ibis London Barking

The hotel is highly regarded for its attentive and professional staff, who consistently receive praise for their helpfulness and dedication to guest comfort. Its clean and comfortable rooms provide a pleasant stay, complemented by a generally well-received breakfast offering. The hotel is a suitable choice for business travelers due to its convenient location and amenities, and also caters well to families and couples seeking a comfortable base. Sightseers will find its proximity to transit beneficial for exploring the city. To ensure a smooth experience, guests are advised to carefully confirm their vehicle registration daily when using the parking facilities, and to be aware of the walk required to reach the nearest public transport station.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of practical amenities designed to enhance guest convenience. Most rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, a TV (though some note a lack of smart TV capabilities), a kettle for hot beverages, and a hairdryer. Guests appreciate the presence of a sofa and desk in rooms, along with good lighting and effective blackout curtains. However, some guests have noted the absence of a fridge, microwave, or iron in rooms, which can be an inconvenience. There have also been isolated reports of a lift being out of order and a general lack of USB sockets near beds.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and the beds comfortable, contributing to a good night's sleep. The rooms are often described as spacious and well-designed, providing a pleasant environment. However, a recurring concern is the room temperature, with many guests reporting rooms being too hot and the air conditioning or fans being inadequate or non-functional. Noise can also be an issue, with mentions of corridor noise, creaky doors, and loud music from outside. The bathroom design, often described as a "pod" or fiberglass unit, receives mixed feedback, with some noting issues like a basin not draining properly, lack of locks, temperamental shower temperature, or a need for better cleaning of shower walls.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast at the hotel is largely well-received, with many guests praising its variety, freshness, and the availability of a full English breakfast and halal options. However, some express disappointment with the quality of jams, describing them as "cheap jelly," and a few note that breakfast items can be cold or that replenishment is slow during busy periods. The hotel's restaurant receives mixed reviews for its food quality, with some finding it delicious and well-cooked, while others describe it as microwave-like, with a limited menu and frequent unavailability of certain items. The bar has also faced criticism for being understaffed and occasionally running out of popular beverages, and some guests were surprised by a no cash payment policy.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is generally considered convenient, offering easy access to central London and being within a 10 to 15-minute walk of Barking station. Guests appreciate its proximity to a large supermarket, shopping centers, and various eateries. However, some guests find the area a bit out of the way or express concerns about feeling unsafe, particularly when walking to the station at night. A common point of confusion arises from the presence of two hotels with the same name and postcode in close proximity, leading some guests to initially go to the wrong one. Parking is available on-site and is often described as gated and safe, though it is noted to be expensive, and there are frequent reports of issues with the payment system leading to fines.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Guests frequently highlight their attentiveness, quick check-in process, and willingness to go the extra mile to resolve requests and issues. Many reviews commend the team for their excellent customer service and ability to make guests feel welcome and well-cared for. While the majority of feedback is positive, some guests have noted instances of the front desk and bar being understaffed during peak times, leading to longer waits. There were also isolated comments about some domestic staff being perceived as rude or unhelpful.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of a pet-friendly policy, though this comes with a significant fee. A destination fee is also mentioned by some guests. The hotel has faced recurring issues with its on-site parking system, leading to guests receiving penalty notices despite paying, and there have been reports of vehicle security concerns including van break-ins within the gated car park. This highlights the importance of diligently confirming vehicle registration daily. Furthermore, the hotel's policy of not accepting cash payments for drinks at the bar has been a point of contention for some international guests. There have also been isolated but serious reports of fire alarm malfunctions and issues with emergency exit doors.