Latest news with #ibisStyles
Scottish Sun
09-08-2025
- Scottish Sun
I visited French city – from delicious food to Instagrammable sunsets & scenery, this city has it all
Read on to find out what our reviewer made of this destination FRENCH FANCY I visited French city – from delicious food to Instagrammable sunsets & scenery, this city has it all Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) I'M not the type of person to take a picture of a sunset — or post it to Instagram. But as I sat by the River Garonne in Toulouse along with hundreds of others, I have to admit I got sucked in. 11 It's known as La Ville Rose, or the Pink City, because of the terracotta tiles Credit: Getty 11 The ibis Styles Toulouse Centre Capitole was comfortable and modern in an ideal location Credit: Ibis It's hard not to in La Ville Rose, or 'the Pink City', so-called because of the colour of the terracotta tiles that adorn the roofs of many of its buildings. I'd been coming to France on holidays since I was a child, but had never visited Toulouse — which sits not far from the Spanish border. I'd booked a stay at the ibis Toulouse Capitole Centre, which is just a few yards from the city's main square. It's lined on one side with cafes and brasseries, ideal for a late night drink or an early morning coffee. Meanwhile, on the other side is The Capitole itself — one of the city's most impressive historical buildings, which still serves as the centre of local politics — and the opera house. My room was modern and comfortable with lovely views over the courtyard below and came with a tasty breakfast buffet each morning. No matter where you are in France, the opportunity to tuck into delicious food is never far away and that was top of my activities list. But even then, I'd never normally consider a food tour as the way to experience the city. Not because I don't like eating — the scales suggest otherwise — but I just always feared they would be full of people who call themselves 'foodies'. But like many things in life, it's better to try first before making a judgment — just like food, funnily enough. So I found myself with Toulouse Gourmet Tours, led by Alejandro, a former chef who decided to switch to tourism to escape the stresses of the kitchen. Disneyland Paris reveals its new immersive night-time show There was a mix of nationalities in the group — Americans, Canadians, Germans. And thankfully nobody declared themselves a 'foodie' when we introduced ourselves to the group. While I expected to tuck into some sumptuous French food, the tour was still full of surprises. 11 Toulouse is a spectacular city with a sparkling river that runs through the middle Credit: Getty We walked around eight different spots with historical significance, where company founder Alejandro regaled us with stories from the region's past and then served up some local cuisine. I learned that the city is the birthplace of the pain au chocolat — but don't let the locals hear you call it that, they prefer chocolatine. In fact, some bakeries go so far as to charge you more if you order the former! It's also where the Inquisition originated, though there's a bit less to shout about in that regard. From chocolatines to goat's cheese that was just a few days old — at famous shop Fromagerie Betty — the tour packed a lot in terms of flavour. 11 Alejandro's food tours were informative and had delicious grub Credit: Supplied 11 The Capitole is a spectacular building and the centrepiece of the city Credit: Alamy 11 Basilique Saint-Sernin was one of the stops on the tour Credit: Supplied And with stops at the Capitole Square, the Victor Hugo Market, and the Basilique Saint-Sernin — we packed in a lot of sights too. Of course, unlike other days out, I didn't need to worry about when I was going to have time to grab lunch. GO TOULOUSE GETTING THERE: Ryanair offers direct flights to Toulouse from Edinburgh this summer. For prices see .STAYING THERE: For the best rates at the ibis Toulouse Capitole Centre see MORE INFO: For more info on visiting the city see It was a good start to a trip where my stomach was the biggest winner, in a city proud of its food. From the city's famous duck cassoulet to cordon bleu, I ate like a King — and was glad my shorts had elasticated waists! As well as its cuisine, Toulouse is also known for being Europe's aviation capital, being the headquarters of Airbus. We'd even been told on the tour that it was harder to avoid aviation workers in most bars than it was to bump into them. But this relationship with air travel goes back much further, I learned, with the city being a key site of aviation innovation more than 100 ago. My simple pleasures include looking at fighter planes and imagining I'm piloting them, like an overgrown child. So there was no chance I wasn't visiting Aeroscopia, the city's incredible museum of flight. Among the exhibits I found were two Concordes, a Gulf War fighter jet and a massive Airbus Guppy, used to transport other planes and even space rockets. Despite pretences at maturity and adulthood, it was difficult for the seven-year-old boy inside not to emerge at this point. I was given a tour by a British guide, whose enthusiasm for the exhibits outstripped even mine. But if one museum of flight isn't enough, there's also the Cité de l'Espace. Here visitors can explore the history of space travel by wandering through space stations, incredible exhibits and experience walking on the surface of the moon. By far the highlight was the lunar landing simulator — it's more like an amusement park ride, replicating the exact G-force astronauts feel when they take off from earth and land on the moon. But, like the rest of France, if there's one thing you can guarantee it's that wherever you find delicious food, good wine won't be far behind. 