ibis Styles KK comes out on top despite Covid setback
Published on: Wednesday, December 14, 2022
By: Anthea Peter
The hotel's monochromatic industrial elements, enlivened with a large and colourful art piece at the lobby.
Kota Kinabalu: With the hotel industry being the hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, Ibis Styles Kota Kinabalu has continued to adapt, weather through challenges and live up to its accolades.
Awarded Malaysia’s Best 3-star Design Hotel by the International Travel Awards in 2019, General Manager Puvan Abdullah said the management hopes to leverage on the international market as more borders open, on top of further exploring the domestic market.
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“When the pandemic hit the world, we were clueless and not able to predict how long this pandemic will last.
“We shut down in April and May, 2020 due to the restriction. We reopened on June 1, 2020 with a smaller team, hoping to be able to capture some business. We were more focused on food delivery as we saw the opportunity and demand for it.
“We are glad to be able to stay afloat to this day, especially with the support of the locals and our great team effort.
“We will continue to explore business domestically, to ensure we have this base business moving forward while also focusing on countries with direct flights to Kota Kinabalu such as South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Brunei, Singapore,” he said.
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Despite the challenges, the hotel has remained steadfast in its commitment to give back to the community through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Puvan said the hotel has made notable contributions to affected families and villagers in Inanam during the Covid-19 pandemic.
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“It is a way for us to support the local people and keep each other afloat during the harsh lockdowns of the pandemic.
“We have also organised cleanups around the beaches and islands of Kota Kinabalu as a way to drive our AccorHotels’ sustainable development program called "Planet 21",” he added.
The hotel first opened its doors to both local and international travellers in February 2018, with its target group being corporate clients and business-oriented travellers seeking affordable accommodation that surpasses style and comfort.
Ibis Styles Hotel, situated in the bustling commercial district of Inanam, is known for its industrial rustic design which is purposefully done to blend in with the rustic nature of the town.
Amid the monochromatic industrial elements, such bricks and concrete, the hotel’s open floor space is enlivened with a large and colourful art piece illustrating several voluptuous women, that often catches the eye of its guests.
“The piece is created by Harris Ribut, a local and renowned Malaysian artist who was inspired by his late mother as he shows us the grace and beauty in a sincere perspective of reality.
“His mother is his inspiration in all his work. “Big is not heavy, fat but not ugly, passion rather than lust” - that's how he sees them and he hopes that people will too,” said Puvan.
The hotel features 184 tastefully designed rooms, a restaurant and bar and three meeting rooms which include a ballroom that can accommodate up to 140 guests.
The Superior Suite at ibis Styles Kota Kinabalu.
Puvan said the hotel’s “Sweet Beds” sets itself apart from other hotels, as it is exclusively made for Ibis Styles Kota Kinabalu for a high level of comfort and a stellar sleeping experience.
One will never go hungry once set afoot in the hotel, as it offers the Gabion Bistro -- a contemporary restaurant set amongst unique, industrial chic structures, where guests can enjoy tantalising fusion cuisine of Asian and Western favourites.
Some notable dishes not to be missed are the bistro’s Lamb Shank Assam Pedas, Teriyaki Grilled Chicken and pizzas.
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