Words by Rachel McAlley
Budget hotels are all the rage at the moment. With covid affecting many people’s income, budget hotels are reasonably priced and are accessible for all.
Our writer, Rachel McAlley recently spent the night at ibis Budget Sheffield Centre St Mary’s Gate. She was there to experience Sheffield’s newest hotel.
I arrived in Sheffield from the motorway and followed the ring road to my destination of St Mary’s Gate. It was easy to find, and the brand new ibis, which opened a couple of weeks before the UK’s lockdown, is located immediately off St Mary’s Gate roundabout.
Once inside the foyer, the reception and check in desk form part of the main lounge area and café bar. Plenty of comfy tables and chairs are dotted around the lounge, and the café serves everything from coffee and cakes to pizza and sandwiches.
Many board games can be found to play in the lounge, and a giant TV is available to watch. Chill #10A Artisan Bar & Café is a relaxed lounge, with various sofas and chairs to choose from.
Covid-Safe
The layout is industrial, contemporary, spacious, and of course everything is covid-safe. Tables are spaced apart, sanitising stations can be found at key points, and everything is cleaned before customer use.
The ibis at St Marys’ Gate is a high-rise, with spectacular views from the upper floors. The Triple Family Room where I stayed, was on the second floor, with one of the best blackout blinds ever.
Rooms are small and compact yet cater perfectly for your needs. With a double bed, a pull down bed, clothing rail, flatscreen TV and complimentary Wifi, who needs anything more? The bathroom offers a great power shower, with a selection of basic bodycare amenities for personal use.
Dinner was taken in Chill #10A Artisan Bar & Café within the hotel. Soup followed by in-house homemade pizza was my choice, and I opted for a small cake for pudding. By the way, the in-house pizza was really good!
Prices start at around £35 for the triple room, which is an absolute bargain for such a high standard of cleanliness, comfort, and facilities. Breakfast can be included when booking at an additional cost, or purchase it while staying at the hotel.
I would certainly recommend the ibis Budget Sheffield Centre St Mary’s Gate as a quality hotel with excellent service. And, its proximity to the city centre means it is in a great location. The price just seals the deal – what a bargain!
Visit Accor Hotels to book a room.