11 One of the amazing planes on display at the museum of flight Credit: SCOTTISH SUN 11 Cité de l'Espace is one of the city's top museums Credit: supplied 11 The lunar landing simulator is a highlight of le cite d'espace Credit: SCOTTISH SUN Buoyed by the success of my food tour, I booked up for the Toulouse Wine Bar tour. Led by American expat Jessica, myself and a group of her holidaying compatriots visited some of the city's finest wine bars. These included Au Pere Louis, a rustic bar and restaurant which has been open since 1889, and Le 5 Winebar where you can sample bottles that ordinarily would be well out of my reach in terms of price. By the end I was feeling suitably at home and decided to follow the locals down to the River Garronne to watch the sunset. Swallowing down my usual cynicism alongside a couple of freshly-purchased beers I sat among hundreds to watch the orange glow settle in over the famous pink roofs. It may not be as well-known as Paris or Bordeaux, but this picture-perfect city is well worth a trip — what have you got Tou-louse? 11 Hundreds congregate by the River Garonne to watch the sunsets Credit: SCOTTISH SUN
Al Bawaba
25-07-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Accor Cluster Dubai Deira & Dubai Gold District Partner with Nikon to Launch ‘Createcation'
This August, Accor Waterfront Properties is teaming up with Nikon to launch Createcation: Dubai Deira Gold Summer Edition; a fun, fully hosted staycation experience designed exclusively for aspiring content place across six vibrant properties in the heart of Old Dubai, Createcation offers a full-board summer stay that blends fun and learning. Participants will have the opportunity to capture lifestyle, travel, and hospitality content using the latest cutting-edge equipment provided by Nikon. This one-night, two-day experience across Novotel Dubai Gold District, Mercure Dubai Deira, ibis Styles Dubai Deira, Mercure Dubai Gold District, ibis Styles Dubai Gold District, and Aparthotel Adagio Dubai Deira, features an exclusive creator workshop led by Suzette Peachy, a selection of surprise gifts, and multiple creative challenges to help participants sharpen storytelling skills and build standout social content. Best of all, select content may be showcased across the property's official digital platforms, offering creators enhanced visibility and reach. It offers content enthusiasts a hands-on opportunity to learn, relax, and collaborate with a leading hospitality brand, while gaining real-world experience and using professional-grade tools to build their portfolio in Dubai's growing creator than just a content trip, this weekend is a creative escape. Giving aspiring creators the chance to refine their storytelling skills with expert guidance, all while enjoying the joy of a summer getaway. From golden-hour poolside moments and indulgent feasts to exploring the soulful streets of Deira, every part of the journey is designed to inspire and spark Trinidad, Cluster Marketing and Communications Manager, shared, 'With Createcation, we're offering aspiring creators the platform, tools, and inspiration they need to thrive. By nurturing local talent, we're helping creativity flourish not just within our properties, but across the city.' Limited slots available. The experience runs from August 2-3, 2025. To apply, send a sample video of your previous content work along with your portfolio to tcapr1903@ Successful applicants will be contacted with full details. Apply by emailing the following to tcapr1903@ with the subject line 'Createcation Application': • First name:• Surname:• Email:• Instagram / TikTok handle:• Follower count:• Type of content you typically create:• Link to sample video• Your portfolio For more details, call: +971 50 4603905
Scotsman
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
I visited the EURO 2025 hosts and was pleasantly surprised by what I saw
I went on a three-day trip to visit Switzerland ahead of EURO 2025 and was surprised by what I saw. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Forget what you think you know about Switzerland. While its mountains, cheese, and chocolate are legendary, the nation is also an unsung sporting powerhouse. This summer, Switzerland will make history as it hosts Women's Euro 2025. England arrive as defending champions, hoping to replicate their famous victory from three years ago, while Wales make their historic debut at an international tournament. It is a country, rich in history and unique multiculturalism, which will have something for everyone to enjoy. