I had my parents stay here for a week and it turned out to be a wonderful experience for them. The staff were incredibly welcoming and attentive, always ready to assist with a smile. The room was clean, spacious, and well-maintained throughout their stay. They especially appreciated the quiet atmosphere, which made for a peaceful rest after long days of sightseeing. The hotel’s location was another highlight – close to local attractions, restaurants, and public transport, which made it convenient for them to explore the area without any hassle.

All the staff - reception, housekeeping and bar staff - are unfailingly friendly and helpful. The premium rooms overlooking the river and town are lovely. There's a fridge and good coffee machine. My personal treat is to request a small jug of fresh milk from the bar, so I can have lots of tea in the morning before breakfast ;) This is where I like to stay whenever visiting family in Bedford

You have to go up steps up to the main entrance, or else it's a long walk for step free access. There's a lack of storage if staying for more than a couple of days.

I was born in Bedford, and I witnessed this hotel being built. It was called the County Hotel. I always wanted to stay there, but now it's the Mercure. Rooms are excellent, very clean, location is in the town centre, and river views were stunning

What didn't you like? no porter to help with luggage up the entrance stairs, which can be difficult for the elderly. Car parking is 5 pounds for 24 hrs. It should be free to patrons. Meals were very expensive. Some lifts were not working. The rear gardens of the hotel are very untidy.

Corridors a little tired but our room very nice.

Our bathroom needed a little attention. We did report that there was no rubber seal on the bottom of the shower door, causing water to leak all over the floor. A slip hazard for sure. The extractor fan also did not appear to work. The Glass balustrade on the outside of our window and which was not accessible from the room was all broken. Not sure how as we were on the eighth floor. Nonetheless it would be much nicer to see an unbroken balustrade.

Overnight the room was very quiet despite the hideous window glazing. The bed was particularly comfortable with good pillows.

The interconnecting door made conversations in the next room easily overheard. I'm not a fan of rainfall showers as I don't want to get my hair wet every time and this makes for a disappointing and awkward shower experience. I'd prefer a lighter weight duvet. The individual heating/cooling option was the unit set high on the wall and needed to be switched on at the fused spur alongside. I needed to stand on a chair to access this. The unit itself was quite noisy.

Rooms, bar and restaurant are very welcoming, comfortable and nicely decorated. Breakfast was plentiful and a good range of choices. We had a room overlooking the river which was really nice.

The corridors were a bit tatty (broken ceiling tiles/scraped walls) and not in keeping with the lovely decoration in the bar/restaurant and bedrooms. A better choice of paint colour and a few pictures would make a big difference. Bathroom - only had overhead rain type shower, so free shower caps should be provided ideally. Bathroom - no lock on door! Bathroom - no loo brush!

Comfortable bed and great shower. Room well presented. Communal areas attractive, warm and welcoming. Staff were lovely, engaging and helpful. Breakfast crew were also lovely and efficient. Extremely responsive to my request for a quiet room

Long walk to the room, no choice of room, ie main building or next door (attached). The heating unit took a long time to warm up. Staff had to assist to get it to work. Blew blasts of cold air - not great in winter!!

The service was as brilliant as the first time we stayed, the room was bright and spacious, all staff were polite and friendly, and no issue is an issue for them. The room and surrounding communal areas were clean.

Through no fault of the hotel, there was a fault with our heating and the room was chilly all night, we was offered to move rooms but for 1 night, it did not seem worth it so late (after 10pm) and early wake up call via the fire alarm. Again all staff were polite and could not apologise enough.

Primarily, the staff. Keep them - they are a major asset to the company and more importantly, your clients. The front desk staff couldn't do enough for me (and others I noticed) I have a disability and was treated like royalty (not really necessary as I can do for myself most things) but this I have observed, was extended to everyone. Always heart-warming to be greeted with a genuine smile and a can-do attitude. The bar staff: well, what can I say... They greet you every time like a long lost family member, remembering your name and what you drink. Again, look after your staff they are your advertisement.

Not much to be honest... Some of the carpets in a few of the corridors are reaching the end of their useful life - understanding the intense wear and tare they get. Also, a brighter colour would be nice.

The location was wonderful, right by the river in the centre of town. My room was well designed, clean and very comfortable. The breakfast was very good and with stunning views over the river. Check-in was easy, all-day parking was just £5 and the hotel itself felt secure and well-kept. Highly recommend.

The actual building (outside) looks a little unattractive which I mention in case it matters to you(!) but the inside is well-designed, spacious, clean and inviting. And the breakfast was a bit expensive but with a nice selection of mini pastries and usual hotel breakfast buffet options.