Hi, as I am a Carte Ibis holder, I might as well throw in my 2cents: The foodchain at Accor is as follows: Sofitel (exclusive) Mercure Novotel Ibis Etap Formule 1 (economy) Dorint Hotels will be changed to either Novotel or Sofitel, with double branding at first. No idea why they are giving up this highly esteemed brand, but they are... Etap have a 3 person bed configuration (large bed "queen size"? and single bed above it), just like the German "Motel One" (also a good value choice). You get a PIN for your room instead of a key. They are small, but clean and cheap! Ibis in Germany is typically a 2* rating Hotel. They usually feature a large bed, bathroom w. shower, cable/satellite TV, direct dial phone. Some rooms have a table that can be converted to a bed for a third person. All of the newer Ibis look alike, same room configuration/interior. The space is limited, just enough to move around in the room. However all of the ones I've been to have been very clean (and had a curteous staff). And one thing to mention: very good soundproofing! (at least for the newer ones) Except for one occasion I haven't heard anything from the rooms around yet, neither from the planes arriving at the airport half a mile away (in Hamburg). The 3 inch door helps with that, too I guess. Ibis never offers: Minibar, Pay-TV. Oh, and they don't run too many specials. I was able to get cheaper rates at some Novotels running specials (like 39
