Prices That Go Bump in the Night

Ibis Hotels is offering travelers under 26 a special deal when they arrive at any of the more than 400 European Ibis locations after 9 p.m.

In order to fill up rooms that would probably remain empty, Ibis is offering a special “Hello” rate to late-arriving travelers. The hitch? You can’t make reservations.

Rooms are equipped with private bathrooms, telephones and televisions. Some locations are easily reachable by rail; others can only be reached by car or taxi.

The rate varies from country to country. In France, which has the most Ibis locations (more than 300), the youth room rate is $27 in most areas but jumps to $36 in Paris. The rate at Ibis’ 57 Germany locations is about $40. In Austria, where there are three Ibis hotels (in Graz, Linz and Vienna), the youth rate is $50.

At Switzerland’s four locations, the youth room rate is $46.

In Italy rooms are $48. In Milan the rate is $60, but breakfast is included. Breakfast also is included at the 10 Belgium hotels at a rate of $42. Great Britain has eight locations with a youth rate of $46, and Portugal has 11 with a youth rate of $25, rising to $30 in Lisbon.

At the eight locations in the Netherlands, the youth rate is $39 and $50 in Amsterdam. If Amsterdam is your gateway, you can find a 508-room Ibis Hotel at the airport, at Schipholweg 181, telephone 011-31-20-502-5100, or in the city center near the central rail station, Stationsplein 49, tel. 011-31-20-638-9999.

These youth rates are applicable until Dec. 31 in Europe only. Ibis is expanding in Southeast Asia, with new locations in Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand.

The “1997 Ibis Directory” includes maps for each location and indicates major tourist sites in 12 regions of Europe. You can request a free copy by calling the reservation number, (800) 221-4542. Also ask for the “1997-’98 Accor Directory.” Ibis Hotels are a division of the Accor Group, one of the largest hotel groups in the world, which also includes ETAP and Formula 1 Hotels, two budget-priced hotel chains that have most of their locations in Europe, especially in France.

Formula 1 Hotels are the least expensive of the Accor Group. Trade-offs for a low room rate include shared washroom facilities and small rooms. Formula 1 rooms have a double bed or a bunk bed, a television and a telephone. Free parking is available at all locations. The 1997 rates at locations in France are $20 for one person, $22 for two or $24 for three people.

ETAP Hotel rooms are similar to Formula 1 rooms, except that they have private bathrooms. Rates vary. At the ETAP Hotel, Allee der Kosmonauten, in Berlin, the summer rate is $38 for one person or $44 for two. In Cannes, at 139 Montee Iseppi, the ETAP Hotel will charge $30 for one person and $33 for two people until Oct. 30.

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Hostelling International-American Youth Hostels has introduced a new site on the Internet at https:www.hiayh.org.

The HI-AYH site gives details on the more than 150 hostel locations in the U.S., including overnight rates, special features and services, information on what to do in each hostel location and a reservation form. There also is a special section for membership covering prices, benefits and an application form.

The HI-AYH facilities provide inexpensive accommodation for travelers of all ages. The buildings vary from purpose-built facilities to renovated historic buildings, including a California lighthouse and a lifesaving station on Nantucket, Mass. These hostels provide lodging in multiple-bed rooms (separate facilities for men and women) and offer self-service kitchens, dining areas and common rooms. Some of the hostels also have private family/couples rooms.

Izon is a Toronto-based freelance writer. She can be reached at https://www.izon.com