Ibis London Barking, Barking

I made the mistake of not booking our London hotel early on and didn't realize that both Wimbledon matches and Ascott races were going on at this time. So, the only choice left was this Ibis hotel in Barking, a 30+ minute train ride outside of London. Let's talk about the hotel only: no-frills hotel. Small room with an odd looking but comfortable bed, very little space around it, a long shelf-like desk for computer and free coffee. A small plus: the desk had 2 outlets (one for the water kettle), which was more than most other hotels have. Free coffee and tea was low quality. Small HD TV with about 10 free channels, including American, German, French. The window didn't open wider than 4 inches and the stiff curtain covered most of that when opened. No fridge or other convenience amenities, no safe (this was one of a few trips where I wished I had one!). Bathroom was very industrial, basically a one-piece plastic tube with shower, toilet and sink. No hair dryer. Some space around the sink, but very small and no ventilation at all - steam needed to be vented into the room. Very few and smallish towels. Hotel has a bar at the front desk, with TV, snacks and drinks (including 3 beers on tap), apparently 24/7, which is nice. Internet access was 10 pounds a night, including TV services (or without - no price difference). Front desk was able to print boarding passes, albeit they struggled to find a USB port under the desk. Room was clean and nicely cleaned each day, no complaints there. Room service operated in the afternoon, we were able to hang around until 11 am without being bothered. No frills hotel, about a 15 min walk from downtown/train station. For all of the above and the rate we paid, this would be an OK hotel, although too expensive for US standards. Now for the bad part: Barking is a dump of a town. We renamed it by swapping the k with an f, which describes it well. Low income area, very diverse people (which isn't bad at all, unless they're all from the lower ranks, as is the case here). My girl was afraid to walk through town from the train station to the hotel at night and only did so, because I assured her that nothing would happen and I'd step in, if it did. Working girls hanging out at the train station at night, not a great greeting if you arrive by train as we did. In fairness, it was fairly safe and not scary for me, but I'm not a wimpy kind of person. The town is very dirty, garbage floating around everywhere. Only fast-food places, no nice looking restaurants, only one decent bar at the train station (no tab, pay cash) and it is that bad neighborhood that downgrades this hotel to a 2 star at best. If you have to stay in Barking, this budget hotel is OK, but if you can avoid it, stay closer to London. Not recommended.

Excellent service, very quick, helpful and friendly staff, calm atmosphere- very relaxing, great choice for a good nights sleep.total privacy.Best hotel i've stayed at by far!

Good value for my money. great service, good location, very welcom staff and ideal for business in east london. I recomend this hotel for all kind of needs