The Kingfisher

Hotels
•
Classic British Hotels
8.4 (1077 reviews)
Cardington Road , Bedford , gb
+44 1234 270044

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Free
Children allowed
Pets 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 staff
Convenient location
Comfortable rooms
Good breakfast
Cons:
Cleanliness issues
Outdated furniture
Hard beds
Some amenities can improve

Categories

Cleanliness
7.65
Some guests mentioned cleanliness issues, particularly regarding bathrooms and upkeep.
Service
9.15
Staff were frequently described as friendly and enthusiastic, with many positive mentions.
Location
9.15
The hotel is in a very nice and convenient location by the river.
Room Quality
8.15
Rooms are generally comfortable, though some found the bed hard.
Amenities
8.15
Bar and restaurant were positively noted, although some amenities could be improved.
Value for Money
8.15
While some found the price high, others felt good value for money was received.
Food and Beverage
8.15
Food quality varied; some meals were excellent, while others were average.
Overall Experience
8.65
Overall, many guests had a very positive experience, with a few minor issues.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-07 08:42

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

Property Policies

  • Groups

    When booking more than 3 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

  • Parking

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

  • Internet

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

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed. Charges may be applicable.

  • 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.
    Children from 2 years old to 14 years old stay for £10 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.4
Based on 1077 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.65
Service: 9.15
Location: 9.15
Room Quality: 8.15
Amenities: 8.15
Value for Money: 8.15
Food and Beverage: 8.15
Overall Experience: 8.65
J
Jason • couple • gb
8
2026-07-23 • via Nuitee
J
Julian • solo_traveller • gb
8
2026-07-23 • via Nuitee
A
Alison • extended_group • gb
8
Charming young men at the bar.
Pros:

We needed a location out of town with parking and this fitted the billing. The young men working behind the bar on both the Friday and Saturday night were charming and extremely helpful. One of them on the first night did everything the receptionist didn’t. He was smiley, chatty, got us a map of Bedford and was a delight. Breakfast was a good selection but sadly no pancakes on either day.

Cons:

When we arrived late on the Friday night (which I had notified them of) the receptionist was not the slightest bit welcoming we had asked if we could have adjoining rooms and they understandably said they couldn’t guarantee it. When we arrived we were told no well you are the last to check in and we can’t move people (which we had never ever even hinted at). It was not a problem but her attitude was. She didn’t tell us when or where breakfast was just saying ‘it’s on the key card and through there’. No, “how was your journey welcome to the hotel”. No smile no acknowledgment of our presence. If you don’t want to be in hospitality, you know don’t apply for the job.
We also had only one bedside light and because there is no central light in the room you could not read without your phone torch. Asked for one the next day and was told there were no spares as they had prob removed ours to go in a room with a broken one. Odd. Also no bedside sockets (room 41) at all, neither standard plugs or USB, just odd in this day and age when nearly everyone has phones to plug in. Our friend in another room had them. Saying all this if needed I would stay again but just make sure I asked for a room with sockets.

2026-07-23 • via Nuitee
P
Philip • family_with_children • gb
7
A pleasant stay.
Pros:

Easy to find, nice building and good size room.

Cons:

Parking was a little tight.

2026-07-21 • via Nuitee
E
Elliott • solo_traveller • gb
8
Highly enjoyable stay - would recommend to others most certainly.
Pros:

The food was delicious - i particularly loved the Eggs Benedict. The Jetty area was lovely - very relaxing, great atmosphere and would recommend spending time there. I arrived early and the check in staff were very kind and helpful allowing me to check in to my room.

Cons:

The pricing on food and drink seemed a little steep - £6 for a pint and over £10 for large glasses of wine - feel just on the too expensive side. I stayed for 3 nights but i only dined once as i was travelling for work this fell outside my per diem amount.

2026-07-21 • via Nuitee
K
Kay Willsher • solo_traveller • gb
10
2026-07-21 • via Nuitee
P
Panos • solo_traveller • gb
5
Pros:

The room was nice, big and clean

Cons:

Staff unwelcoming and lethargic

2026-07-20 • via Nuitee
O
Olivia • solo_traveller • gb
10
Beautiful location, great food, great staff
Pros:

Incredibly quiet even though they had a wedding going on, you couldn't hear anything at night. Beautiful room, very clean fan, iron, ironing board and TV available in room. Shower and bath, full size shampoo/shower gel fluffy towels also included. The staff were lovely and the food in the restaurant was delicious and affordable. Did not have breakfast as I had to leave before it started at 8 am for an event I was attending

Cons:

My only mild dislike was breakfast did not start till 8 and I had to be at an event before that time but that's just a personal thing

2026-07-19 • via Nuitee
A
amanda • solo_traveller • gb
8
Good just for a bed for the night
Pros:

The room was very comfortable and practical.
Some staff pleasant

Cons:

The hand held shower falling off the wall completely
The lack of staff for breakfast. Attitude of staff felt like we were an inconvenience
Not all food was available on menu.
Tea was not great when eventually got around to serve.

After checking in had drinks out on beautiful sunny patio and got asked to move tables as food service was going to be starting
Felt obliged to hurry drinks and leave

2026-07-19 • via Nuitee
F
Francis • solo_traveller • gb
7
Pros:

Convenient ,close to riverside, family

Cons:

How hard the bed was

2026-07-19 • via Nuitee
J
John • solo_traveller • gb
8
2026-07-19 • via Nuitee
J
Jayne • solo_traveller • gb
10
Lovely stay
Pros:

Super relaxed vibe in the outside areas. Sat on the side garden for drinks, ate in the restaurant, staff aware of gluten free requirements, stayed overnight before our onward journey. Would stay here again if travelling down South from the North. Lovely temple spa toiletries too.

Cons:

Nothing

2026-07-17 • via Nuitee
E
Elle-Mae • solo_traveller • gb
10
Pros:

I had lunch by the canal which was lovely. The room was cosy and the bed was really comfortable. I had a great night sleep

2026-07-17 • via Nuitee
D
Daniel • couple • ch
7
2026-07-16 • via Nuitee
T
Tom • solo_traveller • gb
5
2026-07-14 • via Nuitee
P
Paul • couple • gb
6
Reception staff self centred / not engaging or welcoming/
Pros:

Location/ off street free parking/ nice room/ nice restaurant and terrace by river.

Cons:

Lack of basic fans / air con in 36 deg heat. Small inadequate fans were in the room. No fans or cooling in restaurant. Grilled chicken and prawns were precooked then seared on BBQ and were tough and chewy.

2026-07-14 • via Nuitee
S
Sykes • couple • gb
8
Great place to stay - make sure to hire the boat!
Pros:

Comfortable bed
Boat trip was fantastic.
Breakfast superb

Cons:

Nothing

2026-07-13 • via Nuitee
J
Jatinder • couple • gb
10
2026-07-13 • via Nuitee
K
kim • extended_group • gb
7
Good position on the river
Pros:

Position on the rivet

Cons:

Some of the staff were miserable

2026-07-11 • via Nuitee
J
Jane • solo_traveller • fr
9
Pros:

The location on the river - a 25 minute walk to the embankment and 10 mins to Priory Park. Staff are friendly and helpful. Spacious room and good TV.

Cons:

Food is expensive - no mini-fridge in the room. Limited lighting in the bedroom. Kitchen smells in the room.

2026-07-10 • via Nuitee