Superb hotel with one accessible room - not ideal but a good effort
3
3
Date of visit: March 2016
I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Average
The room we stayed in has ramped access and a wet room - unfortunately only two grab rails though and these were set at waist height. For someone able to stand and walk a little, like me, it was great but , wouldn't have suited a full time wheelchair user for example. The room is across a courtyard meaning breakfast and dinner were back in the main building - not at all easy to reach from Room 1 sadly. However with a bit of extra effort (husband putting me in the car and driving to the main building!) it was possible! Main hotel building is very old with all the limitations to access that brings. The room was first class, food wonderful and the service exemplary.
Disabled Access In and Around
Average
Access to the room ( number 1, "Wemmergill") is via a gentle ramp. There's a recessed doormat just inside which is a little too recessed so take care if you're walking. Once inside the short pile carpet in the main areas plus tiles in wet room are easily negotiated. The room is tight for a wheelchair though it is possible to get one in. The main difficulties were the distance to the main building for meals (down a drive covered in deep shingle - my wheelchair couldn't cope and it was too far to walk). From the front parking area, there's a flagstone path set in shingle which requires care if you're using stick or crutches (possibly slippery when wet). There's a small step up to the main door which opens inwards but is quite heavy. Inside there's room to manoeuvre a wheelchair which staff happily stow away for you if required.
Parking & Transport
Poor
We'd driven. There is a bus but no idea where it came from or went to. No disabled parking at the front of the building or in the rear car park. The car park is covered in deep shingle making it hard to walk on or wheel a chair on.
Accessible Toilets
Average
The loo in our room had a single waist height grab rail - great when going in but too high to be of help when standing up again. There was a nearby stool though which came in useful! There was a red alarm cord (tied up but I dare say I could have had it lowered if I'd asked). No accessible loo evident in the main building which I dare say is down to this being such an old building. Just worth bearing in mind if you were thinking of visiting just for the bar or restaurant.
Staff
Good
Staff were lovely and helpful. Stowed my wheelchair, checked I was ok with the location of my table, offered to fetch things etc.
Additional Information
We will go back again - as long as I can walk a little, this room is fine for me and we will put up with the slight inconvenience of driving to breakfast! They allow dogs which is great for us. Wonderful stay, comfortable bed, scrumptious food. Highly recommended if the access works for you. I suggest they designate two blue badge bays - at least one at the front plus one outside Room One. Also a bell at the door would enable a patron in need of help with the front door to alert staff.
