selection. There was no AC and it was summer. We would be happy to stay there again.

Regards, Gary

Funny story, I stayed at that same Ibis in Nuernberg June 2006 during the World Cup. There was a 90+ degree heat wave and when I entered the lobby it was like a sauna. It was so hot the guy behind the front desk was wearing a head band. Part of my brain told me to cancel the reservation and splurge somewhere fancier with AC. Buy since the rate was less than 100 euros, the cheapskate in me took control and I checked-in. Long story short, it was the most uncomfortable night I have ever had at a hotel, I checked out the next morning, and splurged for the brand new NH Hotel around the corner. Even got to share an elevator with comedian Drew Carey! But if I were to return during cooler months I wouldn't hesistate to stay at the Ibis.

The IBIS Hotel Centrum in Frankfurt is in a pretty good location, still walking distance to train station but nowhere near the redlight district. Instead easy walking access to the river front which you can follow to get to the city center (10mins walk or so). All rooms come with AC there.

Thanks for all the information, will consider the Ibis chain but will check and see if they are air conditioned as we will be there mid June to early July.

You might also check Novotel. We have stayed in them in Belgium and France. Very clean, efficient rooms. I don't remember if it was air conditioned. Good breakfast, and usually close to the highway for easy 1 night stops.

Novotels are owned by the same company the owns Ibis: Accor. In fact, in a lot of cities, an Ibis and Novotel are located in the same building, but with separate entrances. Novotel's always have air conditioning, and slightly bigger rooms; but of course this come with a slightly higher price.

Ibis are fine... very basic but with decent beds, bathrooms, etc.

We've stayed at one Etap in Bourdeaux, France, and never again. It was so small my husband kept saying he had to go outside to change his mind. The bathroom was more like that you'd find in a travel trailer.

I have stayed at both and they both have vg air cond., parking.,
the diff in price is why I stay at Etap. I do not need the extras of in house restaurant, pool, bar, internet,in room telephone. Etaps are v clean with fresh sheets every day and usually bunk beds, single above and double below. yes it is small but efficient. I just sleep, shower and go so I prefer not to pay for something I will not use.For travelers looking for efficiency and cleanliness it's ETAP. Formule 1 though is more backpapers style with share bathroom and no air cond.

As somebody sais already, Formule 1, Etap, Ibis, Mercury and Novotel are all owned by a same group, Accor Hotels, that is actually the biggest hotel group in the world.

I've stayed in Etap hotels in many different French towns, and yeat they follow the same idea, there are sometimes quite a big differences between rooms. One time I had toilets practically in a closet (a brand new hotel, I was the first person in the room) and a separated shower, once a big decent bathroom... That depends.

Ibis where my parents stayed was a decent practical hotel. The room was small but quite comfy.

If you're looking for something better, try Mercury (real bathrooms, minibars) or Novotel (Business class by Accor)

I read in the last week that a European company owns Motel 6--I think it's one of these discussed in the above posts, does anyone know which one?

Accor does indeed own Motel 6.

We stayed at the Ibis in Frankfurt near the airport our first and last nights in town. It was small but comfy and a great price. There is a shuttle to the airport.