The Kingfisher

Hotels
•
Classic British Hotels
8.4 (1254 reviews)
Cardington Road , Bedford , gb
+44 1234 270044

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Free
Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
Room service
Heating
Terrace
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly and charming bar/restaurant staff
Convenient riverside/Jetty location; very quiet at night
Rooms described as large, comfortable and very clean
Good amenities (iron, fan, TV, full-size toiletries, spa toiletries)
Pleasant outdoor areas and relaxing atmosphere
Tasty restaurant food (Eggs Benedict called out specifically)
Cons:
Inconsistent service: unwelcoming receptionist and understaffed breakfast
Room practical issues: limited bedside lighting, lack of bedside sockets/USB in some rooms
Handheld shower fell off the wall for one guest
Some guests found drinks/pricing expensive and menu items unavailable
Parking described as tight in places
Some guests found the bed too hard

Categories

Cleanliness
9
Multiple reviewers described rooms as 'very clean' and towels/amenities well presented; overall cleanliness is consistently praised.
Service
7.8
Mixed service feedback: several staff (bar and restaurant) described as charming and helpful but others (receptionist, breakfast staff) were unwelcoming or short-staffed, causing inconsistent service experiences.
Location
9
Location praised as convenient, close to the riverside/Jetty and easy to find; quiet even during events—highly positive location sentiment.
Room Quality
7.8
Rooms described as big, comfortable and well equipped in places, but some guests reported practical issues (only one bedside light, no bedside sockets in one room, handheld shower falling off, and a very hard bed).
Amenities
8.8
Good amenities noted (fan, iron, ironing board, TV, full-size toiletries, pleasant outdoor Jetty area and spa toiletries); generally strong amenity offering.
Value for Money
7.5
Mixed perceptions on value: food and service described as affordable by some, but drinks pricing (e.g. £6 pint, £10+ wine) and occasional menu unavailability led some guests to feel it was slightly expensive.
Food and Beverage
8.6
Food receives positive mentions (Eggs Benedict, delicious restaurant meals, pleasant Jetty area). Some negatives: limited menu availability at times, breakfast timing and occasional service delays.
Overall Experience
8.7
Overall stays described as pleasant and recommendable with lovely outdoor areas and quiet nights; a few service and room quirks tempered otherwise positive experiences.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-08-07 22:46

Property Description

Riverside Pub with Rooms on the River Great Ouse

Tranquil Setting and Delicious Dining
The Kingfisher offers a tranquil setting with views of the River Great Ouse and a local country park. Enjoy friendly service and delicious food, wines, and cask ales. Relax on the terrace by the river for a memorable dining experience.

Quality Ingredients and Comfortable Accommodation
Championing quality ingredients, the Kingfisher sources locally for a fresh dining experience. Choose from a variety of bedroom options, each with spacious bathrooms and essential amenities like a TV and tea/coffee facilities.

Nearby Attractions and Easy Access
Conveniently located near the M1 motorway, explore attractions like Woburn Abbey and Safari Park. Immerse yourself in nature and culture while staying just minutes away from major roadways.

Book your stay at The Kingfisher for a delightful riverside retreat.

Important information:

A deposit may be required at the property.

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

Location

Guest Reviews

8.4
Based on 1254 reviews
Cleanliness: 9
Service: 7.8
Location: 9
Room Quality: 7.8
Amenities: 8.8
Value for Money: 7.5
Food and Beverage: 8.6
Overall Experience: 8.7
B
Bert-jan • solo_traveller • nl
8
Pros:

Location is very nice, staff were friendly and helpful

Cons:

Lack of ventilation in the room. It was hit and stuffy and an fan or AC would have made the difference

2026-08-29 • via Nuitee
I
Isabella • couple • gb
8
The room was comfortable and had tea making tray which was welcome. Nice beer garden. Good food.
Pros:

The beer garden by the river.

Cons:

Nothing.

