I stayed at the Rutland Arms in Bakewell, Derbyshire for just one night last April 23, 2007. I was on a Jane Austen tour and British Tours had it as one of their recommendations to me. I let them make the arrangements.

I checked in very quickly, and also checked out as fast the next day. They're very efficient, if a little wary of strangers. Once I announced that I had a reservation, though, the lady at the desk warmed at once.

I had the so-called Jane Austen room with a four-poster bed, quite a large room with large windows and pleasant views of the streets on two sides, as the hotel is located in a wedge shape. Now Jane Austen was proven not to have stayed here at all, but it doesn't deter the management from maintaining this fancy for tourists. I didn't mind, and liked the idea just for fun.

The carpets need to be changed, and when I arrived, parts of it was creased underneath furniture, as if hastily shoved and put together. The hallways smelled like smoke, as I suppose many residents are smokers. The bellhop looked none too pleased to help me with my one small bag (there was no elevator and I had inquired if someone could assist me; I could do it myself but if there's help to be had...) and promptly dumped it in front of my door and left really fast. Here I was prepared to be grateful for the service, and next moment I turned, he was gone. I never saw him again, needless to say.

I had some trouble figuring out the shower mechanism. If the bellhop had taken some trouble to show me, I wouldn't take so long then. I am used to larger properties doing this service; I guess one has to put up with making do when in smaller hotels. The water, however, was plentiful and hot, and I didn't experience some of the horror stories some friends of mine spoke of about hotels in the heart of the UK about hot water being turned off at night.

The sheets were shabby (shabby chic, I guess, is still in) and there were actual holes in the fabric. The TV though was new, being a flat screen type. It was nice having free water and biscuits and a tea service, but the hot water pot looked none too clean and I didn't dare make anything to drink in it.

Still, the size of the room, with an actual chandelier and many lights was pretty good. If only they would renovate a bit.

I was pretty shocked not to have air conditioning, but since the weather was cool (it was raining), it was not so bad. It explained the presence of the electric fan.

Breakfast however, was excellent. I didn't have dinner there, although it is reputed to have a good table. I had an English breakfast and I must say if I ate like this everyday I'd have a coronary before I turned 50. It was very good, very hearty, tasted great, with all the stuff we love like salt and real butter and bacon... The breakfast staff was very good, very attentive, obviously kids working part time. Many hotel staffers should take a lesson in enthusiasm from these kids.

I'd go back if they'd upgrade their rooms a bit.

Stayed in one of the courtyard rooms for two nights for a wedding. The room was grubby, the decor shabby and out-dated and the fixtures and fittings either missing or falling off the wall/doors. The rooms was very small and we were very disappointed. We knew many other people staying in these rooms and they had the same problems. The meal for the wedding wasnt very good either and the service slow. What a shame. This hotel could be fantastic but because of the good location they will always get bookings regardless of the state of the hotel. Lets hope they have a refurbishment in mind soon.

Booked direct with the hotel late booking paid £55.00 for a double room including breakfast. Stayed in a courtyard room and although the entrance was not very appealling the room was clean and the bathroom was lovely. Breakfast was really good plenty of choice. There is also free parking. The hotel is ideally situated only a short walk to the pubs/shops etc. Bakewell is a really great place to visit and we would definitely stay at this hotel again.

There can't be many finer examples of the English small town hotel, well-preserved and oozing history from the moment you walk in. You won't get perfect double glazing, level floors or a luxury bathroom but you will get a warm welcome, a bedroom which is fit for purpose (with good quality bedding) and an excellent breakfast in the morning.