These wheelchair access and travel notes refer to the Best Western Grand Hotel at Bryce Canyon, just outside the gates of Bryce Canyon National Park. The park is just a mile from here, and during summer months an accessible shuttle runs to the park from nearby (charge).
The entrance to the hotel is level, as is access to the breakfast area.
My room (two queen beds, accessible, bath) was very large with excellent circulation space. However, the room had a coffee-maker, fridge and microwave that were all easily accessible. The work desk was large and easy to use, with easily accessible electric sockets in the desk lamp. Wi-fi (free) internet access was good. The air-conditioning controls were located on the wall, and also on the a/c unit itself. TV controls were left by the TV and easily accessible.
The bed was a little high making transfers in and out difficult. (Is it my imagination, but have all chain hotels raised the height of their beds over the last two years? Difficult transfers seem to be the norm now, or maybe I'm abnormal!). The bedside light was awkward to reach without hauling yourself up from the bed (or throwing a water bottle at it, which is what I did) but conversely, and easily reached switch on the wall turns off the door entrance light which saves you getting out of bed when you forget to turn it off (as I inevitably do). The closet space is designed for walkies and not usable for a wheelchair person.
The bathroom was large with plenty of turning space. The grab-rails by the toilet were well positioned. The toilet itself was low and very comfortable to use. My room had a bath. The shower hose was hand-held and mounted on a rail that was too high to be reached from a wheelchair or while sitting in the bath. The shower controls could be easily reached. Towels were placed at a perfect height. There was plenty of knee space underneath the sink and it was easy to use.
All in all a comfortable room, with a few niggles (e.g. closet, shower rail). Not a bad option if you are in the area. For further notes on Bryce Canyon National Park, see my review here.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Utah, USA - Bryce Canyon National Park
These wheelchair access travel notes refer to Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah and my experience visiting the park as a wheelchair user. Hopefully, they will be of some use to any other disabled traveler interested in visiting the park.
The US Parks service is generally pretty good at providing information about their parks and accessibility. Before visiting any national park I recommend checking out their web site (and gleaning as much information as you can).
For Bryce, you can drive into the park ($25 charge per car). I stayed in the park lodge accommodation run by Xanterra (see this review). There are also many accommodation options outside the park (for example, the Best Western Bryce Canyon, see review here).
The park is set on the edge of a plateau, and an 18-mile road stretches along the edge with many lookouts to see the incredible scenery. Most of the main action takes place in and around the park lodge location.
The visitors center (at the entrance gate) and the lodge are both handicapped accessible and have accessible restrooms. There are also accessible restrooms at Sunset Point lookout. There are accessible campsite locations also.
There are not a whole lot of options for hiking (wheeling). There is a paved path between Sunset Point and Sunrise Point lookouts by the lodge. Unfortunately, unlike the Grand Canyon rim trail, this rim trail is raised at both ends and drops in the middle so there is no way of avoiding a climb. (The Grand Canyon rim trail falls from East to West, so if you are in a chair, start at the Eastern end of the trail). Sunrise point has a very steep incline to tech viewing platform that cannot be managed in a chair without assistance. This includes coming down as the path surface is gravelly and very slippy!
The rest of the viewpoints are accessible to wheelchairs only by car or shuttle. All are accessible to some degree although Sunrise, Bryce and Inspiration all have steep inclines that may need assistance. If you have time, see them all as each gives a different perspective on the park. However, if you don't want to haul yourself in an out of a car at every point, then the "must see" lookouts that are fully accessible to a lone wheeler are Rainbow (at the very end of the road), Natural Bridge (don't miss this if you visit!) and Sunset. If you have time for only one, then do Sunset point - it will give you a sense of the magic of this place.
There is a short paved path at Paria point that is also worth looking at.
During the summer season a shuttle runs through the park. I am told this is fully accessible although it was not running when I visited. If so, this is a good option for getting around.
The restaurant in the lodge is fully accessible and open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (reservations required for dinner).
AS an aside, contrary to what you might expect, Sunrise Point is not the best place to watch the sunrise, and Sunset Point is not the best place to watch the sun set! (Try Bryce point for sunrise, although Sunset Point would be pretty good too, and Inspiration point for sun set. The sun set isn't such a big deal in this Eastward facing park).
