ibis Bristol Centre

The staff made the stay especially pleasant. They were lovely and kind, and each day someone checked whether we needed more tea or coffee, fresh towels or linen. Check-in and check-out were smooth and quick. We also appreciated being able to rent umbrellas and the scenic bar and café on the ground floor. We stayed four nights and five days. The location worked well for getting to the station on foot, as well as restaurants, attractions and other places around Bristol. Our room had a modern look with a bit of colour, a large desk, a spacious bathroom, hangers and effective heating. The bed was very comfortable, and the towels were good quality. The room was cleaned, and fresh towels appeared on the fourth day without us asking. I have a few small suggestions, but nothing major. For the price compared with nearby hotels, it was a great stay and good value. I'd recommend it.

Breakfast was great, and the location was fine. I've stayed here a few times and it's been okay, though the mattresses really could be improved. They're only about 3 inches thick, and a decent medium-firm mattress would make a big difference for guests. There was some noise from the bars below, but midweek it was manageable. Some guests seemed clearly affected by drugs, which didn't help my rating.

It was surprisingly quiet for somewhere right in the town centre. Still, I honestly won't stay again. I'd spend the extra £15 and go to the Marriott. The shower barely had any pressure, and the pillows were so hard that it was difficult to get comfortable. When we lifted the duvet, there were hairs all over the bed and quite a lot of dust. The mattress was so thin I could feel the slats underneath. The temperature controls were terrible. The room was boiling and I woke up dripping. We tried the air con, but it only ran for 15 minutes before switching to heat.

It's pretty cheap and well placed, an easy walk from the station, museums, river and a few decent restaurants. This particular Ibis is looking tired, though, and seems to be getting a much-needed upgrade. We couldn't shut the bathroom door. Someone from maintenance came, adjusted it, then whacked things, but that didn't sort it out. The room cleaning was poor too. We found something unmentionable left by a previous guest and asked to move rooms. Don't ask!