Bedford Swan Hotel and Thermal Spa

Hotels
8.2 (2964 reviews)
The Embankment , Bedford , gb

Pets allowed

Facilities

Health or beauty spa nearby
Electric bicycle charging station
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Restaurant
Room service
Family rooms
Pets allowed
Luggage storage
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Central location
Outstanding service
Cons:
Cleanliness issues
Limited amenities

Categories

Cleanliness
7.7
Some complaints about stains and missed items indicate issues with cleanliness.
Service
9.2
Many positive mentions of attentive staff and great service experience.
Location
8.7
Positive sentiment regarding the central location mentioned in several reviews.
Room Quality
7.7
Concerns raised about room maintenance, but overall comfort noted.
Amenities
7.2
Limitations in amenities like spa access and specific items in room service were mentioned.
Value for Money
8.2
Mixed responses on value, but good food and services provided some value.
Food and Beverage
8.2
Most reviews praised the quality of food, despite a few disappointments.
Overall Experience
8.7
Positive experiences highlighted, particularly during Christmas stay.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-08 13:28

Property Description

Overlooking the Great Ouse River in Bedford’s town centre, the Bedford Swan offers a picturesque setting for your stay.

Luxurious Accommodations: The contemporary 4-star rooms feature signature wallpapers, air conditioning, flat screen LCD TVs, and complimentary WiFi, ensuring a comfortable and stylish stay.

Dining Excellence: Indulge in delicious meals at Pen and Cob, the on-site British brasserie open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, providing a delightful culinary experience throughout your stay.

Business and Events: With a convenient location near Bedford Rail Station and a variety of business facilities and event rooms, the Bedford Swan is the ideal choice for both work and leisure travelers.

Book your stay now at the Bedford Swan and experience the perfect blend of luxury and convenience.

Important information:

Please note that our Thermal Spa is an additional cost and a Spa booking should be made prior to your visit to avoid any disappointment.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: LTN

Property Policies

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children are not allowed.
    You haven't added any cots.
    You haven't added any extra beds.

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed. Charges may be applicable.

  • Parking

    Private parking is possible on site (reservation is not possible) and costs GBP 5 per day.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.2
Based on 2964 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.7
Service: 9.2
Location: 8.7
Room Quality: 7.7
Amenities: 7.2
Value for Money: 8.2
Food and Beverage: 8.2
Overall Experience: 8.7
R
Robert couple gb
8
Lovely location, great room, friendly staff & good spa
Pros:

Location is perfect for us, our room was perfect, staff are always helpful & friendly & tge riverside walks are gorgeous

Cons:

Not all jets working in the spa pool, restaurant is a bit noisy with acoustics

2026-05-16 via Nuitee
M
Michael couple gb
7
Did the job for our short trip to Bedford. Nice hotel with good parking in central location by river. Room disappointing
Pros:

Location and decoration. Nice ambience. Great food and nice bar and dining. Lot of work gone into the decor and lounge were impressive. Breakfast very good too.

Cons:

The bedroom view over rubbish at rear and double bed felt very small (not a king size only double- but we use to a super king at home) most hotels we stay at these days are at least a a king size. Air circulation poor but that due to modern hotels and inability to open window more than a few inches !! So all in all room disappointing.

2026-05-15 via Nuitee
M
Mark couple us
10
Pros:

Room and location

2026-05-15 via Nuitee
C
Craig couple gb
9
Great place but could be excellent if these issues addressed.
Pros:

Great location. Very reasonable pricing for food and bar. Clean comfortable and very friendly staff.

Cons:

Calling last orders in a busy bar at 10.35pm. went for a drink to be told it was charge to room only. Had to visit reception to add payment and nobody there.
Breakfast items decimated at 8.45 am, slow to replace food, asked for fried eggs and had to remind 15 minutes later.

2026-05-15 via Nuitee
M
Malcolm solo_traveller gb
9
2026-05-14 via Nuitee
J
John solo_traveller gb
4
Pros:

The location

Cons:

The fact that I couldn't use the spa due to it being fully booked and it costing extra, my shower was cold so had to have a bath and I booked a king room which to me was very standard

2026-05-11 via Nuitee
R
Rita solo_traveller mt
10
Pros:

Everything was perfect.

2026-05-11 via Nuitee
L
luis couple gb
1
2026-05-10 via Nuitee
A
Albert couple gb
10
Always good , all staff exceptional in their job and roles
Pros:

Everything

2026-05-08 via Nuitee
N
Nicola solo_traveller gb
9
Lovely room, comfortable stay and very helpful staff. Well located
Pros:

The room was extremely comfortable and staff very helpful

2026-05-07 via Nuitee
N
Nisior solo_traveller gb
5
Not happy
Pros:

Room was down with the service dept noisy and dark

Cons:

They were resurfacing the driveway, and I felt like I was in the middle of it

2026-05-06 via Nuitee
K
Kevin solo_traveller gb
8
Pros:

The food is excellent

2026-05-03 via Nuitee
H
Hennebry family_with_children au
6
Okay, somewhat disappointing.
Pros:

Very nice hotel, nicely finished rooms in a characterful style

Cons:

The hotel is advertised as Swan Hotel and Thermal Spa. But it’s not clear during the booking process that the spa is a paid extra and by appointment only. We missed out on using the spa because it was fully booked.

2026-05-01 via Nuitee
A
anthony couple gb
7
Ok
Pros:

Room good parking good
Staff on reception good
Staff in bar restaurant average at best

Cons:

Breakfast offerings where stale over cooked
And we were in at 8am

2026-04-29 via Nuitee
K
Kayleigh couple gb
10
Pros:

The person I was with

Cons:

Leaving him

2026-04-29 via Nuitee
D
Debbie couple gb
10
2026-04-26 via Nuitee
I
Ionesi solo_traveller ro
10
Pros:

Nice !!

2026-04-21 via Nuitee
A
Alan solo_traveller gb
3
Disappointing. If you are a resident, more accommodation should be made to cater for your needs. Will not be going back.
Pros:

Location good

Cons:

Couldn’t park there, there for 2 nights and room was not touched during this period. So after 1st night room was not cleaned water tea items were not replaced, bed was too small. Tried to get a drink on Saturday night but they would not accommodate us because of functions taking place, although there were areas we could have gone but were told they were reserved although they were empty when we arrived and still not being used when we returned from having a drink elsewhere.

2026-04-19 via Nuitee
S
Scherri solo_traveller gb
8
2026-04-18 via Nuitee
L
Linda couple gb
4
Pros:

There was no parking space

2026-04-18 via Nuitee