HotelIbis Lincoln

[sue51, 07.01.2007] With the memory of the IBIS Chesterfield barely cold in my mind, it was with a comfortable heart and no fear of what lay ahead as I trundled up the A46 towards Lincoln, because all these outlets are clones of one another, arent they?

WHO ARE THEY?
IBIS are part of the French hotel chain Accor hotels, who are also responsible for bringing us Sofitel, Novotel, and Formula 1. IBIS stands one step ahead of Formula 1, and their 46 outlets in the UK are branded by the AA as Budget Hotels.

Following my pleasant stay at Chesterfield, they were on the verge of becoming my preferred hotel for travelling to dog shows when a return journey in a day wasnt feasible, primarily because of their pet friendly policy at no extra charge.


PAYMENT
This can be by credit card, cash or cheque, although it is worth noting that with the latter two you will be required to produce a passport or driving licence as proof of identity, I am guessing this is to prevent fraud and money laundering.

LOCATION
The IBIS Lincoln is situated on an industrial estate just off the A46 Newark to Lincoln road, although you could be forgiven for missing, particularly if driving North, as it is not particularly visible from the main road and it is not well signposted. There is ample free on-site parking although when I stayed the hotel was very quiet.

The hotel offers a small range of bar meals that can be taken to the room, but if you fancy something more comprehensive, there is the Pride of Lincoln pub and a Frankie & Bennys restaurant within 2 minutes walk.

RECEPTION
Other than the fact that reception was on the right at Lincoln, there was minimal difference between here and at Chesterfield. There is a small comfortable seating area adjacent to reception where you can sit and read the daily papers, and to the rear, there is a small bar and dining area.

CHECK-IN
This is where the similarities between Chesterfield and Lincoln abruptly ended. I gave my name and asked for a smoking room with wireless internet access. After searching for about 10 minutes, I was advised the whole hotel is now non-smoking as from 1st January 2007. While I appreciate (although am not necessarily happy about) the prevention of smoking in public areas, I am staggered to discover that in Ireland, Scotland and California which all have smoking bans in place you have the choice of smoking and non-smoking rooms, yet in certain English counties where the ban has not yet come into force, you cant even smoke in the privacy of your hotel room.

Needless to say, as the IBIS website made no mention of this new rule, and I was not happy. The receptionist rang around a number of local hotels and did find me a smoking room, but told me I couldnt take the dog!!! 250 miles from home, I am not quite sure what they expected me to do with her, so really I had no alternative but to stay there.

THE ROOM
The first room I was allocated was on the ground floor; I enquired about security windows and was advised yes the rooms did have security windows, another black mark, they didnt. I find hotel rooms so excessively hot I need to keep the window open to avoid irritating my eczema.

The second room allocated was on the first floor with two sets of glazing windows and no way of getting fresh air into the room. Eventually the receptionist checked all available rules until she found me a room where the windows would open unfortunately the window wouldnt close even partially. Now being an hour after arrival, I couldnt be bothered to complain again and had to make the best of a bad job. Every floor in the IBIS has large posters claiming to resolve all customer complaints within 15 minutes 24 hours a day, or have the stay on them WRONG!

The room was spacious and a replica of the one at Chesterfield. It had open wardrobes (and a number of hangers), a corner unit for your suitcase, a workbench area, offering a tea/coffee tray, remote control coloured TV with the 5 standard channels, BBC News 24, and a handful of foreign language channels, a round table with chair and a small double bed fine for one, but not overly generous for two. The room also has a hairdryer and telephone and offers ample plug sockets. There was no overhead lighting, and I did find the room rather dark.

The en-suite was small offering a large power shower unit, sink area and toilet. Toiletries are in fixed units on the wall, and 2 midget sized towels are provided.

Wireless internet access at a speed of 750K was provided through Orange France (!) at 20 Euros for 24 hours. Unlike the Chesterfield IBIS which only offers it in limited rooms, wireless access is available throughout the Lincoln outlet.

Even if you are staying here alone, I would advise getting two room keys, and the key is also used in the slot provided to control the electricity in the room.

FOOD & DRINK
IBIS claims to serve food 24 hours a day, although their main course menu is limited to Kashmiri Chicken, soup, pizza and kebab room service is DIY, so you must collect the food yourself to take to the room. I had a main course (normal price £6.95) with a treacle sponge with custard (£2.95) on offer at £8.50. Firstly the bar man tried to overcharge me, and then he forgot the custard because some customers dont like it. The Kashmiri chicken and rice was extremely tasty to be fair, although could have been a little hotter (temperature wise), the treacle sponge and custard was virtually unpalatable by the time I came to eat it, although I would like to think that they would serve it after the meal if eating in the restaurant.

Breakfast was the standard £5.25 chilled eat as much as you can buffet, consisting of a range of bread rolls and pastries, bread for toast, juice, yogurts, cold meats & cheeses, hard boiled eggs, cereals, fresh fruit and I have to say was very palatable, and is quickly becoming a firm favourite of mine over and above the buffet hot breakfast more traditionally associated with hotels.

Drinks were reasonably priced at £1.25 for half a Carling, £3 for bottled beers, and £6.10 for a double Gordons and Tonic and a tub of hot nuts.

On the website, this outlet shows the bar to be open 24 hours; this is true in part, although you will find only a limited choice on offer after midnight.

MEETING ROOMS
There are four pre-bookable meeting rooms at the IBIS Lincoln all with wireless internet access (for an extra charge)

OTHER INFO
The hotel is close to an LA Fitness centre Gymnasium and there is a health check form at reception for customers wishing to use the facility, although I am unaware if any discounts are offered to IBIS customers.

If you are travelling with a dog, there is a grassy area at the rear of the hotel, although I understand from the night security watchperson (this does not instil confidence) this is partially covered by cameras which talk to you and threaten to call the police if you dont leave!!! I didnt encounter this problem!.

The front doors of the hotel are locked from 11pm, but guests can access the hotel using their room key.

MY VERDICT
As far as hotels go, the IBIS chain generally seems to be functional with common appearance standards, and their Lincoln outlet was no exception. However, on a personal note I cannot give it more than 60% because of the difficulties I faced on arrival and the way they were handled, otherwise I would have given it 70%. If you dont smoke, then chances are you would have little to grumble about.

Once we had got over my initial arrival problems and room allocation, the staff were fine and very pleasant.

Would I use IBIS again? If travelling with the dog(s), more than likely yes, although I will be sure to check the smoking policy of the individual outlet next time before booking.

Recommended for non-smokers, and those who dont mind freezing outside if they want a cigarette!!

COST: £48 for the room (1 or 2 guests) (10% discount for IBIS loyalty card holders) and £5.25 for breakfast.