The Barns Hotel (Form. Corus Hotel Bedford) - Bedford, United Kingdom     

After reading some of the reviews of the hotel we were a little worried about what we would find when we checked in. We need not have worried though. The reception staff were very efficient and had all our check-in details to hand when we checked in. Our room (number 17) was on the ground floor and was newly refurbished. It was decorated in a modern style and was very comfortable. The hotel is now part of the Folio group. There was ample drawer and wardrobe space, hair dryer, beverage tray and a wall-mounted flat screen TV. The bathroom was spacious and well-lit with a heated towel rail. The towels were changed daily and complimentary toiletries replenished. Breakfast was served in The Anglers Restaurant. There was a buffet table for juice, cereal, fresh fruit, cold cuts and bread and waiting staff who took your order for your cooked breakfast order and tea, coffee and toast. As well as the usual cooked breakfast there was also an option to have smoked haddock, kippers and a choice of omelets. The restaurant overlooks the river and it was a lovely way to start the day. We didn't eat in the restaurant in the evening but did have a bar meal which was really nice and was value for money. If we have one complaint it was that if you wanted another drink in the bar you had to walk into the restaurant and get one of the staff to come across to serve you. Whether this is the norm or just a one-off I don't know. There were wedding receptions being held in the Tithe Barn on both nights of our stay so the staff were busy. That said, we didn't hear any noise from the barn and had no trouble with noisy guests returning. If you get a chance to have a look into the Tithe Barn do so, it is delightful. The hotel isn't in the centre of Bedford but is only about 5 minutes drive away. There is ample car parking and we would certainly stay at this hotel again.

There's lots that good about this hotel - rooms are pleasant and comfortable with nice beds. By and large the staff are very friendly. But several things they advertise were not available - no wi-fi access, no cable/satellite TV, no pay per view movies. I don't understand why hotels can't have freeview, otherwise you only have 4 channels there, and no radio. I felt really cheated on this. I left a day early, and gave them 24 hours notice of this but the manageress was quite rude about the idea of a refund. The breakfast buffet is rather meagre, giving the appearance that they are trying to economise.