Ibis Valladolid

After an eight hour drive greeted by an unwelcoming receptionist who just did the basic necessary to check me in, clearly irritated. Room had two flies, I hate flies, down to reception to get some spray. Same receptionist, didn't understand, her colleague did and gave me the spray, not a word of anything vaguely apologetic just a comment between them as I left. Room clean but shower had black mould around bottom level of tiles and on some higher up, this is a never acceptable for me. Went to the 'restaurant' for dinner, very pleasant young waiter, absolutely clueless about gluten, even in Spanish. Food quality was very good and the coffee very good but menu very poor for gluten issues and worried me that gluten knowledge was nil. Totally embarrassed by the receptionist very loudly calling me to pay for my meal, this would in all my previous experience have been paid in the morning on my departure. Parking at front of the hotel is difficult in places due to large square concrete flower pots that limit the turning space. Hotel is in need of a refurb, tired and dull colors currently probably make it look worse than it actually is. As someone who generally prefers to stay in an Ibis on stopovers..... Would I stay here again. No.

We were very surprised with the food we had in the restaurant. We had been in the centre all day and tired and really didn’t want to go back in the evening. There’s little else around where the hotel is for food so we decided to have a pizza and salad to share. Staff were friendly and the food didn’t take long to come. We were sort of expecting supermarket standard but have to say we were impressed with the quality of the pizza and the salad, so if you’re thinking of eating in at the hotel give it a try!

I was lucky, I didn't book ahead on the way south, but they were full when I returned heading home. Room was very clean and comfortable, easy WiFi log in, excellent buffet breakfast with a huge choice of fruit, cereal, bread, croissants, juices, coffee etc. My only criticism is difficult parking, only a few places at the front and limited places behind the hotel. Staff were helpful and friendly, they spoke good English

The hotel is well placed for a stopover being approximately 2 miles off the motorway and 2.5 hrs from Santander. The staff are very welcoming, the rooms clean and a decent selection of good value food. Overall the service is very good.