How IBB Hotels embrace local life
When travelling, people don’t just look for a place to stay but they search for a connection. With local culture, local people, local stories. That’s why at IBB Hotels, we believe that a hotel should be more than just four walls and a comfortable bed. It should be a gateway to the soul of the destination. Whether you’re wandering through the cobbled streets of Valletta or sipping Riesling in the vineyards of Ingelheim, each of our hotels is designed to immerse you in authentic local life.
Here’s how IBB Hotels in Malta, Gdańsk, Lublin, and Ingelheim go beyond hospitality to help you live like a local.
Malta: Historic charm with seafront style
At the heart of the Three Cities and overlooking the Grand Harbour, IBB Hotel Palazzo Bettina is steeped in centuries of Maltese history. The 18th-century palazzo itself is a living museum, with architectural details that reflect the island’s rich past. But it’s what lies beyond the hotel walls that brings Malta to life.
Walk five minutes and you’ll find yourself mingling with locals on the Senglea promenade, tasting ftira, a local bread from a hidden bakery, or watching fireworks light up the skyline during a village festa. Our team regularly arranges walking tours with local guides, exclusive access to artisan workshops, and private boat rides around the Grand Harbour — all with a focus on authentic interaction and cultural depth.
Must-do: Join a cooking session with a local to learn how to make pastizzi and rabbit stew, followed by a sunset aperitif on one of the beautiful beaches around the island.
Gdańsk: Baltic buzz and local artistry
Located right on the city’s historic Royal Route, IBB Hotel Gdańsk places you in the heart of Gdańsk’s vibrant cultural scene. This charming coastal city is a melting pot of Polish, German, and maritime influences — and we make sure you feel every layer of it.
Step outside and you’re instantly enveloped in the buzz of Dlugi Targ (Long Market), with street performers, amber stalls, and local artists showcasing their crafts. Our concierge can help you book private visits to independent art galleries, or secure a seat at one of the city’s underground jazz sessions. Plus, you can borrow bikes and cycle along the Motława River, stopping for pierogi at a hidden canteen loved by locals.
Must-do: Take a guided tour of the historic shipyard with a local activist who lived through the Solidarity movement — it’s Gdańsk as you’ve never seen it before.
Lublin: Eastern Poland’s cultural gem
Housed in a grand 19th-century building that once welcomed royalty and dignitaries, the IBB Grand Hotel Lublin is perfectly positioned for cultural immersion. Lublin is often overlooked, which makes its rich Jewish history, medieval streets, and vibrant student life even more special for the curious traveler.
We help guests step into the city’s living history by partnering with local historians, theatre groups, and artisans. Whether it’s joining a candlelit walking tour through the Old Town, experiencing live Klezmer music, or attending a poetry reading in a former synagogue, we bring Lublin’s multicultural heritage to the forefront.
Must-do: Try a traditional cebularz (onion pastry) with a local baker and learn about its protected status as part of Lublin’s culinary identity.
Ingelheim: Wine country meets local hospitality
Ingelheim is known as the “Red Wine City” of Germany, and IBB Hotel Ingelheim is your front-row seat to the region’s wine-soaked traditions and picturesque charm. Nestled in the Rheinhessen wine region, this modern hotel is your launchpad for vineyard tours, local food markets, and small-town authenticity.
We collaborate with nearby winemakers to offer exclusive tastings, vineyard picnics, and seasonal harvest experiences. Guests can also explore the market in the town square, where fresh produce, flowers, and homemade treats are on full display. And when you’re back at the hotel, we’ll make sure your glass is never empty.
Must-do: Join our exclusive wine and hiking tour through the rolling Rheinhessen hills — guided by a local vintner with generations of family knowledge.
The IBB philosophy: Stay local, feel local
At IBB Hotels, authenticity isn’t a buzzword — it’s how we operate. We design our guest experiences around the unique rhythm of each destination, carefully partnering with locals who know their city best. Whether it’s through history, food, art, or community connection, we invite our guests to dive deeper and return home with more than just souvenirs — with memories that matter.
Ready to experience local life like never before?
Book your stay with IBB Hotels and make every trip a story worth telling.