Shakespeare Hotel

Shakespeare Hotel descritpion

A 10-minute walk from central Bedford, Shakespeare Hotel offers rooms with free Wi-Fi, a bar and a restaurant. There is free private parking.
The traditional rooms with private bathrooms at Shakespeare Hotel have TVs, tea/coffee, hairdryers and a wake-up system. A full English breakfast is provided.
The Shakespeare’s themed restaurant offers a varied menu. The restaurant is closed on Sundays.
Bedford Train Station is a 5-minute walk away.

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Facilities of Shakespeare Hotel

Outdoors ：Grounds | Terrace

Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Bar

Reviews for Shakespeare Hotel

Review 1：Arrived Christmas day to find no other visible guests nor availability of something to eat. Asked if a sandwich could be made and told Chef had gone. No bar open to even have a drink. Breakfast was barely cooked - coffee stewed - no toast provided. The only member of staff who appeared to be on was obviously unwell with a heavy cold or flu and should not have been there.

Review 2：Leaving the following morning

Review 3：Not a bad experience; the hotel has obviously seen better days and is in need of a refurb. Cracked tiles in the ensuite bathroom, peeling wall paper, that kind of thing. Having recently paid less for better hotels I think it was a tad over priced.

Review 4：The room was neat and tidy, the bed comfortable and the wifi was good. I liked the shower. Nice free car parking and staff were always willing to be helpful. They let me keep my car in the car park well after checking out.

Review 5：Beds were basic, hard, horrible metal frame, nowhere to put suitcase, no easy access power points near mirrors, room was crowded and noisy, would not return.

Review 6：Location as OK.

Review 7：The awful smell in the corridors, the constant flashing lights through our bedroom window, The ridiculously noisy and poor quality bed and mattress, The ridiculously small bathroom that you could hardly fit in, with a broken toilet seat that every time you sat on it you needed to open the shower door and remove the toilet roll to be able to get your shoulders in the area it's sat in. Other than that it was probably the worst hotel I've ever stayed in.

Review 8：Close to where I needed to work

Review 9：The bed was uncomfortable kept awake by noisy floor board outside door and lights on building kept flashing alnight breakfast average

Review 10：The closeness to town centre

Review 11：I was in Room 4 and was kept awake all night by boiler noise. When complained next morning the staff new about it as when i mentioned room number they said "Oh Boiler noise" even before i could explain hence they new about it. I was moved to another room but no compensation offered even though i could not sleep. Even recorded the noise as it was so loud on my phone in bed.

Review 12：Friendly staff

Review 13：When we arrived at the Hotel, they had no knowledge of our visit. The receptionist showed us her file and there was no record of our booking and she said there were no spare rooms. We then had to spend 3-4 hours finding another Hotel (only for 2 nights) and had to move again after that, so the overall stay cost us about 150GBP more than our original booking.

Review 14：Nothing

Review 15：first room had terrible smell single rooms cramped wifi does not work in rooms or restaurant fish for dinner tasted slightly off white wine warm decor very tired and overbearing (red everywhere)...

Review 16：kind and helpful staff good poached eggs good shower and heated rail comfortable bed (if small)

Review 17：The size of the room - unable to get access to the wardrobe without standing on the bed. Very poor standard of decoration in the room - peeling and torn wallpaper, cracked sanitary ware, and damaged and cracked wall tiles.

Review 18：Its location

Review 19：The bed was broken so we slept really badly. The smoke alarm in our room went off at 5am due to guests smoking in another room. We had a very poor night's sleep.

Review 20：The breakfast was good. There was a nice bar and the staff were pleasant.

Review 21：Holes in the walls, no hot water or heating, very badly finished.

Review 22：This hotel is very poor and shouldn't be on booking.com. I use booking.com about 3 times a month and this hotel isn't the quality that you would expect.

