Proof that anything is possible if you can put in the effort
5
5
Date of visit: May 2025
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment, accessing toilets and moving around.
I use or have experience of: disabled toilet, hidden impairment, powerchair, wheelchair
Overall Rating
Excellent
When my husband and I got married last year, we stayed at this hotel. We booked a ground floor accessible room with courtyard and it was spectacular. Obviously the thing that got me the most was the lift. As anyone who lives in Colchester knows; it's the country's first recorded city and as a result, many places are inaccessible and cannot be changed due to many of the buildings being listed and the city centre itself sits on a big hill. Some places have been able to make accommodations for this, and Greyfriars are one example. I understand that most small businesses could never afford such technology but many others have no excuse. The lift really did lift my spirits and restore some faith that I wasn't unwanted everywhere! I think what would have made things that much better would have been easier to open doors as that did end up being a problem for me in my powerchair. The room itself was wide enough to access all areas in my chair except for the far side of the bed against the far wall which was not a problem for me. The bath was a dedicated lowered bath for easy access to transfer in and out of, There was also a separate shower with seat which was luxurious. The floor of the room was tiled throughout and access to the private courtyard was step-free. There are some narrow corridoors throughout the hotel but this cannot be helped due to the age of the building. Parking was not a problem as there were a fair few accessible spaces and the car park itself was gated entry to prevent abuse. The staff were all wonderfully accommodating throughout our stay, nothing seemed too much to ask. As a cute touch, they'd even surprise decorated our room with rose petals for when we returned after the wedding ceremony!
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
Whilst the foyer itself is step-free, you will have to either alert a member of staff to operate the lift for you or take about 5 steps up to the reception area.
Accessible facilities: Lift to all areas, Step-free entrance
Parking & Transport
Excellent
I travelled to this place by personal vehicle
Accessible facilities: Drop-off or pick up point, Dedicated on-site parking, Public or on street parking
Accessible Toilets
Facilities: Accessible toilet
Staff
Excellent
Nothing was too much for the staff.