There are various ranger led activities. I had a geology talk at Sunset Point, a ranger led rim walk and a night sky presentation by the "Dark Rangers". (Bryce has very little light pollution so it's a good place for star gazing). All of these are accessible although some may have problems looking into the telescopes for the star gazing session if you are small, or unable to lift yourself in the chair. If you are interested in this I would recommend doing what I did not do, and talk to the rangers in advance about your needs.
If you are one of the lucky ones who can ride a horse then a horse ride into the park would be spectacular (I imagine). Personally, I have tried horse riding but with my dodgy balance and lack of sensation I found the experience nerve-racking. I would definitely not recommend trying horse riding for the first time in this park - experienced riders only need apply!
Check out the park web site here, and prepare for a lot of hauling yourself in and out of your car and up and down rough paved paths, and wear old clothes because you are going to get covered in dust! And have fun!
Strongly recommended.
The US Parks service is generally pretty good at providing information about their parks and accessibility. Before visiting any national park I recommend checking out their web site (and gleaning as much information as you can).
For Bryce, you can drive into the park ($25 charge per car). I stayed in the park lodge accommodation run by Xanterra (see this review). There are also many accommodation options outside the park (for example, the Best Western Bryce Canyon, see review here).
The park is set on the edge of a plateau, and an 18-mile road stretches along the edge with many lookouts to see the incredible scenery. Most of the main action takes place in and around the park lodge location.
The visitors center (at the entrance gate) and the lodge are both handicapped accessible and have accessible restrooms. There are also accessible restrooms at Sunset Point lookout. There are accessible campsite locations also.
There are not a whole lot of options for hiking (wheeling). There is a paved path between Sunset Point and Sunrise Point lookouts by the lodge. Unfortunately, unlike the Grand Canyon rim trail, this rim trail is raised at both ends and drops in the middle so there is no way of avoiding a climb. (The Grand Canyon rim trail falls from East to West, so if you are in a chair, start at the Eastern end of the trail). Sunrise point has a very steep incline to tech viewing platform that cannot be managed in a chair without assistance. This includes coming down as the path surface is gravelly and very slippy!
The rest of the viewpoints are accessible to wheelchairs only by car or shuttle. All are accessible to some degree although Sunrise, Bryce and Inspiration all have steep inclines that may need assistance. If you have time, see them all as each gives a different perspective on the park. However, if you don't want to haul yourself in an out of a car at every point, then the "must see" lookouts that are fully accessible to a lone wheeler are Rainbow (at the very end of the road), Natural Bridge (don't miss this if you visit!) and Sunset. If you have time for only one, then do Sunset point - it will give you a sense of the magic of this place.
There is a short paved path at Paria point that is also worth looking at.
During the summer season a shuttle runs through the park. I am told this is fully accessible although it was not running when I visited. If so, this is a good option for getting around.
The restaurant in the lodge is fully accessible and open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (reservations required for dinner).
AS an aside, contrary to what you might expect, Sunrise Point is not the best place to watch the sunrise, and Sunset Point is not the best place to watch the sun set! (Try Bryce point for sunrise, although Sunset Point would be pretty good too, and Inspiration point for sun set. The sun set isn't such a big deal in this Eastward facing park).
There are various ranger led activities. I had a geology talk at Sunset Point, a ranger led rim walk and a night sky presentation by the "Dark Rangers". (Bryce has very little light pollution so it's a good place for star gazing). All of these are accessible although some may have problems looking into the telescopes for the star gazing session if you are small, or unable to lift yourself in the chair. If you are interested in this I would recommend doing what I did not do, and talk to the rangers in advance about your needs.
If you are one of the lucky ones who can ride a horse then a horse ride into the park would be spectacular (I imagine). Personally, I have tried horse riding but with my dodgy balance and lack of sensation I found the experience nerve-racking. I would definitely not recommend trying horse riding for the first time in this park - experienced riders only need apply!
Check out the park web site here, and prepare for a lot of hauling yourself in and out of your car and up and down rough paved paths, and wear old clothes because you are going to get covered in dust! And have fun!
Strongly recommended.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Bryce Canyon City, UT, USA - Hotel (Bryce Canyon Lodge)
These wheelchair access and travel notes refer to the Xanterra operated Bryce Canyon Lodge in Bryce Canyon National Park. This is the only accomodation within the park itself. The advantage of staying here compared to one of the numerous hotels and motels outside the park is that once you're here, you're here! You can park you car and never touch it again until you are ready to leave. Against that, it is pricey for what you get, and there is an additional $25 charge to bring your car into the park.
