Looking for a self catering property in Lincoln to house six people for a family get-together we booked Bailmews 5, a property promising ‘quality furnishings throughout’ and, at a cost of £250 per night, obviously something special. Wrong. Bailmews 5 is a modern house at the end of the Bailhouse Hotel car park which was cold and not clean when we arrived for a recent two night stay. The ground floor comprises one large double bedroom, kitchen and shower room; first floor is lounge/dining room plus one small double and one single room; and two more double rooms plus another shower room are located in the roof space. The kitchen is tatty and does not even have a fridge, the refrigeration is a counter-top drinks chiller. There is no microwave, coffee making facilities or, of course, dishwasher. There are no mirrors, bedside lights or indeed bedside tables in most of the bedrooms. There is no radio, the TV in the lounge is four channel terrestrial only, and the other TV in the ground floor bedroom had no aerial cable attached. The lounge area is sparsely furnished with insufficient seating for nine people, the gas fire sports a warning notice against its use, and the book shelves are bare - no books, magazines or videos/DVDs. The shower rooms are well fitted out and the beds/bedding are new and to a good standard but this does not warrant £250 per night.

On checking out we noticed the CCTV coverage of the hotel and its surrounding buildings and was amazed to see an image of the lounge area of Bailmews 5 being transmitted. We were never informed that a surveillance camera was located in the house and that it should be live whilst the house is occupied is beyond belief.

We were most disappointed with Bailmews 5 and its plus points of location and private parking couldn’t overcome the many negative issues.

This property is centrally situated, an advantage for the sights (Cathedral and Castle), a disadvantage in view of the noise from (midweek!) stag and hen parties moving from bar to bar. Lord knows what it would be like at the weekend.

In order to get a bath and shower we had to pay £149 for the room, without breakfast. This was the most expensive and least good night's accommodation in a week of touring, which started in London (£54 pounds a night cheaper for a much bigger and better room with breakfast, satellite TV and a power shower). The room was pleasant enough, though a little cramped. An upright chair but no armchair. The TV was small and old-fashioned with only four terrestrial channels - everywhere else we stayed had at least terrestrial digital. No CD player. Only one side of the bed had a reading light. The bathroom was definitely nothing special - not a tile in sight. The shower was cramped and the shower fitting broken so that it would not stay in position and was more a trickle than a stream. The heated towel rail was not heated, so neither was the bathroom. Nobody on the premises to complain to when problems might have been fixed. A shrug greeted the news the next morning when we checked out. Even the Penhalligon toiletries were no compensation.

Why it calls itself a hotel I cannot imagine, nor how it rates 5 stars. There are no staff available after 18:00 and we were phoned by them to ensure that we would check in at that time and not hold them back. The only comparison with a hotel that I can imagine is the stiff mark-up on the drinks in the honesty fridges in the kitchen. Room service prices for serve yourself!

When we made the booking we were told that there was free WiFi available, using a code we would be given on checking in. No code given, so no WiFi.

If you want somewhere that looks pretty from the outside and is within yards of the Cathedral, then this is for you. If you want luxury or even value for money please look elsewhere.

We stayed for 3 nights at the Bailhouse and Mews and loved our room (with a view of cathedral spires), though I wish we'd stayed in the one that was a former medieval hall, with original woodwork . The building, while of historical interest, has a fresh feeling of being newly redesigned and includes all necessary mod cons and Internet access. The location is perfect for exploring all things of interest in Lincoln--a short walk to cathedral and castle, restaurants, and shops on Steep Hill. It was nice to have free parking in a busy part of the city. The staff showed ample evidence of intelligence, humor, helpfulness, and all-around zest. A great place to stay.

one of the best hotel experiences ive had. travelling on buisness allows me to stay in plenty of hotels, this one rates the highest. deserves the full five stars!!!