Ibis Styles Gatwick Airport Hotel Celebrates Grand Opening with Wanderlust Themed Party

The sky is the limit for travellers at Gatwick’s newest hotel, after a spectacular opening ceremony held at the new look ibis Styles Gatwick Airport, Crawley, set in the heart of the Manor Royal Business District. 

Guests travelled from across the UK and Europe to attend the wanderlust-themed party at the newly transformed ibis Styles Gatwick Airport, which saw a mariachi band help create a carnival atmosphere for the opening in spectacular style.

Mayor of Crawley, Councillor Sharmila Sivarajah cut the ribbon to officially open the 182-bedroom hotel, situated just eight minutes from Gatwick Airport, following a £16m redevelopment investment by owner Starboard Hotels. 

Following a fire at the hotel in 2021, Starboard have spent the last three years extending and fully refurbishing the hotel to create the latest and most impressive ibis Styles in the Accor portfolio, incorporating 42 additional bedrooms, enlarged bar restaurant, new gym and crew lounge.

Environmental credentials include, electric air source water heating, triple glazing for extra comfort, new efficient air conditioning system, EV Charge points, all achieving EPC Energy Rating A.

In a dazzling event that combined elegance and excitement, the ibis Styles Gatwick Airport celebrated its grand opening with a memorable party, as guests were entertained with live music, an ice cream van and an array of delicious food from the hotels’ own chefs.

Already creating a buzz with holidaymakers and business travellers alike, the hotel offers guests a blend of comfort and contemporary style, combined with ease of access to Gatwick Airport and the surrounding busy Manor Royal and Crawley business district.

The general manager of the hotel is Simon Fordham, a well-known hospitality industry figure with almost 30 years’ experience.

Simon said: “I am really pleased for our hard working team here at the hotel that so many people came to our opening celebration.

“It has taken a huge amount of work to get the hotel ready for opening, and I am delighted with the result.

“We are thrilled to open our doors to guests from all over the world, and we are dedicated to providing an exceptional experience that combines convenience with style for all who choose to stay with us.

“We look forward to welcoming returning guests as well as new customers to Ibis Styles Gatwick.”

The lobby and bar area, adorned with modern art, stylish furnishings and even a vintage Fiat 500, set the tone for the evening, which shared a unique design inspired by wanderlust, the longing to travel and explore that permeates the rest of the newly refurbished and rebranded hotel.

The Wanderlust Bar/Restaurant is open to non-residents and is the new Manor Royal Business District bar to be seen in.

As guests mingled, they were treated to a selection of gourmet hors d'oeuvres and canapés, prepared in the hotels’ in-house restaurant.

The highlight of the gathering was the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, presided over by the Mayor of Crawley, alongside Starboard Hotels founder Paul Callingham and senior executives from the award winning company.

The hotel, perfectly situated close to Gatwick, the world’s busiest single runway airport, is owned and operated by Starboard Hotels, one of the UK’s leading independent hotel owner and operators.

Starboard has 21 hotels spread across the country, operating under brands such as Accor, IHG properties, Best Western, Hampton by Hilton, and Wyndham, as well as independent hotels, including The Windermere Manor in the Lake District, The Cliffden Hotel in Teignmouth, Devon and The Bridge in West London

Starboard Hotels founder and owner Paul Callingham said: “We were delighted to welcome the Mayor of Crawley, so many valued guests and members of the development team to share in our opening party.

“This has been an important investment for Starboard Hotels. Our team, alongside the architect's and developers, have worked tirelessly to ensure the hotel meets the high standards travellers expect with suitability and ease of access for all very much at the forefront of the hotels’ offering .”

Following the ribbon-cutting, guests were invited to explore the hotel's facilities, showcasing the modern and sleek guest rooms, designed with comfort and functionality in mind.

The hotel also contains a fully equipped gym, as well as a relaxing Crew lounge for airline crew, which includes a fridge, lounge area and stunning mural.

Ibis Styles Gatwick Airport is designed from top to bottom with travellers in mind, from blackout blinds in every room to the airport departures and arrivals boards in the lobby, as well as breakfast being served from 4am.

There is also a shuttle bus to the airport, and park-and-fly services.

The hotel features a number of impressive amenities, including free unlimited Wi-Fi, Self-Check-In desks and accessible, ambulant and family rooms, as well as a 130-cover restaurant, catering for hotel guests and also the local community.