Lovely lunch with pretty good wheelchair access and a nice atmosphere
4
4
Date of visit: October 2023
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: dexterity or coordination and moving around.
Overall Rating
Good
We were looking for somewhere a bit special to have a lunch out to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary. Most of the restaurants on Islay were either closed for the winter or were not wheelchair accessible. The Port Charlotte Hotel was not too far from the campsite where we were staying and it had reasonably good access, though not perfect.
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
Like many hotels, everywhere was carpeted and the carpets were thick and a bit like wading through treacle. Doors were wide enough though and I could access reception, the bar area, toilets, etc without difficulty. They seated us in an area with sufficient space for my wheelchair and assistance dog, so we could relax and enjoy a meal without feeling cramped or in the way.
Parking & Transport
Average
We didn't drive there. We walked from the campsite at the Port Mor Centre, via the new accessible footpath (The Loch Indaal Way). The actual path itself was great - a good surface and nice and wide. However entry and exit points haven't been thought out and Port Charlotte itself lacks many dropped kerbs. Getting into the hotel was okay in a manual chair but larger chairs may find it more difficult.
Accessible Toilets
Excellent
The accessible loo was easy to get through (except carpet) and the door was wide. It wasn't huge but did have grab rails, everything within reach and it was nice and clean.
Staff
Excellent
The staff were really pleasant and helpful. They made sure we were happy with where we were seated and checked in on us regularly. They also answered all our questions about other places we wanted to visit.
