Holiday Inn Lincoln by IHG

This hotel offers a prime waterfront location overlooking Brayford Wharf, making it a memorable choice for guests. Its proximity to the city center, shops, and restaurants is consistently highlighted, establishing it as an ideal base for sightseers, families, and business travelers alike. Guests frequently commend the hotel's excellent breakfast and the generally friendly and helpful staff. While many rooms are noted for their spaciousness, some feedback suggests that room comfort and decor can be inconsistent. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room on a higher floor for better views, and be prepared for the hotel's paid parking, which is a common point of discussion among visitors.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of facilities, though some aspects receive mixed feedback. Parking is available on-site, but it is consistently mentioned as being expensive and often difficult to secure a space, especially during busy periods, leading some guests to use nearby public car parks. The hotel features a bar and lounge area that are generally well-regarded for their modern ambiance and comfort. While a gym is present, some guests note it is basic and could benefit from updated equipment. Free Wi-Fi is available, though some guests experienced issues with frequent disconnections. Premium rooms may include a mini-fridge and a coffee machine, but their functionality and stocking are occasionally inconsistent.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is varied. Many guests find their rooms to be clean and spacious, with some praising the comfortable beds and soft sheets. However, a significant number of reviews mention issues such as stained carpets, mould in bathrooms, dusty surfaces, and tired decor that needs updating. Pillows are a frequent point of contention, often described as too hard, lumpy, or uncomfortable. Noise levels can be an issue, with reports of loud snoring from adjacent rooms, shouting in corridors, and disturbances from extractor fans or even fire alarms. In-room amenities like air conditioning are sometimes described as old or noisy, and there are recurring comments about poor lighting, a lack of power sockets near beds, and faulty hairdryers or kettles.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast consistently receives high praise from guests, often described as excellent with a wide variety of choices, including hot cooked options, fresh fruit juice, and good quality items. Many appreciate the gluten-free options and the attentive staff in the breakfast area. The breakfast room itself is noted for its pleasant atmosphere and views. However, feedback on dinner and bar food is more mixed; some guests found the quality to be good, while others reported limited menu availability, cold food, or high prices. The bar area is generally considered a pleasant spot for drinks, though some found the prices to be on the higher side.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major highlight, situated directly on the Brayford Wharf with picturesque views and numerous restaurants and bars right on its doorstep. It offers easy walking distance to the city center, shops, and the train station, typically within 5-10 minutes. Key attractions like the Cathedral and Castle are also accessible on foot, though some guests note the walk involves a steep hill. Parking is a significant topic, with the hotel offering on-site spaces for a fee, but availability can be limited, prompting guests to use the nearby Lucy Tower Street multi-storey car park as an alternative.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel are frequently commended for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Many guests highlight the attentive service provided by the breakfast and bar staff, who are often described as welcoming and efficient. The check-in process is generally reported as quick and smooth, with staff often accommodating early arrivals or room requests. While most interactions are positive, some guests experienced less welcoming or unhelpful attitudes from specific reception staff, particularly regarding parking or booking issues. Overall, the staff's dedication to providing good service is a recurring positive theme.

Additional Information
The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, which is appreciated by guests traveling with their dogs, noting the staff's welcoming attitude towards pets. Several guests reported significant disturbances due to fire alarms sounding multiple times during the night, which was a source of considerable stress and frustration, with inconsistent explanations provided by staff. Some guests also experienced issues with booking discrepancies or overcharging, particularly concerning parking fees or breakfast inclusions, which led to dissatisfaction with the resolution process. The hotel's rewards program benefits were also a point of contention for some members who felt their status was not adequately recognized.