Arriving at the lodge, there is a sign for 15 minute registration parking. Don't park here if you use a wheelchair, as the accessible entrance is actually on the other side of the building from this parking area! I arrived in the dark and stumbled around for 15 minutes trying to get in. Park instead in the lot on the other side.
The lodge itself is accessible via ramp, The restaurant and shop by registration are all accessible and there are handicapped toilets. The lodge has four wheelchair accessible rooms. My room was located in Sunrise Lodge, and you will need to get back in the car and drive to it after checking in.
My room (two queen beds, accessible, roll-in shower) was a large with good circulation space. However, I could not get the wheelchair between the beds, and had to move the table to get access to any bed. These rooms are pitched at travellers interested in hiking and viewing nature so they lack some of the things you might expect such as a TV or internet access. However, the room had a coffee-maker that was easily accessible. The room had heating and the controls were located at a comfortable height, and a fan that was accessible. A small balcony off the room was also accessible (the small step was ramped) and offered a very pleasant vista of trees and quite nature ( though not of the canyon itself).
The bed was a perfect height and transfers in and out were easy. Bedside light could not be reached without hauling yourself up from the bed, and the room lights could not be turned off from in bed. The open closet space was easy to use.
The bathroom was large with plenty of turning space. The grab-rails by the toilet were well positioned. The toilet itself was of the raised ADA type, a little high but transferring on and off was easy enough. My room had a roll-in shower. There was a wall mounted shower seat (fold up type) and grab rails. The shower hose was hand-held and mounted on a rail that was easily reached from a wheelchair and from the shower seat. The shower controls could be easily reached. The shower should have been good, even perfect, except for a design flaw that I have seen in many places and infuriates me. One grab rail was mounted on the wall, running along behind the shower seat. So when you are sitting in the seat, the grab rail is driving into your back and constantly pushing you off. For those of us whose condition leads to impaired balance, it makes the whole showering experience an uncomfortable one, with the constant impression that you are about to topple off the seat.
Towels were placed a little high for comfort but I was able to reach them at a push.
The sink was located outside the shower/toilet room. There was plenty of knee space underneath the sink and it was easy to use with towels conveniently located beside it.
The lodge is located just a short distance from the rim walk. However, the shortest path there is rough and difficult ot negotiate by chair (see other notes about Bryce Canyon Park here).
Bryce Canyon Lodge does offer usable accomodation for the lone wheelchair user. However the room (and the park itself) would be a lot more enjoyable and easy to use if you are travelling with a wlkie that can assist you.
Arriving at the lodge, there is a sign for 15 minute registration parking. Don't park here if you use a wheelchair, as the accessible entrance is actually on the other side of the building from this parking area! I arrived in the dark and stumbled around for 15 minutes trying to get in. Park instead in the lot on the other side.
The lodge itself is accessible via ramp, The restaurant and shop by registration are all accessible and there are handicapped toilets. The lodge has four wheelchair accessible rooms. My room was located in Sunrise Lodge, and you will need to get back in the car and drive to it after checking in.
My room (two queen beds, accessible, roll-in shower) was a large with good circulation space. However, I could not get the wheelchair between the beds, and had to move the table to get access to any bed. These rooms are pitched at travellers interested in hiking and viewing nature so they lack some of the things you might expect such as a TV or internet access. However, the room had a coffee-maker that was easily accessible. The room had heating and the controls were located at a comfortable height, and a fan that was accessible. A small balcony off the room was also accessible (the small step was ramped) and offered a very pleasant vista of trees and quite nature ( though not of the canyon itself).
The bed was a perfect height and transfers in and out were easy. Bedside light could not be reached without hauling yourself up from the bed, and the room lights could not be turned off from in bed. The open closet space was easy to use.
