Bedford Swan Hotel on The Embankment offers smart, well-kept rooms and a thermal spa, close to Bedford St Johns station.
Photos
Photos via Google
About Bedford Swan Hotel
Rooms at Bedford Swan Hotel are clean, comfortable and decorated with care, with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning and drinks available in room. Family rooms are on offer for those travelling with children, and a lift makes access straightforward throughout the building.
Beyond the bedrooms, the hotel has a restaurant serving food that guests speak well of, along with kids' meals, a bar and breakfast each morning. The standout facility is a thermal spa, praised for being genuinely relaxing and well equipped. Free WiFi runs throughout, and the hotel also functions as a wedding venue. Staff are consistently described as friendly and helpful, though service can be slow at busier times.
The hotel sits on The Embankment in Bedford, with Bedford St Johns station around a mile away. Nearby options include a golf course, pubs and bars, and further restaurants and entertainment, while Billing Aquadrome offers a further point of interest for those exploring the wider area. Pets are welcome, making it a practical base for a range of visitors.
Reception hours
- Monday
- Open 24 hours
- Tuesday
- Open 24 hours
- Wednesday
- Open 24 hours
- Thursday
- Open 24 hours
- Friday
- Open 24 hours
- Saturday
- Open 24 hours
- Sunday
- Open 24 hours
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What guests say
Lovely old hotel with a really nice atmosphere. Nice bar and restaurant with plenty of areas to sit and chat. Excellent breakfast. The hotel is situated right in the centre of Bedford next to the river. There are some lovely walks along the river bank. I can't recommend the town centre for shopping as it is quite run down. Having said that there are some really nice restaurants nearby. Recommend a trip along the river by boat. Car parking is very tight and a little limited given the size of the hotel.
5 months ago · via Google
3 star experience with 4 star price. Lovely location, nice comfortable public spaces, with views of the river. Booked 2 days stay. Double room plus 2 dogs, rang and checked that lift available, specified room with lift access and level or no more than 2 or 3 step access. Room offered was 2 floors up in a lift, 2 lots of 3 steps (ok)and then a full flight of stairs, so I never did get to see It! I did get an adequate room later, it was noisy with the window open, but had aircon in bedroom, the bathroom that was hot and stuffy. Dinner choice and service was good , starters were nice, one chicken main good. the other was undercooked, very bright red blood at bone and tough, waiter agreed , chef did not! Breakfast on first morning was a busy shambles, no tables ready set up, plenty tables waiting to be cleared, few staff to get cutlery and plates from. No egg, bacon or sausage, small plates glasses or cutlery on buffet table on arrival. It all turned up eventually. Day 2 was better, plenty choice on buffet, but hot food was lukewarm. Be warned ( they dont advertise it), they do not service rooms on a 2 day stay, I had to get tea, coffee and milk supplies from reception and wash coffee mugs and glasses, in a tiny bathroom sink. I was told this was done for "green " purposes... I never ask for new towels and sheets on a short stay, but dont want to go to a hotel and have to do much myself...at these prices.
a month ago · via Google
We checked out the Bedford Swan in June to explore it as a potential wedding venue, and we were genuinely blown away. From the moment we walked in, the staff were warm, welcoming, and happy to chat through options without any pressure. It immediately felt like the kind of place where your day would be looked after properly. The hotel itself has a lovely, elegant atmosphere, classic without feeling old‑fashioned, and full of character. After our look around, we popped into the Pen & Cob bar, which was beautifully classy and the perfect way to finish the visit. Great drinks, great ambience, and it really added to the overall impression of the venue. A really positive experience, and definitely a place we’re excited to consider for our wedding. A jewel in Bedford's crown for sure.
a month ago · via Google
Lovely hotel. Rooms are decorated beautifully and are clean. Small wardrobe, wouldn't want to try and hang something long in it due to the fridge and safe being in there. Ate in the restaurant as a group for a birthday. The staff we really accommodating. The food was very nice too. Prices relatively reasonable. Breakfast was plentiful - something for everyone! I would highly recommend this hotel. Parking can be problematic on a Saturday - very busy.
2 months ago · via Google
Guests mention this hotel offers clean, comfortable, and beautifully decorated rooms, along with a relaxing thermal spa that provides excellent facilities. They also highlight the friendly and helpful staff, delicious food, and good value for money.
Some reviews mention the service can be slow.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- The Embankment, Bedford, MK40 1RW Get directions
- Property type
- Hotel
- Location
- The Embankment, Bedford
- Good for children
- Yes
- Destination
- Bedford