A hotel with helpful staff and good access
4
4
Date of visit: October 2014
I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Good
This hotel has overall good access for both powered and manual wheelchairs with flooring that is easy to move around on, a good number of well-sized lifts with enough room for two average sized wheelchairs in each. The accessible bedrooms are well sized and have well-sized and fitted bathrooms. The dining and reception areas are also well-sized and the staff extremely helpful, being there to help with any assistance disabled customers may require.
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
Whilst the accessible bedrooms with en-suite bathroom wet rooms are well-sized for both powered and manual wheelchairs, for those who are unable to transfer without a hoist the hire of a portable hoist is necessary. Also in the bathrooms there is no shower chair but the plastic chair in the bedroom can be used to overcome this issue. With regards to the lifts these are also well-sized and so too is the dining room which has both square and circular tables, depending which is easier for access. There is level access throughout.
Parking & Transport
Good
Not applicable although plenty of space to be picked up by taxi and a good central location and so close to many of Edinburgh's major attractions including the 'Royal Mile', 'Greyfriars', 'National Museum of Scotland' and 'Edinburgh Castle'. It is also only about 10/15mins from Edinburgh Waverly train station.
Accessible Toilets
Good
The accessible bathroom wet rooms with level access and disabled toilets are again well sized, have grab rails on either side of the toilet and by the sink, and have sinks which are easy to get under in a wheelchair.
Staff
Excellent
The service I experienced cannot be faulted. The staff were extremely helpful in assisting me with any issue that I had. Examples include; booking an accessible taxi, moving chairs in the dining room, taking my luggage to the lift and just generally being happy to help make my stay at the hotel enjoyable and stress-free.
Additional Information
The only thing to be aware of is that entrance into the hotel is through a revolving door, but to gain access through the accessible door hotel room card access is required. Hotel room card access is also required to use the lifts. Therefore it would be advised to come with a non-disabled companion/s or to ask staff for assistance who are more than happy to help.