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It can't be denied that Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, but during our tour of the country with the renowned hotel brand ibis, we found that with higher cost, often came higher quality. It is also important to note that those with match tickets can access free public transport for a return journey from any Swiss locality to a stadium, which should offset some of those costs. The stunning streets of Switzerland | Rich Fay The trip started in Geneva, a cosmopolitan city known for its famous Lake and incredible mountains, as well as being the worldwide hub for diplomacy. There is a strong French influence given it is located so close to the border, with French and English both spoken widely, as well as a thriving gastronomical scene that draws inspiration from across the continent. We stayed at the wonderful ibis Styles Genève Carouge, officially a budget hotel, but with the personality of a boutique one. Every property in the ibis Styles range has a unique theme, with this particular branch inspired by comic books, an industry the country has a surprisingly rich history with. Whether you are in your room, the lobby, or the on-site bistro restaurant, you can enjoy excellent service, surrounded by bespoke artwork created by local artists, which makes the hotel so memorable and feel a lot more homely. It was located 10 minutes from the city centre and was easily accessible by a neighbouring tram stop, which ran with all the precision and accuracy you would expect from a country so famous for its timekeeping. It meant transport to the main train station was a simple procedure, which helped when we opted for an afternoon in the stunning city of Lausanne. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The comic book inspired hotel lobby in Geneva | Rich Fay Lausanne sits on the northern tip of the lavish Lake Geneva, surrounded by mountains, forests and even vineyards, with the Swiss wine industry another fantastic, yet surprising, industry the country deserves more credit for. As with Geneva, there is a picturesque old town, with beautiful architecture around every corner, and an iconic gothic cathedral that dramatically rises above the rooftops. As with so many places in Switzerland, it is a wonderful mixture of both the old and the new, with this beautiful city also known as the Olympic Capital, as it is home to the International Olympic Committee headquarters, the Olympic Museum and Olympic Park. The museum is a must visit for anyone who has ever watched a single second of the games, with incredible exhibits and a jaw-dropping collection of memorabilia, such as a running shoe worn by Jesse Owens, a cycling jersey worn by Chris Hoy and an iconic outfit worn by Torvill and Dean. A set of medals from Paris 2024 at the Olympic Museum | Rich Fay Like with any European break, it is highly recommended to get a walking tour of the city. Back in Geneva, we explored the famous waterfront and charming cobbled streets, before we embarked on a train journey across the country to Zurich. Those who arrive for Euro 2025 will find it easy to navigate the country on punctual, clean and modern trains, with plenty of English signage that make it easy to follow. We stayed at the ibis Zurich City West, another affordable hotel in one of the up-and-coming greener districts of the city, that was once again so easily accessible by tram. It is an innovative development, which includes shared facilities with the sister hotel Novotel Zurich City West, meaning pool, sauna and gym access for a small daily fee, the incredible 'The Flave of Zurich' restaurant onsite and there is even access to an escape room that is hidden away in the hotel - perfect for an exciting excursion without even having to leave the premises. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland, and it feels distinctly German, so you can swap your 'Merci' for 'Danke'. It is another global hub for banking and finance, yet what was so surprising was just how beautiful it was. With a rich pre-medieval history still visible today, you can get lost in the enchanting lanes of the Old Town, bask in the beauty of the Limmat River or indulge in the luxury shops that adorn almost every street corner. A display from the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France | Rich Fay Perhaps the highlight of the trip was the FIFA museum. It houses a treasure trove of historic football memorabilia, featuring engaging interactive exhibits and vibrant displays that commemorate every World Cup tournament. Upstairs, a dedicated section celebrates the evolution of football video games, offering many retro titles to play. The tour concludes with an interactive football workshop where visitors can participate in five different challenges to earn a spot on the leader board. Having built up an appetite, a visit to the renowned Zeughauskeller is highly recommended. Housed within an impressive 15th-century building featuring dark oak beams, this establishment offers rustic, hearty Swiss cuisine alongside an excellent array of local beers and wines. Traditional Swiss sausage and Rosti in Zurich | Rich Fay With a reliable transfer network, hospitable locals and the perfect blend of modern essentials mixed with historic beauty, Switzerland really has all the makings of a perfect host for a major football tournament. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad As any sports fan knows, the only thing that could spoil the experience is the football itself. However, if that happens, you can always take comfort in knowing that in 90 minutes, you'll be able to enjoy the beautiful country again.
