ibis Styles Bethune Bruay Hotel 3 stars

The ceiling collapsed in the middle of the night, the room was like an oven because the air conditioning was so weak (not helped by the leak that led to the ceiling collapse), then at 6am (after a disturbed sleep) was awakened by at least 30 gendarmes loading up their van outside our room, smoking, laughing and talking loudly. Brilliant.

Upon arrival no one answered our call at the gate for quite a while. When they did eventually arrive they were not apologetic at making us wait despite us having three very tired children after a long drive. Nothing wrong with the room or breakfast though, once we got into it!

Check in was efficient as usual and the organisation of breakfast was good.

This review would have quite different if the air conditioning had been working but one in our room we were greeted by a noise coming from the ceiling. Reception knew already what the problem was and turned the air con off and said no other (family) rooms were available. It is frustrating that they let the room out knowing there was a fundamental problem. Result was broken sleep during the night when had to drive 800km the following day. Otherwise the hotel is in a good spot in a commercial/leisure area with many restaurants around and not far off the A26. Breakfast was not cooked but good enough. The rooms were tired with dirty grout and sealant in the bathroom. Worth noting for families that the double bed is sort of separate from the other two single beds by a partition wall but no door giving some privacy. Overall it's a shame really that we were not comfortable and we would not take the risk of coming there again.

I arrived at exactly midnight having checked in online before midday on 6/08, and having clearly indicated that I would be arriving around midnight. There was no one at the reception desk, no answer from the telephone number given, and I could only gain entry to the gated car park when another guest let me in. I then spent half an hour telephoning +33 3 21 01 11 11 without any answer, while my wife and small child waited in the car. Realising that we would not be able to stay in Bethune, I then telephoned the Ibis hotel in Arras, which was kind enough to offer us a room. However, I was of course charged for my stay there independently. It goes without saying that I expect an explanation, a full refund and an apology.

Reception staff friendly, room nice

Straightforward check in, clean, easily arranged breakfast despite covid Breakfast available as ordered. Secure parking

Very good apart from breakfast was not ready at the time advertised.

Very helpful manager checked me in - nothing wrong with room - comfortable bed but carpets in room and public areas look threadbare. Breakfast very acceptable.

Unwelcome receptionist not interested in guests arriving. Insisted on speaking to us in poor English as I was attempting to talk to her in French. She did not make clear the situation regarding breakfast. Gave us a key to a room that I would certainly not put any person into, as it was dirty. The carpet was a disgrace to the IBIS chain. I could go on, but wish to mention that not even the soap dispenser above the basin had any contents, the towels were fit for what not drying oneself following a shower.

Grubby and poor value for the price paid

Until now our lives have been almost constant travel. I usually stay in hotels some 300 days of the year. This was our first hotel stay after being locked down in UK for 4 months. Staff helpful, room OK. The problem was the lack of distancing awareness by the other guests. Despite the notices two people tried to enter the lift when I was already in it. On arrival at the breakfast room I immediately left as there was inadequate space between people.

Our one night stay at the Ibis Styles was easy and efficient. The reception was prepared in advance and everything was clearly explained. The room was good and the the breakfast well organised.

We use this particular hotel at Bethune regularly each year. This year it was difficult due to Corona Virus lock down and we needed to change dates at last minute as well as a late arrival The staff were extremely helpful and accommodating.

Excellent and efficient reception and welcome. Clean, if small, room, with very comfortable bed. Pets very welcome throughout the hotel. Good breakfast with freshly squeezed orange juice.