Garden Court Sandy

The building could do with an update, but the staff’s warm, helpful service made our visit worthwhile. We were there for my friend’s wedding and were really pleased with the care we received. The rooms were clean and comfortable, and breakfast was good, with plenty of choice.

We were in the area for a wedding in Biggleswade and regretted not staying there instead. This is a cheap place right by the A1, and I’ve stayed in worse, though I’ve definitely stayed in better. For all three days, there was a shortage of toilet rolls. We heard several guests being told they’d be the first to get one, but none arrived. The room was fairly clean, but the advertised update looks like it was done cheaply. There’s no air conditioning, so we slept with the windows open. We were only about five metres from the entrance, where people smoked and chatted, and it disturbed our sleep. The bed was comfortable, though the sheets had several stains.

The shutters were a nice feature: they pulled across the windows, kept the room quiet, and blocked out the light at night. I don’t know whether every room has them. I slept well, but several things needed attention. One room light and the bathroom’s only light didn’t work, the sink’s hot tap was so stiff it was nearly unusable, and the shower barely trickled even though the pressure seemed fine and the hose didn’t look kinked. I think the staff should have noticed those issues. It’s easy to find, just off the A1 at Sandy, and there’s a fast Polar charger for electric cars in the car park, which was very handy for me. Check-in went smoothly.

The twin room and bathroom were clean, the beds comfortable, and the staff helpful and friendly. I paid £166 for four nights, less than half what the nearest Travelodge charged, which was over £320. For that price I was pleasantly surprised. Sure, the place is dated and needs an overhaul, but you can’t pay a small amount and expect the bloody Ritz. I don’t know why there are so many bad reviews.