Ibis Carlisle – City Centre

“Not great quality but cheap option in the centre.”

We booked the Ibis due to it being a chain and therefore we expected a reasonable quality. We chose this hotel over local and independent options (their websites and photos did not fill us with much hope!). The ibis was very conveniently located to the train station, which we wanted having travelle… more

We booked the Ibis due to it being a chain and therefore we expected a reasonable quality. We chose this hotel over local and independent options (their websites and photos did not fill us with much hope!). The ibis was very conveniently located to the train station, which we wanted having travelled up from London. The hotel was situated in a pretty unappealing part of Carlisle, but we knew this when we booked. The reception was spacious and seemingly filled numerous tables/ chairs for dining. We struggled to located the reception for check in until we noted the barstool/ table/ laptop combo in front of us. I understand the ‘light touch’ approach in locating a check in desk, but this seemed a bit informal and whilst the member of staff wasn’t rude, he also wasn’t welcoming. I’d expect at least a ‘welcome to the Ibis, can I take your name please’. He finished a phone call and looked at us, waiting for us to offer information. Our room was dire. I work for the prison service and I swear, accommodation is not dissimilar. The rooms were tired and depressing. The worst part was the odd smell which I tried to place, but it wasn’t cleaning fluids. It just seemed stale and the window was immediately opened for fresh air. The windows only opened partially due to locks/ restrictions, so this didn’t help. The sad looking curtain/ blind was half pulled across and prob for best as the view was miserable but again, we knew this wasn’t a great outlook. The twin room we’d booked had two single beds but they were pushed so closely together they may as well have been a king size bed. This is fine if you don’t mind almost sharing a bed with your room partner, but we’d booked a twin room for a reason. We were unable to pull the beds apart due to bedside tables stopping us. The bathroom was like an addition to the room - almost like a portacabin in the room. Like a pod. You stepped up and into it. The fixtures inside were again similar to what you’d see in custody but they were solid, clean and looked vaguely new. The shower was warm and almost powerful. Needed after a long journey. The beds were ok - bit hard but we slept ok. The breakfast was good. Varied and the hot option was well presented and tasty. I liked the addition of fresh boiled eggs and the staff were very attentive and friendly. The continental breakaway was awful. Three slices of manky cucumber, some floppy Emmental and a bit of ham, isn’t ok. But we were happy with the other options. Coffee/ tea and juices were working and fresh. Overall, for convenience it’s ok and useful for 1 night. I wouldn’t stay here again purely as there must be nicer options. However for £50/60 a night, it’s sort of ok.

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“Dirty carpets”

Having had a pleasant stay previously I booked this budget hotel for 1 night. Pros…. Great location Nice breakfast Friendly staff Comfy bed Cons…. Confusing parking. Didn’t realise it was free until after we paid. Flooring in bedroom is filthy, room smelt rank!! Had to sleep in my socks just in cas… more

Having had a pleasant stay previously I booked this budget hotel for 1 night. Pros…. Great location Nice breakfast Friendly staff Comfy bed Cons…. Confusing parking. Didn’t realise it was free until after we paid. Flooring in bedroom is filthy, room smelt rank!! Had to sleep in my socks just in case I needed the loo in the night.

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