Ibis budget Berlin Hoppegarten

The room was affordable, clean, and a good size, and the staff were relaxed and friendly. They spoke fantastic English. It’s quite peaceful and quiet around there. The hotel is a little out of the way, so getting into the city takes about an hour, but that didn’t bother me. I’d visit again.

The woman at the front desk was lovely, but the room was dirty, especially the bathroom. There was hair in the shower, mud on the carpet, and the toilet was very dirty. I’d booked breakfast, but their system didn’t recognize it, so I had to argue the point even after showing my confirmation. I know what to expect from Ibis Budget, but this level of cleaning just isn’t acceptable.

I spent five hours waiting in reception, and the hotel isn’t in a convenient spot for going into the city and coming back. I had an early flight and arrived early, but the receptionist told me the room wasn’t clean. After two hours, she said check-in was only at 3 p.m. She could have told the cleaner I was waiting, but she made it personal and didn’t try to help. She was rude and couldn’t even speak English. I got tired of having to remind her every few seconds that I don’t speak German. The poor management and lack of communication and English skills ruined my whole trip.

In nearly 30 years of travel for work and leisure, I’ve stayed in dirty budget hotels in Kazakhstan, tiny places in poor towns in Belarus, and very cheap old motels in rural parts of the U.S. Still, I’ve never seen a hotel this filthy. I won’t soon forget the smell in the room. Thank goodness the weather was okay, so I could leave the window open all night. Maybe try using water and soap to clean the rooms. Never again.