Overview

I booked the Ibis for an overnight stay when travelling for work. It's reasonably cheap, with accessible rooms and close to Union Street, what else could you need?

Transport & Parking

I didn't drive but there's an NCP car park next door, which has 4 accessible bays and 365 standard spaces. The nearest bus route is up the hill on Union Street. The closest bus station is Aberdeen Bus Station, and the closest train station is Aberdeen Railway Station, which is a 10-minute walk from the hotel.

Access

The accessibility of the hotel is mostly great. There are automatic doors, and the reception desk has a lowered section, although there was a water dispenser and self-service check-in terminal in this space. There are lifts to each floor, which have Braille buttons on the inside, though not on the outside. I didn't spot an induction loop in operation or see any alternative formats. I didn't specify that I needed an accessible room when booking, as I'm an ambulant wheelchair user and the site explained there would be a shower. I checked in early but it would have been helpful to know that there is a step up to the shower in the standard rooms. The standard room is laid out in such a way that you wouldn't be able to move a wheelchair to the far end of the room, and the windows and blinds are high and set back behind the desk. When checking out, I spoke with the manager who explained there are 6 accessible rooms in the hotel, he even took me to one of the rooms to see the facilities. The accessible rooms are a little more spacious, with room to manoeuvre a wheelchair. There's also a walk-in shower which has a shower seat, rails on the wall and a wet room-style floor with a drain. In the lobby, there's a small restaurant where you can get breakfast, coffee and a beer or wine - if that tickles your fancy. It's important to note that the hotel is on a hill with cobbles, which can be difficult to navigate in a manual wheelchair - trust me on that!

Toilets

There is an accessible toilet in the lobby, on the left-hand side as you enter. The door doesn't require a radar key and is locked from the inside by turning the knob. There are grab rails on either side of the toilet seat, where a left-side transfer is possible but there is a bin in the transfer space. The flush is located on the back wall, behind the toilet seat and the red cord is on the right when seated. The toilet features a low, small sink with a sensor tap and a long handle to adjust the water temperature. A soap dispenser, a paper towel dispenser and a hand dryer are available, and the room offers enough space to turn a manual wheelchair. An additional person could fit in the toilet. The toilet in the accessible rooms has a walk-in shower, with a shower seat, grab rails on the wall and wet room flooring with a drain. There are grab rails on either side of the sink and the toilet seat, with plenty of room to move a mobility aid if needed. The standard room toilets are in a booth, with a high step to access the toilet area. This may be suitable for those who can stand unaided but there isn't enough room for a second person.

Staff

I spoke with the manager when I was at the Ibis. He was helpful and eager to hear feedback for improvement. I highlighted the items at the lowered section of the desk, and that although I hadn't booked an accessible room, I hadn't been told of the step into the shower, but they did let me into my room early, which I appreciate.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

Whilst the hotel is accessible, please keep in mind that it's on a hill with cobbled roads.

Photos