Review 23：Hotel a little tired, But Bedding, Towels and room were spotlessly clean staff are great, evening meal very reasonable price and good value, Breakfast was cooked to order and was excellent

Review 24：This hotel is in desperate need of refurbishment. The carpets in the rooms are frayed and the window frames are rotten. We visit Bedford regularly and won't be using this hotel again in it's present condition.

Review 25：the shower door was dangerous, it had come off its runners, we reported to staff on leaving to be told it had been reported on the previous Wednesday and that we need to close the doors slowly! I have the same doors at home and I'm not stupid! the door hurt my husbands foot and I could not shower in the morning for fear of moving it. apart from that major blip the chairs in the dining room and bar area several were very wobbley legged as in the chair physically flexed back and forth and was very disconcerting.

Review 26：nice and clean, good décor but not too well maintained. comfortable atmosphere, spacious layout and the staff seemed friendly and happy.

Review 27：Poor and very slow service, there was only one person running the hotel bar restaurant & check in desk, the food I was served was black and very dry, (mixed grill) it took me 20mins to get served as Stuart was dealing with a awkward check in, Mold on the shower ceiling dirty hand print on the wall, a huge hole in the plasterboard wall in the room,

Review 28：I liked nothing about this hotel bar its location to town,

Review 29：The room was very tired looking and could do with freshening up. But it did have everything you need for a 1 night stay. The matress wasn't overly comfortable, my partner woke up with an aching back.

Review 30：The staff were fantastic. They were superb helpful, although the waiter at breakfast could have done with a bit of help at breakfast! Breakfast was lovely, everything was cooked to order.

Review 31：Ceiling leaked when it rained. Bed was the most uncomfortable bed/mattress I have ever had the misfortune to sleep on. Very noisy, door slamming throughout the night.

Review 32：Very Little

Review 33：Staying here. The bed was hard the decor was old fashioned and tired. The bathroom shower was disgusting. The window didn't lock. No blind over the door or in the bathroom. Dust everywhere. Lights hanging from the ceiling. You can here every noise

Review 34：Leaving the next morning

Review 35：the bed (double) in our room was damaged and was v shaped at the head end. i found that the support leg was not placed correctly due to uneven floor. this had resulted in the bed bending in the middle. i carried out a makeshift repair and used the yellow pages to level the main feet. after this we had a much better second nights sleep. there are a number of noisy, squeaky doors. a drop of oil or similar would go a long way, simple maintenance.

Review 36：free parking and nice old building character, much is retained in the current layout.

Review 37：Not all rooms had been refurbished. We spoke to other guests who were in two rooms that had been damp and even mould on the floor.

Review 38：Nice clean room, recently refurbished, with automatic light in shower room.

Review 39：Rooms on the top floor were very small, though we did catch a glimpse of those on the lower floor which looked much better. Felt it was slightly overpriced. Generally the hotel was looking a bit tired.

Review 40：Helpful staff. Great cooked breakfast.

Review 41：Our room. 6'at top of stairs was so small. The bed was the worst I have slept in for a long time. It was about a 6 inch mattress on slates and metal bars. Our sink gurgled each time the toilet was flushed, sounded like frogs., the shower was odd, up 3 steps of carpet and step into a small tub. Everything felt wrong, specially. Ergonically and was very creaky. Definitely not worth the price.

Review 42：Easy check in .

Review 43：I found the bed very uncomfortable in room 15. It looked and felt like a ikea special offer.

Review 44：Staff courteous, and friendly. Played on very early breakfast for Sunday morning. Because of 05:00 start.

Review 45：didnt like the late check in but thats like most hotels

Review 46：i liked they let us leave luggage tere until check in and made it easier then have to drag around with us until checkin the staff where very helpful and polite

Review 47：Price is well to much for what you get.. shower pole fell off. Ending in bathroom wasn't finished and for family room it was way smaller then other cheaper hotels. It should be 45-50 a night not 75

Review 48：Breakfast was lovely

Review 49：Room (16) and hotel in general was very shabby - shower had mould,carpet in room had seen better days. Tv remote was held together withblue tack! Shower hose broke part way through my stay took 2 days tofix. I could mention other things too numerous to go into. I would notrecommend at the price paid (£54 per night) definitely will not stayhere again.

