[LifesGood]

I am going to book my mum and her SIL a weekend at one of these hotels for a bit of respite/R&R.

Has anyone stayed at both and if so which did you prefer and why?

Or if you have stayed at one of them what did you love/hate about them?

[SensibleSis]

Novotel is nice and I would recommend.

I have not stayed at Ibis Darling Harbour but have stayed in other ones. The rooms are really small and they are a cheaper option.

[mpjp]

Ibis is the 3 star and Novotel the 4 star in the Mecure chain.

I think teh standards of each are reflected in their star rating. I find the Ibis very...functional. But not....inviting!

[~Kee~In~Hawaii~]

I stay at the Ibis after cruises that start/finish in Sydney for one or two nights maximum. It's a basic hotel with not a whole lot in the way of creature comforts. The rooms are nice and clean and there is a little cafe in the foyer but it's usually closed when I want to eat there so most guests are directed to the food court in Harbourtown.

If you were asking for a one night stop before a cruise or the like, I'd say it's great for that. Clean, comfortable and in just the right place but for a weekend R&R for loved ones, go the Novotel. The Ibis is the cheap option for that hotel chain and is only one step up from staying at a Formule1 motel.

[LifesGood]

thanks novotel it is