Disabled traveller at 5 star comfortable Hotel
5
5
Date of visit: February 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 old original manor stood in the estate, before it was destroyed by fire. In the 1920’s the estate was bought by James Guleeth Hill, and he re-sited Stone Manor, and completed his building work by 1926. He had it rebuilt in the Tudor style using Edwin Thomas Hall to design it. You can see proof of its date on the first tall chimney stack at the front of the building. In 1936 the Manor was bought by Ernest Palethorpe, and his niece Dawn Palethorpe an Olympic equestrian stabled her horses at Stone Manor, and used the grounds to exercise her horses. During the 1960’s Mr John Bright, a figure in the steel industry bought the house, but only remained here a few years before selling the Manor to Mr and Mrs Geoffrey Lamb, and they gained a licence to use part of the house as a country club. They then sold on very quickly so that in June 1970, Mr and Mrs Franco D’aniello bought the Manor, and under their care many alterations and extensions were built for them, before another large extension was added in 1979, which added another 17 bedrooms to the Manor. In 1984 Mr Charles Wilfred Dunn bought the house and it’s 25 acres of land, and in 1985 another extension was built, providing more bedrooms, so that on its official opening day on 1st February 1989, 56 bedrooms were available. In 2015 Mr and Mrs Andy and Helena Hogarth became the new owners, and have helped the Manor to become well established as a hotel. Then in 2016, they refurbished the bedrooms, suites and public areas, at a cost of 2.5 million pounds, and it is now run as Hogarths Hotel and restaurant (holdings) Ltd. And thankfully they have survived the recent pandemic. OUR REVIEW There is ample parking (photo 1) with 4 or 5 disabled bays (photo 2) available. The entrance to the hotel is very appealing, with its olde worlde charm (3) and we entered a very nice reception area, in dark wooden deco (4). with an elegant staircase with wide steps (5). Immediately we entered and found it a delight to sit in the small comfortable lounge with a lovely warm log fire (photo 6). The bar next door is in a larger room, beautifully decorated, (7) (unfortunately the photo does not do it justice) as there were so many people enjoying the room, so it was difficult to take photos. There is a small corridor to take you to disabled room (8) which has a spacious disabled toilet, grab rails and pull cord, spotlessly clean.(9) Outside, we found a delightful garden area, (10) with views of the elegant restaurant, delightful decor, and so inviting (photo 11). The rear door for the functions room had a very nice terraced area (12) with more tables on a grassy area, belonging to the functions room, an ideal setting for any special occasion and photos (photo 13). Another terraced area for public use, in a lovely setting and would be most enjoyable on a warm sunny day (14). The front entrance to the functions room has that look that just draws you in (15) with a very pleasant reception area to meet up with your friends and family (16) before you sit in a beautiful restaurant for the function (17). Unfortunately there are steps, difficult, but it is level on the top deck, and from here you have a disabled toilet (18) again spacious and spotlessly clean (19). On departing from this delightful hotel, we found a electric charging point (20) and bade farewell to our wonderful visit. OUR FINAL THOUGHTS A very inviting, warm, friendly wonderful hotel, and we highly recommend this hotel, even with its little problem of steps here and there.
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
Able to get into hotel reception, and main rooms on level. There are steps to have to get onto terrace areas, and steps to be able to function room. Main hotel accessible toilet on level, good size so you can spin around, pull cord and grab rails.
Parking & Transport
Excellent
A short driveway takes you to parking bays, at least 4 bays available, and one electric charge point.
Accessible Toilets
Good
On level for hotel itself, good size with grab rail and pull cord.
Staff
Good
Very friendly and helpful