2026-08-28 • via Nuitee
K
Kelly • couple • gb
8
2026-08-27 • via Nuitee
L
Linda • couple • gb
7
2026-08-26 • via Nuitee
S
steve • couple • gb
9
Excellent location
Pros:

Great riverside location with excellent food

2026-08-25 • via Nuitee
V
Veronica • family_with_children • gb
7
Good value, lovely location.
Pros:

The room was spacious and comfortable. Well equipped, although our son (6'1) had to bend to get under the rainfall shower. Super large bed, comfortable.
The breakfast was good. No selection of meat and cheese, but a menu of to-order specials such as eggs benedict, and these were well prepared. The buffet was good.

Cons:

Bit of a mix up over the package- breakfast wasn't included, then it was...
Communication in the restaurant was a bit vague as to where we were sitting (we were a large party)
There was a disco in a separate area that was quite loud in the evening.

2026-08-24 • via Nuitee
J
John • extended_group • gb
7
2026-08-23 • via Nuitee
A
Alison • couple • gb
5
A tale of 2 rooms …
Pros:

The location to major road networks and the lovely situation by the River Ouse

Cons:

Our 1st room was extremely poor. Unable to open window due to kitchen AC units- noise and food smells in room. Outside refrigeration unit turning on and off every 10 mins with loud droning noise. Our room on ground floor, 6am food delivery with reverse beepers.
No AC in room so hot.
Ate in restaurant 1st evening - it was very busy- food disappointing.

2026-08-23 • via Nuitee
D
deanne • couple • gb
1
2026-08-23 • via Nuitee
A
Angela • solo_traveller • gb
5
Pros:

Room was spacious and clean

Cons:

Furniture very dated and I have been charged twice, so need to sort out a refund.?

2026-08-23 • via Nuitee
G
gary • solo_traveller • gb
8
Pros:

Location

Cons:

Breakfast times
Some staff

2026-08-21 • via Nuitee
V
Vivienne • couple • gb
8
Convenient,clean.
Pros:

We assumed breakfast was included,you need to make it clear breakfast is not included.It was a big shock.

Cons:

More tea bags,2 not enough!

2026-08-20 • via Nuitee
P
Pia • solo_traveller • nl
7
2026-08-20 • via Nuitee
C
Cheri • couple • gb
9
Pros:

Really nice place and close to river

Cons:

The ground floor hotel room felt a bit dark

2026-08-20 • via Nuitee
D
Dr Tracey • couple • gb
10
2026-08-19 • via Nuitee
R
Ruth • couple • gb
9
Stressfree pleasant stay
Pros:

Everything was good pleasant helpful staff, breakfast was easy to help yourself. Evening meal was comfy good service and nice view.

Cons:

Our only problem was the distance from the river festival an hours walk each way but we stayed with you for evening meal as a result and that was worth it.

2026-08-18 • via Nuitee
M
Marie • solo_traveller • gb
10
Wonderful stay in a beautiful picturesque hotel. Room was well equipped, clean and comfy. Staff were lovely and the view
Pros:

How close and easy the hotel was to the motorway, just 1 minute! And also that it was on a river, a beautiful setting and the reason I chose it - it didn’t disappoint! The staff were also very lovely. I had a long drive getting to the hotel as a stop over at night and misread the correct breakfast time for the morning so I missed breakfast. However, they made sure I had something to eat and was looked after which was really nice of them.

A nice touch that they have live music on some weekends and a jetty bar as well next to the hotel that they do boat trips from. I took a peek and it was amazing.

Cons:

Nothing

2026-08-18 • via Nuitee
M
Martin • couple • gb
8
2026-08-18 • via Nuitee
D
Dr Roger A Blake • solo_traveller • gb
9
Pros:

Lovely hotel in pretty riverside location near to parkland

Cons:

Slightly noisy

2026-08-17 • via Nuitee
B
Brigid Carola • couple • gb
9
Great value for money and lovely riverside location
Pros:

Lovely location right on the river. Great value for money. Very clean. Nice bathroom. And staff were all very helpful and friendly.

Cons:

Bed was a bit too soft for me. Could have done with air conditioning given the very hot weather.

2026-08-16 • via Nuitee