Review 50：Staff were helpful especially Stuart who after a parking problem onfirst day reserved a place for me for 10 days. Ample parking in theirdescription is misleading parking is a nightmare so be warned

Review 51：Toilet wouldn't stay open, shower didn't stay on the wall, rooms were very dated, waited over an hour for evening meal and then it was incorrect!

Review 52：The bed light didn't work otherwise all fine

Review 53：Arrived after midnight but was given code and clear directions to the room. Comfortable bed, good shower, characterful old style hotel, felt very welcoming and unpretentious.

Review 54：The room, beds, lack of privacy, no windows except for door which we were clearly visible through. No ventilation but a small fan. Looks tired, lots of cobwebs, generally needs a huge amount of work to bring it up to a suitable standard.

Review 55：Staff were helpful.

Review 56：Staff were very friendly and welcoming, beds are very comfy! Too comfy to wake up from! But overall very pleased with the hotel and if I visist bedford again I will be staying here!

Review 57：the first room we were given was very noisy at night.

Review 58：Although working under pressure, each member of staff we encountered was cheerful , helpful and friendly

Review 59：Although comfortable, the rooms are a little dated and could do with better cleaning, especially at high level!

Review 60：Was unable to have breakfast as I was checking out before the restaurant opened, but staff prepared sandwich and juice as a replacement

Review 61：We had the worse experience ever at this hotel ! We got there the toilet seat wouldn't stay up and kept banging our backs if we needed to use it ! There were holes in one of our towels ! The shower ran out of Hot water and we were going to a wedding so my partner had to have a cold shower ! We asked for an iron when we first got there as we were going to the first part if the wedding that evening and we were told that one room were going to use it first then it was us next in que ! But when calling reception 20 minutes later not only had they gave it to someone else but it was the only iron in the whole hotel and when we asked how long staff could give us answer we also asked for ironing board but there iron board was broke ! The rooms cleanliness, paint work and general decor was so run down and the receptionist on that evening was very rude as we had so many problems with our room but obviously didn't like us complaining ! I mean seriously we were so upset and angry about the whole experience and would not recommend this hotel at all £80 we paid and as far as we are concerned it wasn't worth £80 pound at all ! Terrible experience

Review 62：Hotel from outside had character

Review 63：Shower did not work properly and the mattress was TERRIBLE. Had to sleep in a different room for second night. All jaded and tired. Needs a complete overhaul and update

Review 64：Location was very central

Review 65：There only seemed to be one member of staff to deal with all the arrivals and serve in the bar. Customer service was lacking through no fault of the member of staff.

Review 66：Greeted well on arrival. Hotel was clean and tidy. Room was clean .

Review 67：Room and bathroom extremely small. Toilet seat would not stay up so when sitting on toilet seat hit your back. Shower tiny and huge step to get in it

Review 68：Location and breakfast excellent

Review 69：Uncomfortable bed, toilet was very close to bath! Noisey road- this can't really be helped though

Review 70：The staff were friendly, location was good to centre, quiet, generally a nice stay

Review 71：Double room rather cramped but single seemed more spacious.Toilet in double room at an angle so lid would not stay up unless you were sitting on toilet also no bath - only shower. When I tried to ring reception the telephone was engaged for 10 minutes and then it was only answered after 80 rings.

Review 72：Gluten-free food shown on menu.

Review 73：Bedroom 4 has a few awkward aspects relating to location of Bed side lighting and power sockets. However, the Hotel provided a good experience.

Review 74：Classic Hotel with old fashioned values providing a caring service and warm welcome.

