ibis Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof

There’s a nauseating sewage smell in the corridors and rooms. You end up covering your nose whenever you enter or leave. Staff know about it, but say it’s the train station’s fault because its sewage facilities are underneath the hotel. They don’t care and won’t refund the booking. Search online and you’ll find many other complaints about it. Just don’t go!

We come here every year for a Dortmund game, and the location is excellent, about a 20-minute walk to Aldstadt. On our latest visit we got there at noon, even though check-in starts at 3 PM. All our rooms were ready, and the friendly staff checked us in early without any fuss.

I only booked for two days as a place to sleep, and it worked out pretty well for that. The bed was really comfortable, especially with the huge blanket. It was clean enough that nothing stood out, except the toilet sometimes smelled like piss. For a budget hotel, it’s a good option.

I had a bad experience trying to get early check-in. I’d been told I could arrive early for €20, but at the front desk a young woman who wasn’t very friendly refused. Meanwhile, other guests with suitcases were allowed straight into their rooms. She said I had to wait until 3 PM. After another 20 minutes, I went back and explained that I’m disabled and have a disability card. Only then did she agree to arrange early check-in. I found the whole situation shameful. I’d also forgotten to add my husband to the booking, so I was charged an extra €26. All of this nearly made me late for a conference. Given the experience, I’m requesting a refund.