ibis budget Blois Centre

After five hours in accident and emergency, we had nowhere to stay. We were cycle touring, and my friend had crashed in Blois on the way to camp at Beaugency. The ambulance had been called, and a Good Samaritan was looking after our touring bikes and gear. A taxi driver dropped us at the hotel and drove off. Francois told us they were full, but seeing the dried blood on us and the heavy bandages on one of our legs, he went out of his way to find us a room elsewhere. Blois was nearly fully booked, so it took two more taxi rides. I booked us into Ibis for the next two nights so I could stay nearby, collect the bikes from the Samaritans, and get the crash-damaged one repaired at Phillipe cycles. The rooms were clean, the showers hot, the beds comfortable, and there was air conditioning. It was a bit cramped with all our panniers spread around, and there was no kettle for tea. Breakfast coffee was good. The rest of breakfast wasn't great, though they did have a toaster, which was a treat since we never get toast while camping. Thanks for your help, Francois. He deserves a pay rise.

The staff were nice and the location was good. That's about all I can say for it. Most things were broken or didn't work, and I understand a budget hotel still ought to function normally. Don't even think about having breakfast here. It was one of the most disgusting breakfasts I've had, all tasteless, pre-packed food in plastic. We got sick with nausea and diarrhea. The only thing worse than what they served would be rotten food. Seriously, don't have breakfast here.

The rooms are austere, which I understand for a budget hotel, but these felt especially unwelcoming. The building is old and needs refurbishment. I wasn't allowed to keep my bicycle in my room, despite the large lifts and wide corridors. I assume pushchairs, prams, and suitcases are allowed. Instead, I had to leave the bike in what looked like an overflow dining room. They assured me it would be locked and alarmed, but when I came down in the morning, the door was wide open. I've never had this issue at another IBIS I've stayed in.

For a decent price, you get a well-run hotel with welcoming staff, clean rooms, air conditioning, and a decent breakfast.