Review 75：Bathroom my broom cupboard was bigger. Tiles around bath had black mould. Carpet filthy especially in corners. Bed had prominent springs sheets wasn't fitted so slipped off in the night. Pillows hard

Review 76：Breakfast polite staff

Review 77：Only one person on when we arrived, he was doing everything from reception to serving behind the Bar. floor boards noisy, sound proofing nonexistent.Just about worth the money

Review 78：Staff friendly and helpful. Location good.

Review 79：A tired and dowdy place. We could hear every activity in other rooms. Our phone didn't work and was not fixed as promised. Could not get WIFI.

Review 80：Our room was clean and the bathroom looked new and was also clean. Staff were friendly enough.

Review 81：Triple room was very crowded with no desk. should have taken out one of the twin beds.

Review 82：the helpfulness of staff & good dinners. Location was great.older hotel in nice neighborhood

Review 83：Bed creaking, bath panel didn't fit, toilet seat didn't fit , bathroom fan was very noisy , sealing strip hanging off bath screen , no toilet roll holder but bracket was there, one bedside lamp didn't work, only 4 milks in bedroom for 3 of us .

Review 84：Nice hotel, looked great from outside

Review 85：No lift or air com

Review 86：Efficient and business like option for visitors to the area with free parking and a wide range of rooms fairly close to the station and town centre Brecwast da a pris rhesymol lawn yma

Review 87：My car got blocked in in a badly laid out carpark. The staff were pleasant, the breakfast fine but the building shabby both inside and out. The bedroom was inadequate for the price, damaged shower, no bath, broken lamp

Review 88：The room was tiny, the sink was outside the bathroom, the towel had a hole in it, the bed was uncomfortable, the shower had to be held to enable me to shower, the shower tiles had mold in the grout, the remote tv control didn't work despite new batteries

Review 89：The location was good, the staff were friendly

Review 90：I would not recommed it! The worst was the coffee in the breakfast! They take ages to solve problems in the rooms. The problem with the heating was solved at our 3rd day and the problem with the bathroom lights was solved our last day. We had to use the bathroom in the dark.

Review 91：It was close to Bedford train station

Review 92：Gloomy room. Damp on the bathroom ceiling and carpet as well. The warm water tap on the sink didn't work. The bedsheet had hair on it and looked dirty and unchanged. At least an inch gap under the bedroom door meant I heard every creak the whole night, most of which came from the fire door down the passage. Wifi wasn't working and heating was off. At £54 for one night, I feel robbed.

Review 93：Nothing.

Review 94：The size of our bedroom wasn't good enough for 4 people. it would be beneficial if it was a bit bigger.

Review 95：The location of the hotel was very good. easy to find and free parking. wi-fi available which is a big advantage.

Review 96：Bed mattress. Some if doors were squeaky on corridors.

Review 97：Walking distance from town; good area. A small room but it fitted the bill. Good Internet access. Pleasant staff.

Review 98：our twin room was shockingly small, the carpet was badly stained, beds uncomfortable, bathroom also needed attention, mouldy and damp smell, I asked for another room and was told the other twin rooms were all taken. there was only one chair and as there were two of us one had to work on the bed. the beds them selves were end to end with a small unit between them and two televisions back to back above the unit..... very pricey for such a poor room.

Review 99：food was excellent, we ate in the evening and at breakfast, both very good

Review 100：One member of staff checked me in and served as waiter at dinner plus barman. one member of staff served as waitress at breakfast and took my payment upon checking me out. Jacks of all trades.

Review 101：No bad experience- just a couple of suggestions- the coffee at breakfast was only tepid and the water in the bathroom hand basin similar.

Review 102：We liked the name, the old world style decor, the room was clean and perfect for a one night stay. The breakfast was very good and plentiful. The staff assisted with our route plans for the next day and were happy to book taxis etc.

Review 103：Bathroom was teeny tiny and had no radiator in there so it was freeeeeezing. Soon warmed up after I filled the bath, but still. Even though there was a shower head fixed to the plugs, it wouldn't slot into the holder on the wall so was pretty pointless! Also, even if it had fit without falling out, most of the pressure was lost out the shower hose as it was slightly faulty. Baths are find for me though!

