DoubleTree by Hilton Lincoln

This handsome five-story chain hotel opened in 2011 on the former site of the City of Lincoln Electricity Works. The busy hotel pays homage to its roots in the lobby area, where the Works’ original doorway is displayed. Otherwise, it’s a thoroughly modern hotel with a glass and red brick exterior. Banks of large windows illuminate the classy lobby that has an open design. It’s dotted with contemporary furniture in gray and blue, as well as large tropical foliage in huge planters. A glass elevator provides majestic views of the waterfront as it whisks guests up to the rooftop restaurant and bar that’s popular with locals and guests alike. While mostly a business hotel, guests of all sorts stay here, including some who come for Lincoln’s best views. It’s a relatively peaceful place, but the Wharf outside can be quite lively on weekends. 

The hotel is located on the Brayford Wharf, with a great choice of restaurant and lively bars just steps from the entrance in downtown Lincoln. It’s a fast-developing area with new apartment and office complexes. The Holiday Inn Lincoln has a Starbucks next door. The hotel faces the waterfront, while the back of the property looks toward the historic city center, where the majestic Lincoln Cathedral and 11th century Lincoln Castle are. Expect about a 13-minutes walk away up a steep hill to reach them. The University of Lincoln and Lincoln Central Station are easier walks of about 10 minutes, while St. Marks Shopping Center is a seven-minute drive or 13-minute walk. For air service, Humberside International Airport is a 45-minute drive (75 minutes by train). East Midlands Airport is about 75 minutes by car (two-and-a-half hours by train). 

Overall, the rooms are tastefully decorated, but their lack of vibrant colors and soft lighting makes them feel a bit dark. Dark grays are used on the accent walls and solid drapes, while a lighter, muted gray appears on the carpet and upholstered furniture. Gray leather padded headboards include adjustable reading lights and outlets. The matching, tiger wood-like wood furniture includes desks with black leather office chairs. They are comfortably sized, with even the standard King and Twin Rooms providing enough space for upholstered armchairs and small oval coffee tables. Larger Suites feature separate living rooms with sleeper sofas and private balconies are available. Standard amenities include coffeemakers, safes, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. The spacious bathrooms are the most upscale aspect, with white marble vanities, raised basin sinks, and nice gray tile on the floors and framing the shower/tub combos. Suites and Deluxe rooms feature separate tubs and walk-in showers. Suites, Deluxe, and Superior Rooms add robes and slippers. Views of the waterfront and city skyline can be quite nice, but a few rooms don’t have any windows and are therefore even darker. Several past guests (us included) have reported that their heating/air-conditioning units were annoyingly noisy. 

This full-service DoubleTree features some nice amenities, but the standout feature is food and libations with great waterfront views from the top floor. The Marco Pierre Steakhouse Bar & Grill features choice steaks and classics such as Chateaubriand steak. It serves a breakfast buffet (not included) as well as lunch and dinner. The Electric Bar includes a heated balcony. It’s popular with guests and locals alike. Events are popular here, and the Cathedral Ballroom is capable of accommodating 300 people. A guest computer and printer in the lobby serve as the business center, and Wi-Fi is free. The fitness center has modern Life Fitness cardio and strength-training equipment. Valet dry cleaning and laundry are among the concierge services, and currency exchange is available at the front desk. Parking is provided in a garage, but it’s expensive and quite limited. Pets are welcome with a surcharge.