Ibis Budget Sydney Airport

The simple exterior of the Ibis Budget Hotel has a two-toned light and dark gray concrete rising above a sliding door entrance. Inside, the reception desk, a light-brown wood counter, wraps around to become a small bar where wine is sometimes served in plastic cups. The generic interiors are punched up with bright colors. The hotel's proximity to the airport can mean that the lobby is cramped with luggage and distracted travelers, many of them international. There is a small cafe painted a cheerful lime-green. There are also vending machines with snacks, and hot and cold drinks. Overall, it is a transient scene, more reminiscent of an airport lounge or train station than a hotel lobby.  

The Ibis Budget Hotel is in Mascot, a suburb of Sydney in New South Wales. It's a 10-minute walk to the domestic terminal at Sydney Airport. There's also an airport shuttle (for a fee) from the property that takes between 10 and 15 minutes. Some fast food restaurants are about a five-minute walk from the hotel.Australia's central business district, known as "the city" is about four miles north, or a 15-minute drive. A local history attraction, the George Hanna Memorial Museum, is a five-minute car ride away. A 10-pin bowling alley, Manhattan Superbowl, is a seven-minute drive away. Attractions in Sydney, like the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the Royal Botanic Gardens are between 13 and 16 minutes away by car. 

Each room is outfitted with wall-mounted flat-screen TVs and a few cubbies and hangers, but no closets. Some guests report dim lighting. The windows have a white vinyl shade without a curtain and views of the parking lot or a busy road. Walls are thin so light sleepers might benefit from earplugs.  

Guests planning a stay at the Ibis Budget Hotel should expect a dorm-like experience. The hotel offers a limited breakfast, lunch, and dinner in its cafe, for a fee. The small bar adjacent to the reception area sells wine and beer. Otherwise, there are vending machines for midnight snacks. There's a small business center with three laptops with Wi-Fi for a fee, and the lobby lounge has a rack with a few newspapers. The laundry room is equipped with a sink, ironing board, iron, coin-operated washer and dryer and detergent (for a fee). The hotel offers parking and a shuttle to the airport for a fee.