Review 104：The reception staff were super friendly! From check-in to check-out, they were happy to help with whatever we needed. I was happy to see that my comments in the 'additional comments' box were taken into account as I asked that we have two sets of towels in the bedroom so we could shower that night AND the morning after. Bed was comfy, a little firm but that's my preference. Room had tea and coffee-making facilities with a little biscuit which is a nice touch. Plug sockets a-plenty too which is great for someone like me! Breakfast was cooked fresh which was delicious! Can't fault the poached eggs, haha. The filter coffee was great, too! Location was fab, we were only a short walk from the centre which cut out the need for a taxi!

Review 105：My room was a fire exit, so did not have a lock to the outside fire escape stairs. The poorly fitted safety chain could easily be opened from the outside, so I had to take all of my valuables with me whenever i went out. The lovely property is desperately in need of an uplift and/or renovation to allow it to shine as it should. The staff made up for a lot of the shortcomings in the facilities. My wash basin had a large crack, the shower was ancient and did not get really hot and I did not sleep well due to the lack of security.

Review 106：The staff were good and I know the property, as I was born just a few hundreds yards away and used to play in the garden and house with my friends. The hotel has so much potential which is not being realised. It has so much atmosphere,yet the heating made if feel so cold.

Review 107：The shower; small room; car park over crowded due to builders vehicles;the wifi didnt work in my room

Review 108：The staff were nice and helpful. The location was good and could park safely. The breakfast was good and the bar area was nice.

Review 109：Decor a bit tired in places and windows etc could do with updating, but for the money not a problem

Review 110：For the cost, complete with English breakfast the venue was good value

Review 111：Evening menu was a bit limited but my visit was during the first week in the new year and a new menu is about to be introduced.

Review 112：Met my needs for location and budget and provided all the facilities I required. Staff very friendly, bedrooms and public areas clean and comfortable. I will definitely be booking again.

Review 113：Bath tub did not have the plug, so I could only use the shower, also the bath tub a bit outdated. Heating radiator did not work, but we asked the staff to help and were supplied with a fair electric heater. Double bed narrow.

Review 114：Nice Victorian building, good decoration. Plenty of space in car park. Good strong hot shower! Quiet. Enough space in the room. Good size bathroom. Good value for money. Single bed good size. Basic, but good for the low price we paied.

Review 115：Our room seemed quite small and I didn't find the bed to be very comfortable

Review 116：The staff were nice and helpful. The location was good and we could park safely. The breakfast was good and the bar area was nice.

Review 117：Hotel in very bad state entrance ok anything beyond that not good at all. Room has never been cleaned or painted by the looks of it for 20 years+. Most uncomfortable bed I've stayed in. Pictures and star rating on website very misleading.

Review 118：Staff ok

Review 119：Car parking was terrible, facilities were very basic and quite shabby (but not chic) Shower guard was totally inadequate so floor was soaked. no iron or hairdryer,

Review 120：Staff were friendly, food was ok

Review 121：The decor need attention in the rooms, many adaptions have obviously taken place like new shower fitted etc but then the finish of the tiles has not completed the job, with many cracked etc and the wallpaper in the room is peeling or in places small holes in wall. Stayed whilst there was a party on downstairs and wish I had known before booking as the music kept me awake until 1am. However other occasions it has been fine

Review 122：The staff do everything they can to ensure a good stay- the food is excellent quality and is the main reason why I rebook this place and have stayed on four occasions. The location is good, with a short walk into the town.

Review 123：Overall, the hotel seemed very tired and in need of some aesthetic maintenance. There was no or very little hot water that reached my room.

Review 124：Very welcoming when I arrived, explained everything that I needed for my stay. The room was adequate and the bed comfortable. Enjoyed the breakfast very much.

