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| Relaxing at Park Plaza in Cardiff |
We have been lucky enough to stay at a fair few hotels across the UK over the past few years, some have been in historical listed buildings with small narrow hallways and no elevator which is fine when you don't have any mobility issues or small children dependent on a pushchair (we avoided the later by using a sling with both our kids). Other times we have been in very modern, bright and spacious buildings as well as rustic farms and converted barns, all with their own sets of pros and cons.
As soon as you start to look around and through the eyes of those guest who may have additional needs you can quickly see how many places are simply not geared up to accommodating them. Saying that there are some fantastic hotels that do go the extra mile from independent, boutique and chain hotels, some put accessibility high on the level of importance and inclusion of all is key.
I have always been very active and out-going and like most had no idea of what having mobility issues meant until a few years back when before having children I sustained a bad injury to my knee which needed surgery. I made a full recovery but it took a few months and that meant I was not fully mobile while under going physiotherapy, just this short period of time gave me some insight to how different life is when certain provisions are not in place.
Even though we ourselves don't have any additional requirements when it comes to travel except for a family sized room and after reading an inspiring article about the top accessible cities to travel to I thought I would still put together our favourite hotels which really stood out when it came to all inclusive accessibility and facilities.
1. Park Plaza, Cardiff
Last year we had a wonderful Spa Break at the Park Plaza in Cardiff and even though it's local to us it's one of our favourite larger hotels as it has an excellent bar and restaurant and they also serve up their famous Hendricks Afternoon Tea. All of their rooms are large and spacious and they have accessible rooms which are designed with wider doorways, grab bars in the toilet as well the reception, restrooms, entrance and bar all being wheelchair-accessible.
2. Godolphin Arms, Marazion, Cornwall.
We stayed at this stylish small hotel on our way to the Isles of Scilly earlier this year and it truly offers the best views of St Michaels Mount. Despite the hotel being an older building perched on the edge of the bay it's incredibly accessibly for all guests with an adapted room, a lift for people with limited mobility and accessible toilets as well as trained staff who strive to provide the best experience for all their guests despite any extra requirements they may need.
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| The reception are at The Renaissance Hotel |
3. Renaissance Hotel, London Heathrow
This hotel is perfect for those flying in and out of Heathrow as its located right next to the airport, in fact our room was on a few hundred meters from the runway and watching the planes take off was really fascinating. The Renaissance Hotel is part of the Marriott group which has a good reputation when it comes to making sure it's hotels are suitable for all their guests. This hotel in particular has made sure all their public areas of accessible including the gym and fitness centre, wider doorways in accessible guest rooms, on site parking.
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| Little extras at The Hilton Bath Spa |
4. Hilton Bath Spa
Hilton like the Marriott hotel chain is focused on making sure all of their properties are suitable for everyone and the Hilton Bath Spa is no different. The hotel has a level ramp entrance and has accessible parking as well as all public areas being accessible friendly including the restaurant and meeting rooms. In the adapted rooms they have lowered the peep hole in the doors, have audible alarms and vibrating fire alarms for those hard of hearing and on top of that our experience there with regards to the staff was excellent, they are very friendly, helpful and well informed.
5. Premier Inn St Pancras
This hotel is fairly new having only opened near the end of 2014 and has been designed with all one needs to have a comfortable and well rested night away. It's also perfectly located for those who are nipping over to the continent on the Eurostar which is practically across the road. Accessibility facilities differ with each Premier Inn but St Pancras has made sure to provide all the extras needed to accommodate all guests including level public areas, accessible rooms with wider doors, emergency assistant alarms and vibrating pillows for those with hearing problems during a fire. All staff have also been trained in disability training awareness and the hotel chain welcomes guide dogs.
You never know what life is going to throw at you and there may be times when these additional features will really come in handy in ensuring a stress free holiday. Also travel should of accessible for everyone despite any kind of disability, especially as there are so many fantastic products and design ideas on the market to help and provide guests with what they need such as the walk-in showers from Premier Bathrooms that make travel a breeze for all different kinds of travellers.
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