Always wondered what it was like!
5
5
Date of visit: January 2016
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Excellent
The G & V Hotel is a modern building with a prime location on the George IV bridge and adjacent to the Royal Mile. With seven accessible bedrooms; four with interconnecting rooms it’s a great location being only a short distance from many of Edinburgh’s tourist attractions.
Disabled Access In and Around
Excellent
Access in and around the building, Approaching the hotel, I could see that it had steps to the main entrance. As a powerchair user I was looking out for the accessible route in. When you get close to the steps you can see that the right-hand side of the steps levels with the pavement to provide what it effectively ramped access to the front door. Going in through the automated doors the reception was to my left and set back from the entrance. Two pedestal like reception desks are the focal point and staff are always on hand to greet guests. I found moving around the hotel was easy. Navigation was aided by the bright and colourful doctor which changed according to the areas of the hotel you are in. Lift areas and their immediate corridors were highlighted in a vibrant lime green. Access in the accessible bedrooms and bathrooms, The G & V Hotel has seven accessible bedrooms. The accessible bedrooms were located fairly near to the lifts. Noticeably, the door signs with the numbers were of a clear contrast and large enough to see from a distance. The doors were illuminated with lighting from above the door making for easy reading of the door number and for managing the door access card. Once in the room there was plenty of room to move around. The room door had 80 cm of clearance to pass through. My powerchair is 68 cm wide and 116 cm in length and I had ample room to feel comfortable moving around in the room. The wet room in the accessible bedroom was large with plenty of room to turn and use the facilities. The shower area was large enough to wheel into with ease. It would be easy to use a shower chair (not provided) and still have space for your wheelchair in the wet room. The fixtures and fittings in the room were of a high standard and there was plenty of space to move along side the bed. Dropped hanging rails, low counters and seating area added to the room. Alarms cords were present by the bed and in the wet room. Staff discussed personal evacuation plans on arrival. Access in the dining area, The dining area is on the “ground” level and next to the bar. The furniture was easy to move and get my chair into a comfortable position. The area was bright and light and not too noisy. Access to other facilities, There is a bar and seating area next to bar which was open plan and accessible.
Parking & Transport
Excellent
The G & V has an underground car park served by the lifts. Parking in this area is by prior arrangement. Plenty of local buses and tour buses pass by the door and along the George IV bridge as well as the Royal Mile. Taxis can drop off and pick up guests outside the front door. The hotel is a ten-minute journey from the Waverley railway station.
Accessible Toilets
Average
Accessible Toilets (Public Areas) There is an accessible toilet toward the rear of the bar area. It was large and easy enough to manoeuvre. It does share the space with a baby changing unit. The door would have been easier to negotiate without the baby changing unit, attached to the wall, impeding the turning space.
Staff
Average
The staff we met were all very friendly and helpful. Our questions were answered and there was a definite feeling of wanting to provide a “guest experience” not simply somewhere to stay.
Additional Information
The accessible rooms, combined with having an option of interconnecting rooms, and a fabulous location makes the G & V a great choice for an accessible stay in the city.
