I come often to the North of Essen and usually use Airbnb, but all my usual places were not…read moreavailable, so I decided to stay at the Ibis Budget Nord. Never again. I am not spoiled and don't need much, but for the service and amenities offered the price is too much. I booked for four days. I checked in at the computer without a problem (although later I saw that the computer froze). However, the computer check-in is only good for the first night (which I overlooked, my mistake). The next morning the manager at the reception did not remind me of that issue and I wasn't able to get into the hotel that night. Had to sleep in the car! However, that didn't keep them from charging that night to my credit card. I asked them why they couldn't call me or send an email, the answer was that that kind of service is not included in the service of a ` star hotel (but charging the card is easy, so that is included). Also, after I came back the first night, the door to my room was open and the manager blamed me, but I was sure that I closed it and checked that it was closed (I first asked to change to code for the door, which they cant do, but got a new room. But the manager failed to inform me of the issue with the payment).
The room is clean, but the shower and toilet reminded me of those in an RV. The sink was across the room from the toilet, so not very practical and there was no trash bin next to the toilet. The entry area of the hotel and the hallways smelled of cigarette smoke. Not very pleasant.