Web Release
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Web Release
NOVOTEL, MERCURE, IBIS STYLES, AND APARTHOTEL ADAGIO IN DEIRA LAUNCH BUDGET-FRIENDLY POOLSIDE EXPERIENCES FOR UAE RESIDENTS AND TRAVELERS
NOVOTEL, MERCURE, IBIS STYLES, AND APARTHOTEL ADAGIO IN DEIRA LAUNCH BUDGET-FRIENDLY POOLSIDE EXPERIENCES FOR UAE RESIDENTS AND TRAVELERS As the summer heat begins to rise and weekends call for relaxed urban escapes, Accor hotels offer the perfect excuse to rediscover Old Dubai — with poolside experiences that effortlessly blend exploration and leisure. With prices under AED 100, culturally rich locations, and menus designed for indulgent downtime, Deira is quickly becoming the go-to destination for GCC travelers and residents seeking a refreshing city break. Each experience is thoughtfully curated to suit different times of the day, whether you're starting your morning with a poolside escape before exploring the city or winding down your afternoon with a rooftop dip and dinner. Expect sunrise swims, leisurely lunches, golden-hour cocktails, and family-friendly brunches, all set in an atmosphere where heritage meets hospitality. Lunch with a Rooftop View – Mercure Dubai Deira Located in the heart of Deira's heritage zone, Atmos Rooftop Lounge offers a day-to-afternoon experience that includes access to the hotel's rooftop pool and a curated lunch menu. Overlooking the city's historic district, the space offers an elevated yet accessible escape. With unlimited beverages and shaded loungers, it's ideal for those looking to unwind without leaving town. Price: From AED 69 (soft beverages), AED 139 (house beverages) Time: Daily, 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM Location: Mercure Dubai Deira, Al Yazia Plaza | ? +971 50 281 9413 Child Policy: Children below 6 years dine for free Sunset Dinner & Pool – Mercure Dubai Deira As the sun sets, Atmos transforms into a relaxed dinner spot, offering guests a three-course meal with continued pool access. Ideal for couples and small groups, this evening experience combines skyline views with a generous menu and ambient lighting, all priced for easy spontaneity. Price: From AED 79 (soft beverages), AED 139 (house beverages) Time: Daily, 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM Location: Mercure Dubai Deira, Al Yazia Plaza | ? +971 50 281 9413 Child Policy: Children below 6 years dine for free Breakfast by the Pool – ibis Styles Dubai Deira Set beside a quiet pool deck, Lily's Garden at ibis Styles offers a generous breakfast buffet featuring live egg and pancake stations, fresh pastries, unlimited juices, and specialty coffee. At just AED 45 — inclusive of pool access — this weekday-to-weekend offer is perfect for early risers, digital nomads, and families alike. Price: AED 45 per person Pool Access: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM Breakfast Timing: 6:30 AM – 10:30 AM Location: ibis Styles Dubai Deira, Maitha Plaza | ? +971 54 793 0509 Child Policy: Children below 6 years dine for free Global Breakfast Experience – Aparthotel Adagio Dubai Deira World of Curries presents a globally inspired breakfast featuring Indian, Arabic, and Western dishes, unlimited juice and tea, and pool access – all for under AED 50. Enjoy a culturally rich start to the day, framed by the tranquil rooftop setting of Aparthotel Adagio's boutique hotel. Price: AED 45 per person Pool Access: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM Breakfast Timing: 6:30 AM – 10:30 AM Location: Aparthotel Adagio Dubai Deira, Afra Plaza | ? +971 54 793 0509 Child Policy: Children below 6 years dine free; ages 6–12 receive 50% off All-Day Dining & Pool Access – Novotel Dubai Gold District At Aqua Pool Bar, guests can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner paired with pool access and buffet-style dining. With live cooking stations and shaded loungers, it's an ideal setting for long, leisurely afternoons or relaxed business lunches, all set against the backdrop of Dubai's historic trading zone. Price: From AED 49 (breakfast) | AED 89 (brunch/lunch/dinner) Pool Access: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Location: Novotel Dubai Gold District | ? +971 54 793 0509 Child Policy: Children below 6 dine free; ages 6–12 receive 50% off
Hospitality Net
11-06-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Accor surpasses 100 hotels in Spain