The bathroom was large with plenty of turning space. The grab-rails by the toilet were well positioned. The toilet itself was of the raised ADA type, a little high but transferring on and off was easy enough. My room had a roll-in shower. There was a wall mounted shower seat (fold up type) and grab rails. The shower hose was hand-held and mounted on a rail that was easily reached from a wheelchair and from the shower seat. The shower controls could be easily reached. The shower should have been good, even perfect, except for a design flaw that I have seen in many places and infuriates me. One grab rail was mounted on the wall, running along behind the shower seat. So when you are sitting in the seat, the grab rail is driving into your back and constantly pushing you off. For those of us whose condition leads to impaired balance, it makes the whole showering experience an uncomfortable one, with the constant impression that you are about to topple off the seat.
Towels were placed a little high for comfort but I was able to reach them at a push.
The sink was located outside the shower/toilet room. There was plenty of knee space underneath the sink and it was easy to use with towels conveniently located beside it.
The lodge is located just a short distance from the rim walk. However, the shortest path there is rough and difficult ot negotiate by chair (see other notes about Bryce Canyon Park here).
Bryce Canyon Lodge does offer usable accomodation for the lone wheelchair user. However the room (and the park itself) would be a lot more enjoyable and easy to use if you are travelling with a wlkie that can assist you.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Salt Lake City, Utah - Hotel (Hilton Garden Inn)
These wheelchair access and travel notes refer to the Hilton Garden Inn, Salt Lake City.
The hotel is located in downtown Salt Lake City - about 10 minutes drive from the airport.
There are two handicapped parking spaces at the front and a few more around the back. However, you cannot enter the back of the hotel until you have checked in and have a room key. The front entrance to the hotel is level. Lobby is level and fully accessible, as is the restaurant and bar. (Be aware that Utah law mandates that you must order food if you want to have a drink!)
My room (king bed, accessible, bath) was large and comfortable with plenty of circulation space. The workdesk was a comfortable size. There were two electric sockets in the desk lamp that were easy to reach and a further two on the wall just above the work desk. Wired Ethernet (free) was available and worked well. The TV controls were left in front of the TV and easy to reach. The coffeemaker easy to reach also. There was a fridge and microwave, all conveniently positioned for a wheelchair user. The air-conditioning controls were located at a comfortable height.
The bed was a little high and transfers in and out were difficult. Bedside light could be reached (not easily) from the bed, but the room lights could not be turned off from in bed (so remember to turn them off before getting out of your chair!). The closet was easy to use.
The bathroom was large with plenty of turning space. The grab-rails by the toilet were well positioned. The toilet itself was of the raised ADA type, a little high for me to sit comfortable balanced, but these are now everywhere so I guess I'll just have to learn to live with them. The sink was comfortable with plenty of knee space underneath. My room had a bath. The bath was a little high and the grab rails were not in the best position. However it was usable although some might need assistance. There was no shower seat, although one is available from house-keeping if required. The shower rose was hand-held type and mounted on a rail too high to be reached from the chair.Towels were placed at a comfortable height and easily accessible.
All in all, the access levels and comfort in this hotel are very good. Recommended.
The hotel is located in downtown Salt Lake City - about 10 minutes drive from the airport.
There are two handicapped parking spaces at the front and a few more around the back. However, you cannot enter the back of the hotel until you have checked in and have a room key. The front entrance to the hotel is level. Lobby is level and fully accessible, as is the restaurant and bar. (Be aware that Utah law mandates that you must order food if you want to have a drink!)
My room (king bed, accessible, bath) was large and comfortable with plenty of circulation space. The workdesk was a comfortable size. There were two electric sockets in the desk lamp that were easy to reach and a further two on the wall just above the work desk. Wired Ethernet (free) was available and worked well. The TV controls were left in front of the TV and easy to reach. The coffeemaker easy to reach also. There was a fridge and microwave, all conveniently positioned for a wheelchair user. The air-conditioning controls were located at a comfortable height.
The bed was a little high and transfers in and out were difficult. Bedside light could be reached (not easily) from the bed, but the room lights could not be turned off from in bed (so remember to turn them off before getting out of your chair!). The closet was easy to use.
The bathroom was large with plenty of turning space. The grab-rails by the toilet were well positioned. The toilet itself was of the raised ADA type, a little high for me to sit comfortable balanced, but these are now everywhere so I guess I'll just have to learn to live with them. The sink was comfortable with plenty of knee space underneath. My room had a bath. The bath was a little high and the grab rails were not in the best position. However it was usable although some might need assistance. There was no shower seat, although one is available from house-keeping if required. The shower rose was hand-held type and mounted on a rail too high to be reached from the chair.Towels were placed at a comfortable height and easily accessible.
