heelswheelsanddogs
Feb 2023
4.5
Tea and cake in the Seal Bar with my assistance dog in training.
This review is of the Seal Bar within the hotel and not other facilities. I hope to be able to add more about the other facilities at a later date. I had a bit of a negative start to my visit to the Marine Hotel in Troon which is part of the #marineandlawn group.
I parked in the first and only disabled parking spot that I came across outside the main entrance, which is to the back (the sea side) of the building. I was pleased to see that there was ramped access to the main door which was up a flight of steps, however, when I made my way over with Morse it was far too steep to manage independently in my self-propelled Kushell Compact and I was on my own. So I was glad to see a wheelchair sign on the wall next to a doorbell saying "ring for assistance" which I duly did. Several times.
After 10 minutes of sitting in my wheelchair in the bitterly cold wind, I phoned reception who were concerned to hear that I had been sitting outside waiting, and surmising that the bell must be broken, said they would dispatch someone to assist me. Which I assumed would be straight away. However as my old Sergeant used to say, never assume anything because it makes an ass out u and me (readers I'm hoping that you get this play on words), because 10 minutes later I was still waiting.
Eventually, a member of staff came down to help me and he was more than happy to push me up the ramp with Morse in tow. It must have been quite funny to watch the scene unfold as Morse was very confused as to who he should be walking next to so proceeded to wrap his lead around me and our helper before deciding that he didn't like the feel of the coir doormats and refused to walk over them causing a second member of staff to come and assist.
I was duly wheeled into the reception area through one of two side doors which are on either side of the revolving door, and the entire way on to the bar area making sure that I got to a seat without any problems. I couldn't have asked for more, from this gentleman who was a real credit to the hotel for everything he helped with during my visit. In fact, all the staff I dealt with were more than happy to oblige in any way they possibly could, and they very much had a can-do attitude.
As soon as I was seated one of the waitresses brought over a lunch and drinks menu, returning after a few minutes to take my order. I was really pleased that they had decaffeinated tea, which not many places do as unfortunately, I can't tolerate caffeine. The tea was served in a teapot, with a large cup and saucer, sugar cubes in a bowl, and a jug of milk. There was enough tea in the pot for several cups, and the slice of carrot cake I ordered was more like a slab!! Talk about value for money, as I ended up having to get a doggy bag to take the uneaten remainder of my cake home.
Once I was ready to leave the bill was brought to me and I settled up. Self-propelling my way out of the bar into the reception I met our helper from earlier who asked if I needed the toilet. Actually, I did and I was keen to have a nosey. So he showed us to the disabled toilet, opened the door for me and offered to help me in, and then asked if he could mind Morse for me which was fine by me. He then helped me back out to my car with a colleague who held onto my chair as he was concerned that the steepness of the ramp could cause me to lose control and crash. Once we got to my car they happily put my wheelchair in the boot whilst I put Morse on the back seat, and then offered their help to me getting in which was very kind of them to ask. I have found that some people just take over and do everything for you rather than asking if that is what you want or need, so it was refreshing to be asked, which allowed me to remain in control and maintain some dignity over the situation.
Before saying our goodbyes, the gentlemen gave me details of where to access the wheelchair-accessible entrance, which was at the opposite side of the hotel at the health and leisure entrance, which had its own car park when I drove past on my way out I noted had a disabled parking space. I pointed out to the gentlemen that there needed to be a sign advertising this entrance otherwise how are we to know about it.
Despite the popularity of the bar area, it's relaxed atmosphere, soothing music playing quietly in the background, plush comfortable furnishings, and the seating groups etc helped me to relax and just enjoy being in the moment, something I struggle to do. The seating groups were spaced sufficiently apart to allow me room to go past in my wheelchair without people having to move chairs in, which I always find embarrassing and makes me feel like I need to apologise for daring to be in a wheelchair this space also minimised the risk of tripping hazards for anyone who has a sight impairment. There was also room to allow me to keep my wheelchair with me once I transferred onto the sofa. The room is lavishly decorated, and some of the wallpaper is very busy which some people might find very distracting. There is a combination of chairs, sofas and seats built into the wall behind tables. I noted that many of the chairs had armrests which are useful to anyone who needs something to steady themselves when they stand.
In all despite the bad start to my visit, I am looking forward to returning in the near future.
