As a rule staying at an IBIS is low on my priority list. When I recently stayed at the Mercure Centro Port Macquarie I discovered one of the best located hotels in Port Macquarie was the IBIS Styles. As a current Accor Plus member I decided to stay there on our North Coast golfing road trip.
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IBIS Styles Port Macquarie
The hotel has been an institution at Port Macquarie for a long time. My Julie stayed there in the 70’s when it was the Heritage Well hotel and probably the best hotel in town at the time. After that it was a Great Western and now has a fresh paint job and has joined the Accor family.
When looking at the photos from the 70’s the same tiny balconies existed then.
We initially booked online however I noticed that different rooms were appearing on the hotel website that were not available online. I called the front of house staff who were able to email rooms and prices and were able to change our booking.
Ibis Styles River View Balcony Suite
We were able to change to the River View Balcony Suite. This is what they said to us in their email.
“The other option available for your dates would be the River View Balcony Suite. This brand new room type (not yet loaded to our accor website) is on the top floor, and is almost like a small apartment with a separate lounge area to the bedroom and bathroom. Whist this room does also have a balcony (off the bedroom) it faces a NW direction so doesn’t have the same ocean views as your current room type”
Essentially the same as the regular room but included a small seating area with a sofa.
The room was located on the third level and had a westerly aspect. While it had good views over the river, beaches and ocean its westerly aspect meant it got very hot, unless you shut the curtains and blocked the views,
Air conditioning was included and even that struggled to cool the whole suite.
The outside balcony overlooked the car park .
The room was newly renovated and included a microwave but did not have a separate basin to wash plates and you were forced to use the bathroom.
Ibis Styles Superior King Ocean View Room
The Ocean View rooms are the best rooms at the hotel. They have an easterly aspect with awesome views to the ocean and town beach. The alternative is to get a hot westerly room that overlooks the car park. Don’t be tempted; stay on the surf side or not at all.
We were able to squeeze three people on the balcony to enjoy some evening drinks and nibbles.
The room had a newish bathroom and a microwave. It also had a convenient basin to wash up the plates.
Breakfast at Ibis Styles
While breakfast was offered at the Ibis styles it was a sad affair. A collection of toast or cereals, packaged juice and machine coffee. As an Accor Plus member I could have got it for as little as $7.50. The only highlight was the view from the breakfast room as it was located in a prime spot on the first floor.
A much better choice is to walk down to Town Beach and have breakfast at Salty Crew Kiosk with the locals. It’s located right on the beach next to the club house.
If you want to try further afield then Sandbox at Flynns beach probably has one of the best breakfast food and locations in NSW. We liked it so much we went two days in a row.
Hiking around Port Macquarie
On our second visit to Port we visited the North Brother at Laurieton. It’s a demanding hike with a lot of elevation.
Another option is to catch the bus to Lighthouse beach and do the 9km Port Macquarie Coastal walk.
The good news is they have ice in the foyer and was able to ice my knee! An alternate use would be for making an evening Gin and Tonic.
Summary
Port Macquarie has become one of our favourite destinations. An easy drive from Sydney with great beaches, cafes and hiking.
We loved staying at the Ibis Styles. It was not cheap but the rooms were new and the views awesome. Exactly what you want for a holiday.
