Ibis Styles York Centre

The bar area was a real plus, relaxed and not like a typical hotel bar, and the staff were excellent, friendly and happy to help. My room was clean, with a nice view from the third floor, and the bed was big and comfortable. It's a simple budget hotel, so don't expect extras like a fridge. The station is about a six-minute walk and the city centre around ten minutes away. I'd stay here again.

The room was clean and had what I needed, including a kettle and safe. The shower room was spacious, with plenty of hot water. I was pleasantly surprised that it was ready when I arrived early, rather than just having to leave my bag. The young woman at reception was very friendly and welcoming. It's also only about a ten-minute walk from the station. My room faced two lifts that seemed to be in constant use, and I barely slept even with earplugs. The entrance steps were dirty, with cigarette butts as the first thing you see. The older man at reception could use some training in welcoming guests and smiling.

The location was good, and the staff were patient, friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. Breakfast was decent. The room, though, was only okay. There were five steps up from the door to the room, with the en suite at the top. A motion sensor turned on a very bright stair light, and even me rolling over in bed could set it off and wake me. The en suite had no towel rail, and the bedroom door was difficult to close. We reported it, and staff said it had been raised before, so I wonder why it hadn't been fixed. One day we came back to find the bedroom door not properly shut, presumably after the room refresh. The hotel's access lift for the five entrance stairs was out of order for our entire five-night stay, leaving no access for people with significant mobility issues.

We were a group of eight, and two of us have intolerances. The staff made sure they were catered for and were incredibly helpful. The hotel was spotless, and the bed was the most comfortable I've ever slept in at a hotel. The staff were friendly too. It's a little farther out than we usually book, but don't let that put you off. There are plenty of good pubs along the way for a wee drink or two.