Ibis Tijuana Zona Rio — Hotel in Baja California

Disappointing Stay at IBIS Hotel Zona Río

I rarely leave negative reviews, but MY experience at IBIS Hotel Zona Río was far below my expectations, especially considering I have always had pleasant stays at other All Accor properties. I understand that I booked a 3-star hotel, so my expectations were minimal, but this place didn't even meet those. I booked only because of the proximity to Cosmopolitan City Center where I needed to go .

First and foremost, this hotel is not suited for tourists or foreign visitors. The customer service was virtually nonexistent. Upon arriving at 2:55 pm , I was told by a young man who didn’t identify himself as hotel employee , so I wasn’t sure if he was the housekeeper or a pest control technician, all he said was the rooms were not ready and to return at 3pm. I returned at 3 and to my surprise there was a line to check in with only one agent to assist. After 45 minute wait I was able to check in . I was hoping to get some local recommendations to where to grab dinner throughout my 5 day stay in the area or even at least a simple courtesy like when I asked where could I get a cup of hot water to make myself a tea , but instead, the staff looked at me as though I had just asked for a miracle. There was no attempt to provide any guidance, and it felt very unwelcoming.

The room was tiny, the curtains to open & allow sunlight into the room do not roll or slide open they are broken so you are stuck in a room without sunlight , and the bathroom was even more cramped. The sheets also had wholes in them. It was difficult to move around without feeling like I was in a closet. The worst part was stepping out of the elevator—where you are immediately greeted by the overpowering smell of mold and mildew in the hallways. It was unpleasant and left me feeling uneasy about the entire place. Getting food delivered was a hassle, and when I finally did try the in-house restaurant, the food was truly awful. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. It’s clear this place might cater to locals, but as a tourist, I wouldn’t recommend staying here. I ended up checking out the very next day.

Overall, my experience at this IBIS property was disappointing, and I won’t be returning. If you're a tourist, I’d suggest...

The best part of my stay was the location , it’s only a few minutes from downtown Tijuana and the border as well. Front desk was attentive and quick to check us in. They also have self park underground - tight space but very much convenient and free. The rooms are clean but somewhat small I got a room for myself which was perfect but I think for two persons it would be fairly small. The tv worked I which I used it very minimal, the ac was not really functioning and not keeping the room cool enough for me ; I did open the window at night to keep some air flowing through.

The bar drinks were good, I ordered myself a few mojitos which were a little over 5.00usd each.

There’s Tacos Franco nearby which I recommend , there’s also a pharmacy across the main boulevard and a casa de cambio. I found a shopping mall area two blocks down the street which was visible from my room window.

Overall I think the rooms are worth the price , they can definitely improve on the ac concerns. I will return soon and the fact it’s a pet friendly hotel , I’ll be back for another stay - hopefully not in a very hot day/night unless the ac...

If I can give zero stars I would.

This was not my first time at this hotel. My family and I stayed here when they opened at the beginning of COVID. The hotel was clean and well-kept. This time my family and I brought our two puppies and were horrified by this hotel.

1st- The hotel was filthy. (I have never stayed in a hotel with stains on the carpet and bedding. The rooms smell so bad we had to buy plugins and candles from calimax. 2nd- The shower was falling apart. Every time you showered, the water would be all over the restroom floor because the door was hanging off. 3rd- it’s supposed to be a pet-friendly hotel, and there is no designated area for your pups to use the restroom. The 2nd floor, which is the dog floor, looks worst than (Skidrow in LA). They throw you and your dogs on that floor, and you feel like you are in a scary movie. They also charge you an additional $25 per day per dog, which is not advertised anywhere.

The only reason we stayed is that I didn’t get insurance on this hotel since I’ve been before, and my pups had multiple doctor's appointments.

IF YOU CAN CHOOSE ANOTHER HOTEL,...