Loving the Ibis approach

Ibis has launched its three new brands as it encapsulated eTap and All Seasons under one roof. Now given the more simple titles of Ibis, Ibis Style and Ibis budget the new trend to offer more services but in trendy and simpler settings is apparent in Accor's new branding.

The website is a fantastic one page approach exploring all areas of the development of the new brands, including development timeline, new launches, statistics including number of pillows and great behind the scenes drama as properties across the world get an Ibis make-over.

I am certainly impressed, and seeing hotels in central Paris for next weekend cost as little as £56 per night - I think Ibis will be a new choice for my travels.

Photos: Bright Lights of the Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City these are two completely different worlds. Excuse the blue skies, but focus your eyes on coffee shops, no street living, latest technology, historic landmark buildings, big bright lights and an ever growing skyline. Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) or Saigon as it was, is the new Bangkok and Singapore of Asia. A city with youth in its heart.

Photos: A pastime gone - American Vietnam War, the strength of people

The Vietnamese are strong people. They have a grit I haven't seen so vividly before, even through Eastern Europe and the fall of communism, opening up of my continent following the World and Cold Wars. In Vietnam the remains of war continue, the devastation of war proceed to challenge people and especially new borns. This country will not forget and have a lot to be grateful for, and perhaps will make their future more sustainable.