Disabled Traveller visits hotel used by England football teams
4.5
4.5
Date of visit: May 2022
I am a disabled person and a carer or friend of a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Excellent
The hotel itself stands in a secure location in the 330 acres of land owned by the FA (football association) and offers outstanding accommodation, and although it’s home for the 28 England teams that use this hotel while they are here for training purposes, the hotel is in fact open to the public as well. It offers free parking, no need to register, it has a Spa and health club, with indoor pool, a sauna and steam room, and quite a large fitness centre. OUR REVIEW After entering the wide open foyer and it’s comfortable seating area, from reception desk, head straight ahead towards the lifts (photo 1) and then you will be able to follow restaurant sign and enter the pleasant Cross Bar lounge (photo 2) Here you can pick up a bar menu list which offers light snacks, along with sandwiches, and we choose the toasted cheese and fries (photo 3) which was very nice, but took quite a while to reach us, but at least it gave us time to study the photos that line the walls (photos 4 and 5 ) while we waited for lunch to come (6) Alongside the bar we found the toilets (photo 7) which was big enough to get wheelchair inside and spin around. (Photo 8) which was nice and clean, simple decorations, grab rails and pull cord. Next to toilets was the entry for the delightful restaurant (photo 9) which was a large airy open restaurant (10) with comfortable seating with countryside views over the park (11) which offers a nice menu for late dinner (12) in exquisite and stylish settings. Departing the lounge, head for the lifts again (photo 13) the walls being lined with famous old players you are sure to remember (14) and go up to the first floor. Here you will find Starbucks coffee lounge at the centre circle, (photo 15) which is a great place for a delightful coffee break and a light snack if needed. This overlooks the main reception area (photo 16) which has many comfortable seats waiting for you (photo 17) and a pleasant place to sit and people watch. Just by the main exit, you will find the sir Bobby Robson ballroom (photo 18) and function rooms (photo 19) with views again over the park (photo 20).
Disabled Access In and Around
Excellent
There is an automatic door to let you into hotels foyer, and it’s level all the way, with lifts when needed.
Parking & Transport
Excellent
Parking is ideal, right outside the hotels entrance, with a number of disabled bays.
Accessible Toilets
Good
Disabled public toilets are in the bar lounge area, on the level, and big enough to help you cope, with grab handles and pull cord
Staff
Good
All those we met were kind and helpful to us.
