The Ibis is rather cheaper than the one next door (see; my review on that) and it shows. Okay, the place is clean and reasonably tidy, and like any city centre hotel it has its strategic attractions for people wanting to go for a drink, visit the multiplex, or do some shopping. The foyer is functional with one berth for wi-fi broadband (that didn't work last time I tried it) and the staff are attentive and polite, and discharge their duties efficiently. Like the other place next door, they seem to be East European by extraction, but their English is excellent and they seem friendly enough.

The rooms are, to put it succinctly, 'compact and bijou.' The bed is okay, and the TV is small but viewable. The bathing facilities are rather small, served by a sliding type door, with a sink and a shower. No frills in terms of bathroom accoutrements; soap, shampoo and gel, and a couple of towels.

The restaurant cum breakfast room is situated above the ground floor in a kind of mezzanine arrangement. It isn't the biggest of its type, but it does the job with a minimum of fuss, and the food is palatable. However, the last time I stayed, it has a rather bizarre automatic coffee machine contraption that you need a Ph.D in advanced engineering to operate. Or, maybe it's just me and my aversion to anything more complicated than a disposable razor.

All told, this hotel is a bit like a pre fabricated post modern edifice that just happens to be found in a prime location. Plus, it also happens to be about 3 minutes from the railway station, so no dragging your Gucci luggage too far!But, I've been there twice now, so it can't be that bad ...