Update Sept 2015: We finally got to see the rooms with walk in showers and hoists and they are very accessible. In particular we were impressed with the 2 rooms with hoists. The hoist track goes from the bed to the bath/shower, to the toilet and wash basin. We’ve not seen a better example of a hoist in a hotel bedroom.
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The Dorsett on Shepherd’s Bush Green in West London has just proved that accessibility is the norm and it’s in a Grade II Listed Building (see my previous rant on why Listed Buildings should be accessible). It was a 1920’s movie theatre and latterly a bingo hall.
I paid a recent visit for a business meeting and for once I could enter unaided – no nasty ‘lips’ at the automatic entry door and a sublime non-slip ramp (with a grab rail) all the way to reception and smooth flooring all the way to the bar. The atrium has a 1920’s feel but is still very modern and natural light makes everything easy to see.
The service was friendly and efficient and I couldn’t help noticing a number of Far East visitors which makes sense as Dorsett Hospitality is a company based in the Far East with hotels in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore, to name a few. They “aggressively pursue the ‘Chinese Wallet'” which is also an ageing one – so good if you’re disabled.
But back to London, the hotel on Bush Green has
“contemporary elegance………. offers stylish and comfortable accommodation for the most discerning business and leisure travellers to enjoy, relax, party and refresh. The 8-storey hotel, retaining the building’s historic facade, boasts modern architecture and design featuring 317 bedrooms”……..
And amazingly they have 27 accessible rooms and 2 have portable hoists!!! Here are some pictures we have of the room I was shown which only had a bath but 13 have walk in showers/wet rooms. Also of note is that the accessible rooms are mostly near the lift so not far to walk/wheel through the carpeted corridors.
Although this hotel is large it didn’t feel impersonal and it did feel as though you’d get top class service particularly as I only asked if they had disabled rooms and was then immediately whisked off to be shown one. There is a Spa but we don’t know if it’s accessible. I will be back to try the restaurant, Shikumen, that Fay Maschler gave 4/5 stars and where the Dim Sum looks delicious…..Intrigued by the ‘Snow Fungus and Sweetcorn soup’? Let us know if you’ve been there by contacting us.
Oh I shall so look forward to booking this hotel when next in London ….. Well done Dorsett Hospitality, a refreshing change !
Sounds like a fabulous hotel but I still would have difficulty getting into and out from the bath. Not impossible but difficult. I prefer showers.
Hi Declan, they do have walk in showers we’re getting photos of them soon.You should send us some reviews and maybe we can get a link on your site?