This review is of the Seal Bar within the hotel and not other facilities. I hope to be able to add more about the other facilities at a later date. I had a bit of a negative start to my visit to the Marine Hotel in Troon which is part of the #marineandlawn group.
I parked in the first and only disabled parking spot that I came across outside the main entrance, which is to the back (the sea side) of the building. I was pleased to see that there was ramped access to the main door which was up a flight of steps, however, when I made my way over with Morse it was far too steep to manage independently in my self-propelled Kushell Compact and I was on my own. So I was glad to see a wheelchair sign on the wall next to a doorbell saying "ring for assistance" which I duly did. Several times.
After 10 minutes of sitting in my wheelchair in the bitterly cold wind, I phoned reception who were concerned to hear that I had been sitting outside waiting, and surmising that the bell must be broken, said they would dispatch someone to assist me. Which I assumed would be straight away. However as my old Sergeant used to say, never assume anything because it makes an ass out u and me (readers I'm hoping that you get this play on words), because 10 minutes later I was still waiting.
Eventually, a member of staff came down to help me and he was more than happy to push me up the ramp with Morse in tow. It must have been quite funny to watch the scene unfold as Morse was very confused as to who he should be walking next to so proceeded to wrap his lead around me and our helper before deciding that he didn't like the feel of the coir doormats and refused to walk over them causing a second member of staff to come and assist.
I was duly wheeled into the reception area through one of two side doors which are on either side of the revolving door, and the entire way on to the bar area making sure that I got to a seat without any problems. I couldn't have asked for more, from this gentleman who was a real credit to the hotel for everything he helped with during my visit. In fact, all the staff I dealt with were more than happy to oblige in any way they possibly could, and they very much had a can-do attitude.
As soon as I was seated one of the waitresses brought over a lunch and drinks menu, returning after a few minutes to take my order. I was really pleased that they had decaffeinated tea, which not many places do as unfortunately, I can't tolerate caffeine. The tea was served in a teapot, with a large cup and saucer, sugar cubes in a bowl, and a jug of milk. There was enough tea in the pot for several cups, and the slice of carrot cake I ordered was more like a slab!! Talk about value for money, as I ended up having to get a doggy bag to take the uneaten remainder of my cake home.
Once I was ready to leave the bill was brought to me and I settled up. Self-propelling my way out of the bar into the reception I met our helper from earlier who asked if I needed the toilet. Actually, I did and I was keen to have a nosey. So he showed us to the disabled toilet, opened the door for me and offered to help me in, and then asked if he could mind Morse for me which was fine by me. He then helped me back out to my car with a colleague who held onto my chair as he was concerned that the steepness of the ramp could cause me to lose control and crash. Once we got to my car they happily put my wheelchair in the boot whilst I put Morse on the back seat, and then offered their help to me getting in which was very kind of them to ask. I have found that some people just take over and do everything for you rather than asking if that is what you want or need, so it was refreshing to be asked, which allowed me to remain in control and maintain some dignity over the situation.
Before saying our goodbyes, the gentlemen gave me details of where to access the wheelchair-accessible entrance, which was at the opposite side of the hotel at the health and leisure entrance, which had its own car park when I drove past on my way out I noted had a disabled parking space. I pointed out to the gentlemen that there needed to be a sign advertising this entrance otherwise how are we to know about it.
Despite the popularity of the bar area, it's relaxed atmosphere, soothing music playing quietly in the background, plush comfortable furnishings, and the seating groups etc helped me to relax and just enjoy being in the moment, something I struggle to do. The seating groups were spaced sufficiently apart to allow me room to go past in my wheelchair without people having to move chairs in, which I always find embarrassing and makes me feel like I need to apologise for daring to be in a wheelchair this space also minimised the risk of tripping hazards for anyone who has a sight impairment. There was also room to allow me to keep my wheelchair with me once I transferred onto the sofa. The room is lavishly decorated, and some of the wallpaper is very busy which some people might find very distracting. There is a combination of chairs, sofas and seats built into the wall behind tables. I noted that many of the chairs had armrests which are useful to anyone who needs something to steady themselves when they stand.
In all despite the bad start to my visit, I am looking forward to returning in the near future.
For additional detailed accessibility information, please contact: info@marinetroon.co.uk
