Crowne Plaza

There is a big car park with a number of disabled spaces BUT blue badge holders have to pay the normal high parking charges. This has to be done on arrival, in the pay station (which is the hut-type building). There is a notice which invites you to phone or download an app. If you are not aware of this, and are battling with walking aids, it can be very frustrating. There was then a very long walk through a corridor to get to the main reception area. This would have had a lower star rating, but for the fact that I contacted the hotel after the event I had been attending (which was a fund-raiser for Revive MS Support) to alert them to the fact that this wasn't exactly the best start to such an event! I had a very speedy response to say they would waive the charges for next year. Fine for those attending the event next year, but not for other visitors. Once inside, we didn't encounter any other problems.

This hotel unfortunately no longer has a tracking hoist, it's not stated on their website although the track can still be seen on the photos of the accessible rooms. We visited last night for a stay but had to return home as my bookingrequestfor the hoist to be available wasn't picked up, thankfully we don't live too far away. The staff at this hotel went above and beyond and were genuinely concerned and very understanding and that includes reception as well as restaurant staff, they were amazing. We've also been contacted by the Guest Relations manager today to discuss what went wrong, so although our visit didn't go to plan it wouldn't deter us from visiting again although we'll ensure we go equipped with our portable hoist. We also had a lovely meal in the Mariner restaurant with fabulous, attentive service.

Unfortunately the accessibility features that are available for staying at The Crowne Plaza isn't the same as it used to be and means I probably won't be able to stay for a while.