THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: The Accor hotel group will open its second ibis branded hotel in Thailand, the ibis Phuket Kata, on December 1, just in time for the county’s high tourist season.

The ibis Phuket Kata is located just a few minutes walk away from Kata beach and features 258 guest rooms, each with its own balcony, satellite TV, Wi-Fi internet, and more.

Situated close to shopping facilities, a range of dining options and nightlife and close by making the hotel perfect for vacationing families or those who wish to hit the beach during the day and explore the local nightlife in the evenings.

The ibis Phuket Kata offers guests 24-hour snacks and drinks from reception, serves breakfast from 4am until noon, while its TASTE dinning room, the ibis Phuket Kata’s signature restaurant, offers both indoor and outdoor dinning with a selection of Thai-inspired tapas on offer.

In addition to offering bicycle and car rental so visitors can explore the island themself, the the ibis Phuket Kata also provides a complimentary tuktuk service to the beach and other nearby attractions.

Room rates at the ibis Phuket Kata start at Bt1,600 (about $US48) for December through March, Bt1,050 ($US31) for April and Bt850 ($US25) for stays between May and September. All rates are plus tax and service charge.

By John Le Fevre

Thailand Travel News for November 30, 2009