All in all, the access levels and comfort in this hotel are very good. Recommended.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Wichita, Kansas - Hotel (Hilton Wichita Airport)
These wheelchair access and travel notes refer to the Hilton Hotel at Wichita Airport.
The hotel is located very close to the airport. The shuttle bus is not handicapped accessible. the hotel offered to send an accessible vehicle and perhaps they did. However, we got tired of waiting and realized that the hotel is literally a 300m (350 yd) walk across a car park area - so we walked (rolled) it. No problem if you don't mind negotiating a maze of parked cars. (Direction: Stand at hotel shuttle stop and look out across car park, you will see the Hilton. Go left, follow the footpath (sidewalk) to and through the car park, over as far as you can do. Turn left and follow the boundary of the car park, you will find a pedestrian path to teh road just opposite the entrance to the Hilton. Easy!) The location - being walking distance from the airport - is a big plus for this hotel.
The front entrance to the hotel is level. Lobby is level and fully accessible, as is the restaurant and bar.
My room (two double beds, accessible, bath) was large and comfortable. There was plenty of circulation space. The workdesk was a comfortable size. There was a single electric sockets in the desk lamp that was easy to reach. Wifi Ethernet (free) was available and worked well. The TV controls were left in front of the TV and easy to reach. The coffeemaker easy to reach also. The air-conditioning controls were located at a comfortable height.
The bed was a little high and transfers in and out were difficult. Bedside light could be reached (not easily) from the bed, but the room lights could not be turned off from in bed (so remember to turn them off before getting out of your chair!). The closet was easy to use once I found it. I wandered around the room several times before finding it in the bathroom, cleverly placed so you could not see it with the bathroom door open. However, it was fine and had a rack at a comfortable height for hanging clothes.
The bathroom was large with plenty of turning space. The grab-rails by the toilet were a little too high for comfort. The sink was comfortable with plenty of knee space underneath. My room had a bath. The bath was a little high and the grab rails were not in the best position. However it was usable although some might need assistance. There was no shower seat, although one is available from house-keeping if required. There were two shower roses - one hand-held and one wall-mounted. The hand-held was positioned quite high although it could be positioned lower. You might need to call a walkie to set it up for you. Towels were placed at a comfortable height and easily accessible.
All in all, the access levels and comfort in this hotel are very good. Recommended.
The hotel is located very close to the airport. The shuttle bus is not handicapped accessible. the hotel offered to send an accessible vehicle and perhaps they did. However, we got tired of waiting and realized that the hotel is literally a 300m (350 yd) walk across a car park area - so we walked (rolled) it. No problem if you don't mind negotiating a maze of parked cars. (Direction: Stand at hotel shuttle stop and look out across car park, you will see the Hilton. Go left, follow the footpath (sidewalk) to and through the car park, over as far as you can do. Turn left and follow the boundary of the car park, you will find a pedestrian path to teh road just opposite the entrance to the Hilton. Easy!) The location - being walking distance from the airport - is a big plus for this hotel.
The front entrance to the hotel is level. Lobby is level and fully accessible, as is the restaurant and bar.
My room (two double beds, accessible, bath) was large and comfortable. There was plenty of circulation space. The workdesk was a comfortable size. There was a single electric sockets in the desk lamp that was easy to reach. Wifi Ethernet (free) was available and worked well. The TV controls were left in front of the TV and easy to reach. The coffeemaker easy to reach also. The air-conditioning controls were located at a comfortable height.
The bed was a little high and transfers in and out were difficult. Bedside light could be reached (not easily) from the bed, but the room lights could not be turned off from in bed (so remember to turn them off before getting out of your chair!). The closet was easy to use once I found it. I wandered around the room several times before finding it in the bathroom, cleverly placed so you could not see it with the bathroom door open. However, it was fine and had a rack at a comfortable height for hanging clothes.
The bathroom was large with plenty of turning space. The grab-rails by the toilet were a little too high for comfort. The sink was comfortable with plenty of knee space underneath. My room had a bath. The bath was a little high and the grab rails were not in the best position. However it was usable although some might need assistance. There was no shower seat, although one is available from house-keeping if required. There were two shower roses - one hand-held and one wall-mounted. The hand-held was positioned quite high although it could be positioned lower. You might need to call a walkie to set it up for you. Towels were placed at a comfortable height and easily accessible.
