Ibis Styles Krabi Ao Nang

Th Ibis brand provides relatively reliable and modern budget and mid-range stays across Thailand, and its Ao Nang outpost is no exception. The front of this five-story hotel is rather basic and boxy, with balconies spread across the front of the beige and brown exterior. Inside, however, the hotel is cheerful and bright. The spacious lobby has multiple places where guests can sit and hang out; green sofas with yellow pillows are in one section, and another area has bright blue cushions with yellow pillows. A bar is in back, and there's a billiards table as well. Flat-screen TVs keep guests up-to-date on the latest sports, news, and weather, and the common areas are energetic, with people coming and going all the time. The hotel attracts all sorts of travelers looking for a convenient budget-friendly hotel, including families, couples, groups, and businesspeople. 

The hotel is located on a busy commercial drag that cuts through Ao Nang, a small beachside city that's a 30-minute drive from the Krabi Airport. It's a budget-holiday sort of town, with lots of casual bars, restaurants, and tourist shops all along the main road outside. Expect a 15-minute walk or five-minute drive to the beach. Just offshore are the iconic islands of Phang Nga Bay, and amazing kayak tours in the mangrove forests of Ao Thalen are a 30-minute drive north. Expect a 20-minute drive to Krabi town, and Railay -- a popular beach and rock-climbing destination that's accessible only by boat -- is a 15-minute long-tail boat ride from Ao Nang. 

Like so many other Ibis properties around Thailand, the rooms here are sharp and contemporary. Decor includes a fresh neutral color scheme accented by spring green accent walls and pops of blue, yellow, and other brights on pillows and blinds. Light wood veneer headboards have graphic-style outlines of the Krabi province on them, adding a bit of local flair. Standard Rooms come with a double or two twin beds, and Family Rooms have a double bed plus bunk beds. Connecting rooms also are available for families. All rooms feature air-conditioning, 32-inch flat-screen TVs, tea/coffee makers, mini-fridges, and safes. Family Rooms also have Xbox game consoles.  Modern bathrooms are done in spring green hues and are sparkling clean. They have showers only, with a lovely green mosaic tile inset, and include hairdryers and toiletries in large eco-friendly bottles. Small balconies are furnished, and some have beautiful views of the cliffs and countryside. 

All meals are served at the Cliff Cafe and Restaurant, including a free breakfast buffet with a decent selection of hot and cold options that will be familiar to most Westerners. Breakfast service can get crowded. The restaurant itself is a cheerful, casual space with outdoor seating by the pool or in a covered open-air space. Food gets mostly decent marks from previous guests. Koh Bar in the lobby serves drinks and tapas. 

The outdoor swimming pool is surrounded by lounge chairs and umbrellas, and kids have their own pool with a playground next to it. The cliffs provide a beautiful background. Bikes can be rented directly from the hotel for those wanting an alternative way to explore the area. A tour desk can also help arrange excursions.

The Krabi conference room can accommodate up to 100 people for social or business events, and support services are offered. Two computers are set up in the lobby for guests to use, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.