Review 125：Bathroom bit dated with little bits of mold on tile grout in places, worn enamel n leaky shower. Not so bad that I put me off showering though- still enjoyable and staff said they'd report to maintenance when I mentioned it. Disappointed also that we wanted to rebook but had a query re our dog coming and we were reassured that we'd get back to us by end of the day.... Im still waiting a week later.

Review 126：Chef's food excellent. Building lovely and room was a triple on first floor. Room was toasty warm & peaceful and had all you'd expect from an ensuite. Staff very helpful & keen to please-also happy to top up teas/coffees etc on request and try to accommodate customers' special requests.

Review 127：Having to look for staff to get drink, dinner and breakfast. Bar, resturant and reception were often left unattended. Ear pulgs rquires as room was at front facing main road. (But I always take ear plugs so got a good night sleep)

Review 128：New furnature and refitted bathroom. Nice

Review 129：Lack of and disorganisation of parking. Cleanliness, particularly in the bathroom, there was mould on tiles and lots of dust and cobwebs. Fixtures and fittings were very rickety. The mattress on the double bed was extremely worn and lumpy. It was not comfortable for two people.

Review 130：The young lady at the reception desk was very polite and courteous.

Review 131：Although the breakfast was nice the one thing that put me off was the smell of the fat that the food was cooked in. It was very off putting and the fact that you could also taste the fat as well made my breakfast very hard to stomach, that though is my opinion.

Review 132：I liked everything about the hotel particularly as it is a family run business and there is a very friendly atmosphere. We arrived at 21:45pm and were told that should we require a drink from the bar we would be served even though the other guests were in bed. We were made to feel very welcome and nothing was too much trouble.

Review 133：Not a lot of parking space when the hotel is full. My room was outside and as a lone woman I felt a little vulnerable.

Review 134：The receptionist was very friendly and helpful on my arrival and throughout my stay, nothing was too much trouble. I had a room that slept 3 people even though I was a solo traveler so there was plenty of space. Room clear and comfortable. Free Wi-Fi was a real bonus as I was on business and needed access. Home cooked food good value.

Review 135：Nice, clean, comfortable hotel. Perfect for a business or leisure stay over if you are in Bedford. Easy walk from mainline train station. Great breakfast menu. Staff very welcoming and hospitable. Can highly recommend.

Review 136：As a female travelling alone I did not like that I had to walk around the outside of the building to get to my room. Although there were security lights, they did not come on straight away leaving me in the dark. Sound-proofing is very poor and I could hear the people above and next to me; which lead to an unwelcomed 5am wake-up call. I was not able to park in the car park for the first night as it was full. This meant a 5-7 min walk from my car. Will not be staying again.

Review 137：Staff on arrival was friendly. Good location. My room would have been acceptable at less than £50 per night. .

Review 138：Annex had an adjoining door to another room which we were not told about. felt slightly unnerved! Staff on the day we left, week day, were not pleasant. Had no smile at breakfast and was given hot before i'd finished fruit..no asking just made to sit and hold bowl. When we were leaving no-one acknowledged us, not even a good bye let alone a thank you. Door to annex was about 2inches to short which let in lot of light and 'may let in mice'. Also staff smoking right outside the area. Dosco style lights flashing all night in garden were seen through the curtain although had a quiet enough room.

Review 139：I liked the fact we were in an outer annex. This was reasonably quiet. Breakfast was v good and staff at weekend were great. Bar area just enough for size of p-lace and bar tender very polite. Dinner was quite good too.

Review 140：Absolutely nothing

Review 141：Friendliness of receptionist and barman Proximity to Rail Station and Town Centre Delicious home cooked food - would thoroughly recommend breakfast and dinner Very comfortable, "homely" bar area Restaurant very nice Would thoroughly recommend this Hotel and will certainly re-visit sometime

Review 142：Bathroom a bit tired - tiles coming off the edge of the bath. Surface of bath worn. Flush handle needed sorting out.

Review 143：Friendly individual hotel. Great breakfast. Mattress very comfortable, didn't wake up with an aching back! Ample parking