All in all, the access levels and comfort in this hotel are very good. Recommended.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Laguardia, NY - Hotel (Marriott Laguardia Airport)
These wheelchair access and travel notes refer to the Marriott New York La Guardia Airport.
The hotel is located very close to La Guardia and offers a handicapped accessible hotel shuttle to and from the airport. Not all the shuttle busses are handicapped accessible. If arriving at the airport, you need to call the hotel and request that they send a handicapped shuttle. If at the hotel, going to the airport, give them 30 minutes notice so they can make sure it is available for you.
Front entrance to the hotel is level. Lobby is level and fully accesible, as is the restaurant and bar.
My room (single king bed, accessible, roll-in shower) was large and comfortable. There was plenty of circulation space. The workdesk was a little small but usable. Electric sockets in the wall (4) were easy to reach. Behind the work desk is a break-out panel with plugs for electricity, Ethernet, phone, video, audio etc. (that I presume connect to the large flat-panel TV in teh room). Very convenient. Wired Ethernet (additional charge) was available and easy to reach. TV controls were on a low table and easy to reach. Coffeemaker easy to reach also. Easy to reach sockets located by the bed also.
The air-conditioning controls were located at a comfortable height - but completely inaccessible behind a table, an easy chair and a lamp!
The bed was a little high but transfers in and out were not difficult. Bedside light easy to reach from the bed, but the room lights could not be turned off from in bed (so remember to turn them off before getting out of your chair!). The closet was easy to use and had a rack at a comfortable height for hanging clothes.
The bathroom was large with plenty of turning space. The grab-rails by the toilet were a little too high for comfort and I found transferring on and off to be a bit difficult as a result. The sink was comfortable with plenty of knee space underneath. My room had a roll-in shower. The shower seat was one of the wall-mounted, foldaway types. Grab rails could have been better positioned for transfers but it was usable nevertheless. The shower rose was hand-held and wall-mounted. It was easy to reach when seated on the shower seat. Towels were placed at a comfortable height and easily accessible.
All in all, the access levels and comfort in this hotel are very good. Recommended.
The hotel is located very close to La Guardia and offers a handicapped accessible hotel shuttle to and from the airport. Not all the shuttle busses are handicapped accessible. If arriving at the airport, you need to call the hotel and request that they send a handicapped shuttle. If at the hotel, going to the airport, give them 30 minutes notice so they can make sure it is available for you.
Front entrance to the hotel is level. Lobby is level and fully accesible, as is the restaurant and bar.
My room (single king bed, accessible, roll-in shower) was large and comfortable. There was plenty of circulation space. The workdesk was a little small but usable. Electric sockets in the wall (4) were easy to reach. Behind the work desk is a break-out panel with plugs for electricity, Ethernet, phone, video, audio etc. (that I presume connect to the large flat-panel TV in teh room). Very convenient. Wired Ethernet (additional charge) was available and easy to reach. TV controls were on a low table and easy to reach. Coffeemaker easy to reach also. Easy to reach sockets located by the bed also.
The air-conditioning controls were located at a comfortable height - but completely inaccessible behind a table, an easy chair and a lamp!
The bed was a little high but transfers in and out were not difficult. Bedside light easy to reach from the bed, but the room lights could not be turned off from in bed (so remember to turn them off before getting out of your chair!). The closet was easy to use and had a rack at a comfortable height for hanging clothes.
The bathroom was large with plenty of turning space. The grab-rails by the toilet were a little too high for comfort and I found transferring on and off to be a bit difficult as a result. The sink was comfortable with plenty of knee space underneath. My room had a roll-in shower. The shower seat was one of the wall-mounted, foldaway types. Grab rails could have been better positioned for transfers but it was usable nevertheless. The shower rose was hand-held and wall-mounted. It was easy to reach when seated on the shower seat. Towels were placed at a comfortable height and easily accessible.
All in all, the access levels and comfort in this hotel are very good. Recommended.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Dulles Airport, VA - Hotel (Marriott Washington Dulles Airport)
These wheelchair access and travel notes refer to the Marriott Rooms and Suites at Dulles Airport, serving Washington D.C.
