Windsor Lock (Hartford), Connecticut - Hotel (Holiday Inn Express, Bradley Airport)

These wheelchair access and travel notes refer to the Holiday Inn Express, Bradley International Airport, 600 Spring St., Windsor Locks, Connecticut. These notes reflect my observations during a recent visit and are intended as a guide for other disabled or handicapped travelers.

The hotel is situated close to the airport (airport code BDL) but there is no handicapped accessible shuttle. You need to get a taxi from the airport (the usher offered to call a handicapped accessible taxi but I declined) for the short run - $14 fixed charge and a grumpy taxi driver.

The hotel is fine - level access from the parking lot, breakfast area accessible. The "business center" (computer and printer) is on a high counter and not accessible.

My room (king bed, accessible, bath) was large and comfortable, with a sofa area. There was a lot of furniture but circulation space was ok. The work desk was a comfortable size. There were two electric sockets in the desk lamp that were easy to reach. Wifi Ethernet (free) worked great. The TV controls were left by the sofa and easy to reach. Fridge and coffeemaker were easy to reach, but the microwave was too high to use. The air-conditioning unit was the standard one mounted below the window, and the controls were located on it at a comfortable height.

The bed was high making transfers in and out a little difficult. The bedside light could be reached from the bed, but the room lights could not be turned off from in bed (so, as always, 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 too high, but there was a fold up grab-rail which offered an option of grab-rails on both sides of the toilet. The toilet itself was low - perfect for those with dodgy balance. The sink had plenty of knee space underneath but was easy to use. 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 a shower seat, although if sitting on the seat you cannot reach the shower controls.  The shower rose was handheld and mounted just about reachable from the chair but not when in the bath. Towels were placed at a comfortable height and easily accessible.

All in all this was a fine room although the hotel is in need of updating.