Overview

As a wheelchair user, I’ve learned that accessibility is about so much more than just having extra space to maneuver. It’s about creating an environment where everyone can feel safe, comfortable, and independent. Unfortunately, my very recent experience at the Apollo Hotel Basingstoke tonight has highlighted how far we still have to go in achieving this standard. The hotel advertises itself as having disabled-access rooms and even an evac chair for emergencies. I was thrilled to find a spa hotel that seemed to understand accessibility, especially at an affordable price point. I even called ahead to confirm and ensure I was booking the correct room online, and the staff assured me that all their rooms were accessible! Excited by the prospect of a relaxing stay, we booked.

Transport & Parking

There are disabled parking spaces but they are too short for a WAV and only have extra space on one side.

Access

- The doors and turning circles were too narrow for my wheelchair. - There were no power sockets near the bed (despite this information being online) for essential medical devices like CPAP machines, feed pumps, or other medical devices that need power at night. - There was *no flashing fire alarm* for those with hearing impairments. - The phone to call the front desk in an emergency was *inaccessible from the bed*

Toilets

- There were *no emergency pull cords* in the bedroom or bathroom. - The bathroom lacked any *handrails* around the toilet or sink making it unsafe and unusable for me, and many others with reduced mobility. It also did not have a raised toilet seat, or a sink I could get my legs under, and the shower had a large step, no handrails and no seat … not that any of that mattered as my chair physically didn’t fit! The nearest accessible toilet was downstairs at the bar

Staff

When I raised these issues, I was made to feel as though it was my fault for having a wheelchair, rather than the hotel taking responsibility for their lack of accessibility. Instead of the luxury and relaxation I had hoped for, I am left feeling upset, disappointed, and excluded in a hotel room I am not safe in.

Photos