Ibis Budget Brisbane Airport

The bed was reasonably comfortable, but that was about the only good part of our stay at ibis budget. To me, this felt like an overpriced, run-down backpackers, not a motel, and I wouldn't stay again or recommend it to anyone. The shower barely got lukewarm even with only the hot tap running full. The small sink had reasonably hot water, so a hot shower wasn't possible. There were signs asking guests to keep the bathroom door closed so shower steam wouldn't set off the smoke alarm. The toilet was another problem: the full flush button didn't work, and the half flush was so weak that I often had to flush three or four times to clear urine from the bowl. Our room was tiny, with nowhere for luggage except the bathroom, and it only had a kettle and small TV. For a toaster or microwave, we had to go down very steep stairs to the communal kitchen. The so-called buffet breakfast was there too, with three toast spreads and two cereals to prepare ourselves. There was a pancake machine, but no mixture for it. There is no elevator, and the stairs are steep enough that even going out for fresh air was painful and difficult unless you were incredibly fit. Fresh air was hard to get in the room as well, since the window was rigged to open only about half an inch, leaving no airflow. The split-system heater and air conditioner barely worked either, producing neither properly warm nor cold air. As a builder with 30 years of experience, I don't think the place meets current Australian building standards. I'm surprised the council lets it operate, and think it should have to meet code or close.

The rooms are fresh and consistently very clean, and having a guest laundry on the ground floor is handy for washing clothes or ironing a shirt. The breakfast room is good, with frozen meals and snacks available, plus an easy-to-use microwave. It's also easy to walk to shops if needed, and the airport is close. The staff are always excellent, friendly, and helpful.

The staff were really friendly, and the vending machine had a great range of toiletries, meals, and snacks. The hotel itself was okay, though a few small repairs were needed, including the bathroom door handle, and it could use a fresh coat of paint. I booked because it looked close to Skypark and seemed handy for restaurants, shops, and the shuttle bus. In practice, a huge road gets in the way, so walking there takes at least 40 minutes, and there aren't other shops or restaurants nearby. For the price, being closer to the airport wasn't worth it.

Great value for the money. The little room and bathroom were lovely, and there was a fridge. Nothing fancy, but the bed was cosy and the air con worked well. Everything is a short Uber ride away, or you can use Uber Eats. It's really close to the airport, so I was happy. I'd definitely stay again. Thanks, team!