The hotel is the closest to Dulles Airport - you could walk (or wheel) from the hotel to the terminal if it was not for the American penchant for ignoring pedestrians when laying out roads and walkways. I'm not sure there is a footpath (sidewalk) that would bring you all the way. However, the hotel offers handicapped accessible hotel shuttle to the airport so you can swap independence for comfort.
Front entrance is level. Lobby is level and fully accesible, as is the restaurant. The bar is off the lobby and accessible via a ramp. The hotel is low (2 floors) but large which means you may have a long wheel to your room through thick pile carpet which can be exhausting.
My room (single king bed, accessible, bath) was large and comfortable. There was plenty of circulation space. The workdesk was a little small but usable. It had a pull out table that offered plenty of room for a computer at a comfortable work height. Electric sockets in the desk lamp (2) were easy to reach. Wired Ethernet (additional charge) was available and easy to reach. TV controls were left on the bed in easy reach. Coffeemaker easy to reach also.
The air-conditioning controls were perfectly located at a comfortable height.
The bed was a little high but transfers in and out were not difficult. Bedside light easy to reach from the bed, but the room lights could not be turned off from in bed (so remember to turn them off before getting out of your chair!). There were two closets. Both usable, and a comfortable height for hanging clothes.
The bathroom was large with plenty of turning space. The grab-rails by the toilet were a little too high for comfort and I found transferring on and off to be a bit difficult as a result. The sink was located outside the bathroom, sort of in an alcove off the bedroom. Sink was comfortable with plenty of knee space underneath. My room had a bath rather than a roll-in shower. The shower rose was hand-held and wall-mounted too high to reach when seated in the bath, or even when seated in your chair outside the bath. The grab rails around bath were fine, with different height bars at each end of the bath according to your preference. Towels were placed at a comfortable height and easily accessible. The closet in the bedroom had a shower seat stored in it which saves having to ask reception for one - I liked that touch.
Not all the shuttle busses are handicapped accessible. If arriving at the airport, you need to call the hotel and request that they send a handicapped shuttle. If at the hotel, going to the airport, give them 30 minutes notice so they can make sure it is available for you.
Note that if you plan to stay in DC, Dulles airport is a good distance from downtown and poorly served by public transport. I would not recommend this Marriott for a stay in DC. However, although it can be pricey depending on time of week and year, this Marriott offers great convenience for handicapped travellers flying to or/from Dulles.
(Note: the hotel also offers park and fly rates including up to two weeks parking).
The hotel is the closest to Dulles Airport - you could walk (or wheel) from the hotel to the terminal if it was not for the American penchant for ignoring pedestrians when laying out roads and walkways. I'm not sure there is a footpath (sidewalk) that would bring you all the way. However, the hotel offers handicapped accessible hotel shuttle to the airport so you can swap independence for comfort.
Front entrance is level. Lobby is level and fully accesible, as is the restaurant. The bar is off the lobby and accessible via a ramp. The hotel is low (2 floors) but large which means you may have a long wheel to your room through thick pile carpet which can be exhausting.
My room (single king bed, accessible, bath) was large and comfortable. There was plenty of circulation space. The workdesk was a little small but usable. It had a pull out table that offered plenty of room for a computer at a comfortable work height. Electric sockets in the desk lamp (2) were easy to reach. Wired Ethernet (additional charge) was available and easy to reach. TV controls were left on the bed in easy reach. Coffeemaker easy to reach also.
The air-conditioning controls were perfectly located at a comfortable height.
The bed was a little high but transfers in and out were not difficult. Bedside light easy to reach from the bed, but the room lights could not be turned off from in bed (so remember to turn them off before getting out of your chair!). There were two closets. Both usable, and a comfortable height for hanging clothes.
The bathroom was large with plenty of turning space. The grab-rails by the toilet were a little too high for comfort and I found transferring on and off to be a bit difficult as a result. The sink was located outside the bathroom, sort of in an alcove off the bedroom. Sink was comfortable with plenty of knee space underneath. My room had a bath rather than a roll-in shower. The shower rose was hand-held and wall-mounted too high to reach when seated in the bath, or even when seated in your chair outside the bath. The grab rails around bath were fine, with different height bars at each end of the bath according to your preference. Towels were placed at a comfortable height and easily accessible. The closet in the bedroom had a shower seat stored in it which saves having to ask reception for one - I liked that touch.
