ibis Styles Ipoh – No challenge for the physically challenged

It was like a breath of spring, walking into the ibis Styles in Ipoh. Not only were the colours in the lobby bright and dazzling but the double height ceiling added to the lightness of the ambience, a cheerful and happy place that strives to take care of every comfort and every detail for the weary traveller; at prices that will not burn a hole in one’s pocket.

And for the physically challenged guest, ibis Styles Ipoh has left no stone unturned and no detail too minor to furnish two disabled-friendly rooms to cater for their special needs.

From the moment the car arrives at the front lobby up the gradually sloping ramp, a wheelchair ramp is provided for a wheelchair to be pushed into the lobby and reception area. While the sight of the long flight of stairs to the mezzanine floor may appear daunting to the physically challenged, easy accessibility is provided by two fast arriving lifts that will take you to every floor of the hotel.

There are no steps to climb, no obstacle courses to negotiate to reach the special-needs rooms where extra wide doors, both into the room and the bathroom, allow for easy wheelchair access. An emergency button right next to the bed connected directly to the security room which is manned 24 hours a day is an elbow length away from the pillow with extra comfort touch of bolster and a boon for aching joints. The bed itself is a masterpiece in design, the ‘IBIS Sweet Beds’, with an added mattress topping to ensure a good night’s sleep. The soft down duvet further complements the invitation to snuggle in and take a nap or settle in for the night.

Bathroom touches include a foldable bath chair, grab bars for both the shower area and the WC. An emergency pull is available should there be a need. A wonderfully thoughtful option is the adjoining companion room which is accessible both from the corridor as well as from the special needs room.

Other amenities which are standard for all rooms and suites include an international wall plug to save having to bring different adapters for different countries with built-in USB and HDMI slots, an in-room safe which is designed to accommodate a 15?inch laptop and one’s valuables, an iron and ironing board as well as a fridge. The wifi is also complimentary.

Other guests are naturally equally well served at ibis Styles  Ipoh where a range of rooms cater to different requirements. The courtyard rooms feature an outdoor courtyard area with chairs and table and a sun umbrella for a relaxing lounge outside. While the top floor Deluxe Suite features a separate sitting and dining room, a walk-in closet and extra guest bathroom. The standard room across the hallway can be incorporated into a private family suite with an external door that secures the privacy of the two areas.

Speaking to the charming Ms Charanita Gill, General Manager for ibis Styles Ipoh, I asked if providing for the physically challenged was a standard practice at Ibis Styles Ipoh and she said, “We like to provide for all our guests and the physically challenged guests in particular have a tough time as it is. Therefore, ibis Styles Ipoh has gone to great lengths to design the whole hotel’s accessibility around the needs of the physically challenged. We also have disabled-friendly toilets in the public areas of the hotel.”

Not only is ibis Styles Ipoh the first international hotel chain to open in Ipoh, but this is the first disabled-friendly hotel to cater to the physically challenged. Kudos to ibis Styles Ipoh. May more hotels follow suit.

Rates at ibis Styles Ipoh start from MYR160+.

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