Bedford Swan Hotel and Thermal Spa

Hotels
8.2 (3061 reviews)
The Embankment , Bedford , gb
+44 1234 346565

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Pets allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Fitness center
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
Room service
Heating
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.
A deposit may be required at the property.

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 3061 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
A
Adrian • family_with_children • gb
10
Very enjoyable stay in a lovely hotel in an excellent location.
Pros:

Very friendly helpful staff, lovely location and nice room.

Cons:

Parking was a bit tight!

2026-07-25 • via Nuitee
J
Jacqueline • solo_traveller • gb
10
Relaxing and cosy great food
Pros:

Room food and great vibes

Cons:

Had to pay to use the spa

2026-07-25 • via Nuitee
B
Brenda • extended_group • gb
8
It was the River Festival and we thoroughly enjoyed the proximity of the hotel to the activities.
Pros:

The hotel was in a super position and within a reasonable distance from the railway station.
The hotel was in an excellent position and would certainly revisit this property.
The room was airy and just the right size for 2 people with all the necessary facilities.
The 'older'gentleman on the desk was extremely helpful on the Sunday afternoon.

Cons:

A little disappointed that we did not receive room service until after our second nights' stay.
The breakfast was strangely set out and the hot food,despite being contained in large 'heated' containers,was still tepid. The wait for the poached egg was far too long and I had finished my breakfast before my friend had received her poached egg?!! Whilst there was a reasonable choice at the table with juices etc, I was perhaps expecting croissants/crumpets etc to be a part of it. There was also no waste bin to place the empty packets for cereals etc and we were asked just to leave the empty packet on the table - not a good look.
Staff helpful/cheery exterior was not consistent.

2026-07-22 • via Nuitee
B
Benjamin • solo_traveller • gb
10
2026-07-21 • via Nuitee
R
Rosalind • couple • gb
3
Pretty horrible!
Pros:

Location close to the river was pleasant and walking distance from the town.

Cons:

Car parking - there weren't enough spaces - big hassle!
Reception staff - they were indifferent.
Breakfast - poor selection of luke warm buffet. Grotty coffee from a machine. No service from breakfast restaurant staff - they all seemed poorly trained and disinterested.
Shower - leaked all over the floor,, due to a badly fitting shower screen.
Bedroom furnishings were stained and the lighting was poor.
Bedroom looked on to a courtyard - horrible outlook.
Bedroom smelt and it was stuffy.

2026-07-21 • via Nuitee
T
tom • solo_traveller • gb
8
2026-07-21 • via Nuitee
N
nicolan703 • Friends getaway • Hertfordshire, England
6
Nice tea, not great service
Pros:

We went to Anna’s tea room to celebrate a friends big birthday, unfortunately we didn’t have best experience

First we had to wait 30 mins for someone to offer us a drink as no staff were to be seen, and if we did try call over we were ignored

Drinks then took a further 20 mins to arrive

Something to bear in mind you have to pre book your menu before you arrive. An hour later we were still waiting, as well as other tables around us there before we arrived

The setting of the room is lovely, and once it arrived the afternoon tea was lovely

When it came to pay the bill we asked why there was no staff to be told a high volume had called in sick, and a wedding party unexpectedly turned up and had to take priority

It was a real shame as the venue was gorgeous, and I understand these things happen but no one gave us the courtesy of explaining service may be slow due to staff issues or lots of guests. We actually saw one table walk out!

It was Saturday afternoon, perhaps if we were able to visit again we would consider a weekday maybe

2026-07-19 • via Tripadvisor
M
Morris • solo_traveller • gb
10
2026-07-14 • via Nuitee
C
Chris • solo_traveller • gb
2
Cons:

The staff was aggressive and arguing outside the room at 2am in the morning after I called for them to fix the air con. It took 2 hours for him to get to the room. I had zero sleep and all he wanted to do was argue.

2026-07-14 • via Nuitee
K
Kristian • solo_traveller • gb
9
Very good
Pros:

Nice location, very clean and welcoming

Cons:

Not the property but the fact we would have had to pay for the pool facilities. Other than that can’t fault it!!

2026-07-14 • via Nuitee
G
Guido • couple • de
8
Schönes Hotel im altenglischen Stil
Pros:

Stil, Lage und Ausstattung

2026-07-13 • via Nuitee
A
Amy • couple • gb
7
2026-07-13 • via Nuitee
P
Phil • couple • gb
8
Very Pleasant
Pros:

Room, Location, Food, Service, Dog Friendly

Cons:

The Shower .... was more like a dribble than a shower!

2026-07-12 • via Nuitee
K
Katie • solo_traveller • ie
8
Pros:

The food in the restaurant was lovely. Bedroom was clean and comfortable

2026-07-12 • via Nuitee
4
463fona • Couples • Northampton, Northamptonshire, England
10
Lovely hotel great front of house staff.
Pros:

A delightful hotel situated by the river in Bedford and adjacent to the main high street in Bedford. It’s a lovely classical hotel and has been here for as long as I can remember. We decided to stay in the junior suite which is their top category room and it was well worth it.
The room is spacious and clean and away from the hustle and bustle of the main reception area and bar and dining areas. The conference rooms where the hold private functions etc are also away from the residential side. This is a nice touch.
We sadly couldn’t visit the thermal spa which we had hoped we could have done. But they were fully booked for our visit. So if you fancy it book in advance to avoid disappointment.

The room is decorated classically, could do with a slight touch up but nothing major to take away from the room. If I was being
Pedantic there was slight fading on the ceiling and one of the bedside lamps had a loose lamp shade but hardly an issue.
We love it here and will visit again

2026-07-11 • via Tripadvisor
F
Faz • couple • gb
6
Great location! Lovely staff!
Pros:

Location is great! The rooms are spacious and very quiet and right on the high street and easy access to the riverside.

Cons:

The room was spacious but could do with a slight refurbishment. The shower in the bath was leaking out onto the floor. The silicone could use a touch up. We had to place the towels on the floor to avoid slipping. Very minor issue and can be rectified speedily. The ceiling needed a touch up in the room. The cap on the tap cover was missing! Hope this helps as it is a fantastic hotel

2026-07-11 • via Nuitee
D
Doogdeb • solo_traveller • gb
8
Would visit again.
Pros:

Nice room size. Comfortable. Had air conditioning which was great during a heatwave. Nice restaurant which was reasonably priced for food and drinks.

Cons:

Stayed 2 nights and room wasn't cleaned.

2026-07-11 • via Nuitee
J
Jane • solo_traveller • fr
8
Pros:

The location - close to town and to the river - nearby cafes and groceries and a nice walk along the river to Priory Park.

Cons:

Some noise from the other rooms - mediocre breakfast and overworked staff. The restaurant area is overcrowded.

2026-07-10 • via Nuitee
G
Gary • couple • gb
8
Overall I could stay with a great location a special mention to the night desk manager who despite being extremely busy
Pros:

Great location refurbished rooms are excellent in the alfresco bar was a great offer offering

Cons:

Disappointing check-in experience

2026-07-10 • via Nuitee
M
Mr_Hobden • Couples • Bedford, Bedfordshire, England
4
OK, but looking Tatty
Pros:

It was OK. This was our second time at the day spa with tea afterwards. The Spa was a nice temperature and clean, however it's beginning to look tatty. Peeling paint on the walls and ceilings, steam room handle hanging off and the bubble push buttons worked when they felt like it. Overall, it was OK, not the best and it's a shame it's being let go.

2026-07-09 • via Tripadvisor