Embankment Hotel

Hotels
8.6 (1559 reviews)
The Embankment , Bedford , gb

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Free
Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Terrace
Family rooms
Pets allowed
Luggage storage
Facilities for disabled guests
Non-smoking throughout
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly and professional staff
Great location
Delicious food
Cons:
Noise from other guests
Parking difficulties
Some room features need updating

Categories

Cleanliness
8.34
Mentioned as clean and comfortable in reviews.
Service
9.01
Staff were consistently described as friendly and helpful.
Location
9.05
Superb location with river views and close to town.
Room Quality
8
Some rooms were comfortable but had noise issues.
Amenities
8.53
Amenities noted were standard for the hotel tier.
Value for Money
8.39
Value perceived as good for the offerings and service.
Food and Beverage
8.94
Breakfast was excellent and menu choices were praised.
Overall Experience
8.51
Guests expressed overall happiness with their stay.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-08 17:26

Property Description

Riverside Charm: Nestled beside the serene River Ouse, The Embankment Hotel offers a picturesque setting with tranquil gardens and a Victorian bridge, just a stone's throw away from the town centre.

Pub and Dining Delights: Indulge in delectable dishes with a view at the friendly pub and dining area overlooking the Ouse. Savor a variety of real ales, wines, and speciality coffees, or bask in the sun while enjoying afternoon cream tea outdoors.

Cultural Exploration: Explore nearby attractions such as the Bedford Museum and the acclaimed Cecil Higgins Art Gallery, a leisurely stroll away from the hotel.

Experience riverside relaxation and cultural discoveries at The Embankment Hotel. Book your stay now for a delightful retreat by the River Ouse.

Important information:

Please note that on-site parking is limited, and is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Please be aware that this a busy pub, and some noise may be expected.Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Property Policies

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.

  • Internet

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

  • Parking

    Free public parking is possible on site (reservation is not possible).

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    You haven't added any extra beds.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.6
Based on 1559 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.34
Service: 9.01
Location: 9.05
Room Quality: 8
Amenities: 8.53
Value for Money: 8.39
Food and Beverage: 8.94
Overall Experience: 8.51
D
David • solo_traveller • gb
8
Overall, a pleasant stay and somewhere that I would consider using again.
Pros:

A lovely character building with lots of natural charm. All the staff I encountered were very polite and professional. Nice big room, although it did face directly onto the building next door, about 20' away. Pretty good fried breakfast, which I took in the main bar, and was a very pleasant experience.

Cons:

On-site parking is very limited behind the hotel but that isn't mentioned. Neither is the fact that the only other parking available is on the road out side the hotel. Free after 6PM but you do have to pay from 7AM onwards.

2026-05-16 • via Nuitee
J
Jane and Pat • couple • nz
10
Great view over the river
Pros:

Views along embankment over the river, restaurant included

Cons:

Taking our luggage upstairs

2026-05-15 • via Nuitee
A
antony • couple • gb
10
Nice position helpful staff nice room
Pros:

It was all good for us

Cons:

Nothing

2026-05-13 • via Nuitee
S
Samantha • solo_traveller • au
9
Can’t wait to return, but unless the chef gets their act together, would eat out!
Pros:

I love staying at the Embankment. It is such a characterful property, in a prime location on the River Great Ouse.
The staff is so friendly and helpful.

Cons:

The food was a little poor and overly fussy at times. For example, the granola breakfast doesn’t need huge chocolate curls, and the parsnip soup lunch doesn’t need maple syrup. Both “extras” actually spoiled a potentially great dish.

The fish and chip meal was extremely disappointing - oily batter, dry chips and rock hard peas. Not a single element on the plate was right.

2026-05-13 • via Nuitee
P
Pratt • solo_traveller • gb
10
A most enjoyable stay.
Pros:

We were most impressed with the Embankment Hotel in Bedford.
Excellent facilities, helpful and attentive staff and high standards all round.

Cons:

There wasn't anything other than perhaps a larger car park but that isn't logistically possible !

2026-05-13 • via Nuitee
T
Thomas • couple • gb
8
A lovely three days of relaxation with good food and beautiful surroundings. Location ideal.
Pros:

Breakfast good.
Staff were helpful, friendly and efficient
Rooms very comfortable if a little small.
Bathroom spacious, well lit, well equipped, and shower easy to use good spray and copious hot water. Towels fluffy and always warm on the towel heater! Heaven!

Cons:

The food was very good and chef very capable. Portions really good. Menu could have been wider offering more choice, but understand that it is currently under review.

2026-05-11 • via Nuitee
Z
Zoltan • solo_traveller • hu
10
Pros:

I got an extremely good breakfast.

2026-05-10 • via Nuitee
D
Donna • extended_group • gb
10
2026-05-09 • via Nuitee
S
Smith • solo_traveller • gb
9
2026-05-08 • via Nuitee
M
Maggie • couple • gb
6
We had a large room and the location was lovely right on the embankment.
Pros:

Excellent location. Good breakfast.

Cons:

Shower was only like warm.
The room was rather dark with a small window and poor lighting.

2026-05-08 • via Nuitee
S
Sally • couple • gb
9
Great stay, will return and recommend to others.
Pros:

Easy check in and spacious rooms. Comfy big bed. Rooms serviced every day. Great food and a lively but relaxed feel in the pub/restaurant.

Cons:

Car parking can be a little tricky / limited, it’s at the back of the hotel.

2026-05-05 • via Nuitee
C
carol • couple • gb
8
great
Pros:

room & breakfast

2026-05-05 • via Nuitee
L
Lee • family_with_children • gb
10
Comfortable and welcoming
Pros:

Breakfast was amazing

Cons:

Nothing to disĺike

2026-05-02 • via Nuitee
C
Carolyn • solo_traveller • gb
8
Convenient for visiting friends in Bedford
Pros:

Only a short walk into the town centre

Cons:

No lift

2026-05-02 • via Nuitee
K
Kathleen • solo_traveller • ie
7
Very pleasant stay but there's room for improvement
Pros:

The welcome from the young man at reception was so nice, in fact every single staff member was friendly and polite. The hotel is in a fab location for a stroll by the river or into the town centre. The food was good solid pub grub. We enjoyed a lovely well presented breakfast and lunch. We had a lovely big room with ensuite.

Cons:

Sadly the whole place could do with a deep clean. I noticed the paneling in the bar/ eating area was very dirty and off putting. Also the ladies toilet door needs cleaning and painting! Seeing the extremely dirty mop and bucket outside the first floor rooms was worrying to say the least!! Housekeeping needs a new mop and clean water for each room. I shudder to think our bathroom floor was " washed" with that dirty mop! I found the bed very uncomfortable. It was a double which is fine for 2 small adults but it's a tight squeeze for 2 average sized ones like us! The mattress was too firm for me and I didn't sleep great on both nights! The bath needs a grab rail for getting and out of the shower!

2026-04-28 • via Nuitee
S
Sally • couple • gb
9
2026-04-28 • via Nuitee
J
Joe • solo_traveller • gb
10
2026-04-27 • via Nuitee
O
Olivier • solo_traveller • fr
9
Pros:

Le charme. Nous étions au dernier eet donc au calme.

Cons:

Attention pas d'ascenseur mais le personnel monté les valises.

2026-04-26 • via Nuitee
M
Mason • solo_traveller • gb
9
Pros:

Location and staff

Cons:

Car park was busy on arrival

2026-04-23 • via Nuitee
L
Lynne • solo_traveller • gb
7
Pros:

Comfortable bed and very clean. Good location

Cons:

It was very expensive for a 1 night stay with no breakfast

2026-04-23 • via Nuitee