Embankment Hotel

Hotels
8.6 (1626 reviews)
The Embankment , Bedford , gb

Free
Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Heating
Terrace
Family rooms
Pets allowed
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.
A deposit may be required at the property.

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

Location

Guest Reviews

8.6
Based on 1626 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
J
Judith solo_traveller gb
8
2026-08-27 via Nuitee
J
Jill solo_traveller gb
10
Lovely central spot to stay
Pros:

I wanted a quiet place to stay - was in Bedford to support family members with illness - and it was great to just be able to go in and out at my convenience and there was no bar noise. Great setting too - so convenient .
I had breakfast on the final morning - lovely, quiet but friendly atmosphere, good prices, v nice staff.
I liked the daily light touch top-ups of water, biscuits, drink sachets etc in the room.

Cons:

Nothing much, really! It's an old building but the room is sympathetically updated. I couldn't open the windows, though, and even with the Dyson fan supplied it was rather warm - but I guess that's just the current weather.
The shower was hot and pleasant but seemed to spill a little water

2026-08-25 via Nuitee
A
Alan solo_traveller gb
4
Pros:

Location. Staff.

Cons:

Dirty room, stained carpets everywhere, reception dirty, filthy door in reception, stained furnishings. Unhygienic bathroom, not even basic cleanliness. Cobwebs on light fittngs. No bathroom door locks .

2026-08-24 via Nuitee
V
Vijay couple gb
3
Poor service and dated room and bathroom
Pros:

Location

Cons:

We paid for breakfast which we told is till 11.30am. Yet upon arriving in the dining hall at 11.10am we were told sorry you’ve missed it. We were so hungry and really looking forward to it so we were extremely disappointed. Lunch was being served from 12 noon and many people were still eating breakfast so the kitchen would have still being open and having paid upfront for it and also being a residential guest at the hotel we felt very ripped off and quite frankly disappointed by the rudeness of the staff and the poor service. Room was right up I’m the attic, was very dated and the bathroom was so old fashioned and shabby. Wouldn’t recommend.

2026-08-23 via Nuitee
A
Alan couple gb
10
Pros:

Beautiful location

2026-08-23 via Nuitee
C
Carol couple gb
9
An oasis to stay in Bedford!
Pros:

A great location, very clean and comfortable hotel, courteous staff and a fabulous breakfast.

Cons:

Parking can be hit and miss in the hotel car park as fairly compact

2026-08-22 via Nuitee
S
Shabnam couple gb
8
Staff were superb
Pros:

Lovely views

Cons:

Tired and no lift

2026-08-20 via Nuitee
K
Ken solo_traveller gb
9
If you are looking to stay in central Bedford, in a non chain hotel then this is a good choice
Pros:

Location is fantastic, I liked the bar and the beer was great , very knowledgeable bar man.

One night stay including breakfast which was really good

Cons:

Nothing

2026-08-19 via Nuitee
L
Leanne couple gb
10
Great
Pros:

Great hotel and location
Nice rooms

Cons:

Nothing

2026-08-18 via Nuitee
N
Natalie solo_traveller gb
9
Pros:

The friendly atmosphere and the location.

Cons:

Our room was very warm, even with a fan. The window didn't open.

2026-08-17 via Nuitee
A
Andy couple gb
10
2026-08-16 via Nuitee
P
Pascal solo_traveller be
9
2026-08-15 via Nuitee
L
Leila solo_traveller gb
6
Lovely staff and food but rooms stuffy in summer
Pros:

Excellent and caring staff
Food was lovely
Great location
Lovely atmosphere

Cons:

Not fault of hotel at all - hot rooms..
I was above kitchen which was noisy in evening - bit staff kindly [sorry] told kitchen staff to reduce music volume

2026-08-12 via Nuitee
S
Sioned couple gb
9
Ideal location and perfect weekend break.
Pros:

We loved staying here. The room was big and had a river view.We had lovely meals and drinks.

Cons:

The service was quite slow as it was so busy.

2026-08-12 via Nuitee
L
Leanne couple gb
10
2026-08-07 via Nuitee
S
shakira couple gb
8
Lovely location, clean and nice staff. Good Parking.
Pros:

It was nice and clean
The staff were helpful

Cons:

The double bed was very small.
Felt like a small double bed rather than a normal double

2026-08-05 via Nuitee
M
Marianne solo_traveller gb
7
2026-08-02 via Nuitee
J
Joe solo_traveller gb
8
Great staff - a lovely stay and I'd happily return.
Pros:

A great stay - staff were particularly friendly, welcoming and always willing to help. Food excellent. Bed was comfortable and tea/coffee/milk/water/biscuits all replenished.

Cons:

The fan needs a really good clean. Would have preferred a walk-in shower, rather than one over a bath, although the water pressure was excellent.

2026-07-21 via Nuitee
B
Ben couple gb
8
Overall all good despite a couple of niggles
Pros:

Great location. Really friendly helpful staff . Beautiful freshly cooked breakfast.

Cons:

Rooms a bit old fashioned/ tired. No mattress protector but we were assured this is being addressed . The fan was filthy, hadn’t been cleaned for months throwing dust and crap all over the bed🤮. We decided not to use it as it would have been spreading germs.

2026-07-20 via Nuitee
J
John couple gb
9
Ideal location, good breakfast, friendly and helpful staff.
Pros:

Location & staff.

Cons:

Nothing

2026-07-20 via Nuitee