Greswolde Arms Hotel

disabledtraveler

21 Mar 2022

3.5

3.5

Disabled Travellers visit 17th century coaching inn at Knowle

Date of visit: March 2022

I am a disabled person and a carer or friend of a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: moving around

I use or have experience of: mobility scooter, powerchair, walking aid, wheelchair

Overall Rating

Good

This 17th century Coaching Inn, Greswolde Arms, was originally named “the Mermaid Inn”. It was later bought by the Greswolde family in the early 1700’s, and remained with the family for the next 200 years. The oldest part was a timber framed structure, with steep gables. During the 18th and 19th centuries it was extended and renovated to expand its coaching trade, as this was a major stop on the Birmingham to London route. It is positioned nicely in the lovely old picturesque High street of Knowle, Solihull, (see our REVIEW for Knowle, Solihull) having played a main role in Knowle village over the years. Lady Byron, wife of poet Lord Byron, enjoyed a visit here, and the Beatles stayed here in 1963. The 3 star hotel has a carpark (free for guests) with 33 modern decorated bedrooms, With one being a disabled room. It has a beer garden, and is a dog friendly hotel. READ OUR REVIEW The walk across from carpark is level enough and only a short walk, (4) and looks inviting, with many attractively filled tubs of mainly evergreen shrubs (5) with plenty of outdoor furniture to allow sunny warm day visits (6). There is a ramp available to the left of main entrance (7) and then it’s all on the level for you. A plain simple reception desk invites you to book in if you have an overnight stay (8) With the bedrooms quite close to reception (9) and these are of a reasonable size, very clean and attractive enough looking (10). The bar awaits you (11) small but in an interesting corner of hotel (12) which heads you into the large open spaced restaurant (photo 13) with simple wooden table and chairs (14) and quieter spots can be found with space to put wheelchairs (15). In a corner spot is the entry for toilets (16) which has a disabled toilet (17) which is basic, clean, well maintained, with grab rails, and you could spin chair around in there. Then it’s back outside again following your coffee break, or something more appealing perhaps, and we suggest you take a short stroll along High street, before returning to car park. OUR FINAL THOUGHTS An attractive looking place that invites you to go in. Spacious inside with room for wheelchair to move around. No lounge however to simple sit and relax, you have to sit at tables. Friendly, but nothing outstanding, but still worth dropping in for a visit over a drink or two, or for a meal.

Disabled Access In and Around

Good

Parking & Transport

Good

It is a nice approach into Knowle, worth seeing the old village, (photo 1) and has its own carpark, free if using the hotel facilities. (photo 2) with two disabled bays (3).

Accessible Toilets

Average

It is clean, well maintained, but just practical, with grab rails, and you could turn wheelchair in there.

Staff

Good

Friendly and helpful enough, no complaints at all.