Ibis Gloucester Hotel

We booked through Hotels.com at a good price, and the location suited our visit. The room had basic amenities but was clean. I found the firm mattress comfortable, though my husband didn't sleep well on it. The halls carried the sound of guests talking late at night, but it was otherwise fairly quiet. Breakfast was fine, and parking on site was free if you gave reception your registration.

The staff were pleasant and helpful, but the room was a real letdown. There was no bin, so I had to collect my rubbish in a bag from a local supermarket. The cleaners had left a wet cloth on the side, and the spare pillow had no case, so I couldn't use it. In the shower I found the previous guest's shaving razor on top of the soap dispenser. Then I had to spend the night in what I think was the most uncomfortable bed I've ever slept on.

The room was clean, tidy and nicely arranged, and the staff were very friendly and helpful when I arrived. Getting here was easy. Remember to register your car when you check in or it might be clamped. Registration is free and takes only a couple of minutes. The bathroom is a self-contained pod with just a shower, but it works well. The floor slopes instead of having a step, so access is easy. My only complaint was the pillows, which barely gave at all and meant I didn't sleep that well. I'll bring my own next time. I'd definitely stay again and recommend it.

We had a good experience and will use them again. Check-in was quick, and the staff were friendly, helpful and ready to assist with a smile. The rooms are small but adequate. There's an iron in the room, though there's also an ironing room on the fourth floor. The shower and toilet pod is unusual but practical, and the shower gets nicely hot with good pressure. Dinner was a la carte and quite good. We chose half board, which meant a two-course dinner with a drink of your choice, plus a buffet breakfast with continental and full English options. Check-out by midday was very convenient. Housekeeping starts early, so put a DND sign on the door if you're sleeping in. The room facilities brochure says to book a wake-up call using the onscreen service, but at this hotel you need to phone to arrange one. That seems to apply to some hotels in the chain, not this one.