Accor’s Ibis debuts in Japan

Accor has opened its first ibis hotel in Tokyo. The ibis Tokyo Shinjuku, is located in the heart of one of the city's most vibrant commercial centres and is approximately three minutes away from the Shinjuku train station. According to an Accor spokesperson, the property was originally a local hotel called Star Hotel Tokyo, but the hotel group took over from the previous management on November 1. The 206-room hotel will begin its extensive refurbishment in mid-December. “The goal of the hotel is to increase in-bound business,” said the spokesperson. As such, English-speaking staff will be deployed to curb the language barrier. By train, the property is 90 minutes away from Narita International Airport, and 45 minutes from the Haneda International Airport. Room rates begin from JPY10,000 (US$128). “This addition of Accor’s strongest hotel brand will extend the network’s portfolio in Japan, offering guests a comprehensive hotel selection to choose from,” said Michael Issenberg, chairman and chief operating officer of Accor Asia Pacific. Currently, Accor is in the process of rebranding its economy sector into three different segments: the ibis, the ibis styles and the ibis budget. This new structure is set to be completed by 2013 (see story here). For more information, visit www.accorhotels.com Tiffany Sandrasageran