Disabled travellers at a large keep fit complex
3.5
3.5
Date of visit: March 2022
I am a disabled person and a carer or friend of a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Good
We give the hotel 3.5 stars simply because it’s not really a disabled persons type of place, and there is nothing else to do here for disabled other than eating or drinking, However, if you are young and fit enough, then this huge fitness hotel is ideal for you, and even though you may be older or disabled, it’s still a good idea to do what you can to help your health, and this complex certainly seems to be a very popular place, as it is used by many for their daily training routines, it’s the only hotel that we have seen so many visitors coming and going to enjoy the fitness facilities. So what’s here then ? First of all, it’s located close to the M42, all the shops along the Main Street of Shirley and very handy, as well as for the A34. But we did find it difficult to find, our sat NAV did not register the area, it’s slightly out of the way in a new large housing estate that is being built, so we had to find our own way here. It has a large car park, with over a dozen disabled bays (photo 1) the hotel looked modern, not disappointing, but not very inspiring as it’s just a large dark block of a building, but easy enough to get into the hotel via automatic sliding doors (photo 2). Just inside there is a self registration machine where you MUST ENTER YOUR CAR REGISTRATION NUMBER, look for this. Ahead then There is a small plain simple reception desk,(3) but most of its functions are for use of computer clicking entry, and as we were just popping in to review hotel, we did not have to use reception desk. Ah, but there is a Starbucks little cafe area, (photo 4) but then, nowhere to sit, just a Couple of chairs (5) which you share with other visitors, but later on, the pub come restaurant area will be opened, so will be able to sit there, (photos 6 and 7) but not in comfort, they only have plain wooden seat and table facilities, but the prices looked good. Alongside, a large corridor leads you to toilets (8) with a disabled available (9) which was large enough, in simple dark coloured tiling, with simple facilities but a grab rail and pull cord was there for us. (10). If ever needed there is a lift close by (11) which we found to be quite small, not enough room to spin, but carer can get in with you (12). Disabled rooms are available a short ride along the modern decorated corridor (13) with two rooms on the first floor (14) which are nice, clean, comfortable (15) with disabled bathrooms (16) and walk in shower (17). Now for the village gym facilities.you enter with your pre-purchased card, or pay at desk (18) and enter a huge area with all modern training facilities, such as the fitness centres gym (19) virtual cycling with moving scenic views, techno gym cardio machines, kinesics training wall, and a Hugh indoor heated swimming pool (20) what more could you ask for ? As you can see, the hotels main purpose is to support your health, ideal for younger families and those needing to watch their health, which includes us disabled, but in the main, we would not recommend this hotel for everyday visiting, as it’s out of the way, but your family members may well enjoy their trip here.
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
Now this is good, over a dozen disabled parking bays right up by the entrance, all on the flat, and if needed a small lift available. There is not much for the casual visitor to see, but at least there was plenty of room to move around.
Parking & Transport
Poor
Not an easy place to find as our sat NAV did not register where it was, so had to find own way here, which took some time. It’s not well signposted, and in the middle of our newly built housing estate.
Accessible Toilets
Good
There is a public toilet for you, plain and simple, but very clean with basic facilities. It had grab rails and pull cord, and you can just about spin in there.
Staff
Good
Everyone where very helpful and supporting, and friendly, it seems a nice place to be employed by.