Madrid – Accor, a world leading hospitality group, continues to bolster its leadership position in Europe and expansion across Spain by surpassing 100 hotels through several important openings across the country. The latest additions are part of the Group's strategic expansion plan in Spain including its diverse portfolio of brands – from economy to luxury and lifestyle – and its commitment to grow in both sought-after as well as emerging destinations across the country. Accor achieved the 100th hotel mark with the opening of ibis Styles Madrid Airport Valdebebas, the largest ibis-branded hotel in Iberia with 260 rooms, a restaurant and 24-hour snack bar, as well as a rooftop pool and lounge with panoramic views over the city. With stylish interiors inspired by the children's novel Alice in Wonderland, the hotel is located opposite Adolfo Suárez International Airport, as well as a few minutes from IFEMA congress centre and Real Madrid's training ground. Much like Spain's rich and diverse landscape and culture scene, our portfolio of brands reflects the breadth of opportunities we see in this dynamic market, not just in established hotspots, but also in many vibrant and emerging destinations. This important milestone is a testament to our commitment to expanding our presence in the country. The potential of the hospitality sector in Spain is huge and we believe this is just the beginning of what can be achieved. Karelle Lamouche, Accor's Chief Operating Officer for Europe and North Africa Some of Accor's latest additions in Spain include: Fairmont La Hacienda Costa del Sol– Set on the Mediterranean coast of Cádiz, within the prestigious Costa del Sol, this exceptional resort combines Andalusian charm with contemporary elegance. Opened earlier this year, the hotel offers 153 rooms and suites plus 47 private villas, each thoughtfully designed with artisanal details and a modern aesthetic. Bright, open interiors feature light woods, organic textures, and warm neutral tones that reflect the soft glow of the Andalusian sun. With incredible, uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean Sea, Fairmont La Hacienda offers a truly exclusive destination in southern Spain. SLS Barcelona – Marking the brand's European debut, Ennismore's newest SLS is located in the waterside district of Port Fòrum. It features an undulating façade that emulates the waves of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea and offers 471 lavishly appointed rooms and suites, six distinct restaurant and bar concepts, three pools, a spa, and extensive events space culminating in a spectacular ballroom. Novotel Valencia Lavant – Centrally located in Valencia, near the iconic Palacio de Congresos, this new hotel features 370 rooms boasting sophisticated interiors designed by the internationally renowned Sundukovy Sisters. Set over 11 floors, a key property feature is the stunning two-level rooftop pool bar and terrace. Guests and locals can indulge in a sophisticated culinary experience at Papúa Valencia, the hotel's on-site restaurant that offers local as well as international delicacies. Business travellers can benefit from extensive coworking spaces and 11 versatile meeting rooms. ibis Styles Santander – This newly opened hotel is inspired by Santander's natural beauty, beaches and cultural scene. With direct access to the city centre through intricate gardens, the hotel includes all-day dining options and a fitness centre, as well as easy connection to the airport and the port. The hotel is the perfect getaway for those looking to combine urban charm with nature. ibis budget Madrid Albasanz – The newly built 99-room hotel will open this month and will be set in a vibrant area of Madrid, close to the Metropolitan Stadium and just a few minutes from the downtown area. The hotel offers single, double and triple rooms for families, as well as private parking and a full breakfast buffet. ibis Madrid Norte Las Tablas – Expected to open in July, this hotel will be located in the north of Madrid and will feature multifunctional interiors combining both work and relaxation. The hotel will offer 148 rooms over five floors, a modern lobby and a vibrant dining area. greet Alicante – Expected to open at the end of 2025, this hotel will be the first under the greet brand in Spain. With affordability and convenience at its core, the new hotel will feature furniture and décor made of repurposed materials, in line with the brand's focus on circular hospitality. Other Accor brands present in Spain include Mercure, Pullman, Sofitel, and from Ennismore, SO/, The Hoxton, Hyde and Mondrian. Guests staying at the Group's hotels in Spain and around the world can enjoy a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences as part of ALL Accor, a booking platform and loyalty programme that enhances the experience during and beyond each hotel stay. About Accor, a world-leading hospitality group Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering stays and experiences across more than 110 countries with over 5,600 hotels and resorts, 10,000 bars & restaurants, wellness facilities and flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing around 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. ALL, the booking platform and loyalty program embodies the Accor promise during and beyond the hotel stay and gives its members access to unique experiences. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Accor's mission is reflected in the Group's purpose: Pioneering the art of responsible hospitality, connecting cultures, with heartfelt care. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France. Included in the CAC 40 index, the Group is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visit or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok. Laura Díaz Accor