Not all the shuttle busses are handicapped accessible. If arriving at the airport, you need to call the hotel and request that they send a handicapped shuttle. If at the hotel, going to the airport, give them 30 minutes notice so they can make sure it is available for you.
Note that if you plan to stay in DC, Dulles airport is a good distance from downtown and poorly served by public transport. I would not recommend this Marriott for a stay in DC. However, although it can be pricey depending on time of week and year, this Marriott offers great convenience for handicapped travellers flying to or/from Dulles.
(Note: the hotel also offers park and fly rates including up to two weeks parking).
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Dublin, Ireland - Restaurant (Bang Cafe)
Bang Cafe is located at 11 Merrion Row, just a short distance from Stephen's Green in the centre of Dublin. it is sleek, modern and fashionable and almost totally inaccessible to wheelchair users.
Access from the street is level, but the eating areas are either down a flight of stairs to basement level, or up about seven shallow, curving steps to the "street" level. Once in this area, space is very tight to manouvre a wheelchair. The toilets are up stairs and not accessible.
Access from the street is level, but the eating areas are either down a flight of stairs to basement level, or up about seven shallow, curving steps to the "street" level. Once in this area, space is very tight to manouvre a wheelchair. The toilets are up stairs and not accessible.
Dublin, Ireland - Pub (Legends at the Arlington Hotel, Temple Bar)
The Arlington Hotel Temple bar is located a few minutes walk from Trinity College down Dame street. Legends is the bar attached to the hotel, and it hosts a "traditional Irish night" of song and dance most every night of the week. This is one of a half dozen or so such shows that have popped up since Riverdance made Irish dancing cool (and sexy) again. The better ones are out of town (for example, Johnnie Foxes) but the Arlington Temple Bar (and it's sister hotel, the Arlington on Bachelor's walk) offer an opportunity to catch some vaguely traditional stuff at the very convenient location of centre city and just a few steps from the tourist hotbed of Temple Bar (see The Temple Bar Pub access here).
Legends offers a dinner and dance deal. The night I was there the band were good, very professional and the dancers talented although the dance show was very short and the choreography un-inspired. Or maybe I've seen too many of these shows. In any case, this entry is supposed to be about the wheelchair access, not the show so...
The bar has several levels. To get to the level where the dinner is served you need to enter via the middle door off Dame St. This door is normally closed, so you may need to go through the Legends main door and notify a member of staff.
The tables normally used for dinner are tall and too high to eat without a difficult transfer from the chair to a high stool. If you inform the management when making your reservation, they will provide a regular height table for you to eat at.
The handicapped toilet is downstairs and accessed by a lift (elevator). The night I was there the lift was bust, so the manager and a staff member carried me down the flight of stairs in my chair. The toilet (once I got there) was fine - a large, unisex, accessible toilet.
(As an aside, I can assure you that the toilet in the suite is not accessible as this was an option we tried due to the broken lift. The hotel has at least one accessible bedroom, but it was occupied so I did not get to see it!)
The staff went out of their way to meet my requirements so for that reason I give it a thumbs up despite the "difficult" nature of the access. It's not the best "Oirish" show out there, but in terms of convenience it is one of the handiest.
Legends offers a dinner and dance deal. The night I was there the band were good, very professional and the dancers talented although the dance show was very short and the choreography un-inspired. Or maybe I've seen too many of these shows. In any case, this entry is supposed to be about the wheelchair access, not the show so...
The bar has several levels. To get to the level where the dinner is served you need to enter via the middle door off Dame St. This door is normally closed, so you may need to go through the Legends main door and notify a member of staff.
The tables normally used for dinner are tall and too high to eat without a difficult transfer from the chair to a high stool. If you inform the management when making your reservation, they will provide a regular height table for you to eat at.
The handicapped toilet is downstairs and accessed by a lift (elevator). The night I was there the lift was bust, so the manager and a staff member carried me down the flight of stairs in my chair. The toilet (once I got there) was fine - a large, unisex, accessible toilet.
(As an aside, I can assure you that the toilet in the suite is not accessible as this was an option we tried due to the broken lift. The hotel has at least one accessible bedroom, but it was occupied so I did not get to see it!)
The staff went out of their way to meet my requirements so for that reason I give it a thumbs up despite the "difficult" nature of the access. It's not the best "Oirish" show out there, but in terms of convenience it is one of the handiest.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)