I have stayed here many times already and I think that its a great hotel to stay at when in HatYai. There were no safety issues all these times.I would say that the location is rght smack in the centre of Hat Yai town.Refurbishment is way due though.

We needed an onvernight, comming from the Thai/Malaysian archepelago, before catching the flight to Bangkok.
The hotel is probably built and operated by an other chain/brand previous and now taken over by the Accor group. It does not correspond to their Novotel brand level, rather Ibis.
Food quality was poor. We never ate, but the sight of the overcooked buffet was enough. Decoration was cheesy and pretty worn-out. Rooms were filthy.
As we ordered the room (suite to accomodate 2 adults and 2 young teenagers) we had confirmed that it was OK, and breakfast would be complimentary for the children (up to 16 y). At the hotel we had to negotiate for extra beds and spend lenghty arguments to have the previous offered breakfast.

The hotel is located in the heart of the shopping district. It is a refurbished old hotel. Value for money provided you do not mind the gloomy faces of the staffs. Be careful of how many towels and laudry bag the room has when you checked in. My room was short of hand towel and laundry bag when I checked in. They wanted me to pay upon checked out.

It could not be better for the location. It is a center of Hatyai which every shopping and good restaurants all around.
Transportation ( Tuk tuk) was all over this place, so just wave down one and negotiate. We booked a tuk tuk for THB1000/day. We visited Hatyai municipal park, cable car, ice dome and Klong Hae floating market.

Room was clean and reasonable size. Staffs was kind and helpful.
Breakfast was good and even they served only halal foods, you can ask for a bacon.

Would recommend this hotel.