We applaud Disabled Access Day, which is today. However, in our opinion, it should be every day and should be celebrated in style. So here are our Top 5 stylish & accessible places to visit. None are 100% perfect (nowhere can be for everyone) but we believe they are the best we’ve found around the world – so far!
- South Place Hotel, London – A vibrant, trendy and exciting hotel was designed by our friends Conran & Partners. They have the pre-requisite 5% accessible rooms, a great bar and two accessible restaurants along with a remit to display local artist’s work. Their use of our PAD – Picture Access Descriptions, shows you all you need to know, see it here. They received the Max 3 BBS Ticks (rated on Style, Accessibility & Facilities).
2. Next is Gwel an Mor in Cornwall – They are an Eco Friendly holiday resort with a great accessible lodge, where you and your family/friends can stay together. They had a hoist and adjustable bed in the accessible bedroom. Set on a hill in the ‘surfers’ town of Portreath it received 2.5 BBS Ticks. In the same review we also mentioned that Ben Tunnicliffe, just down the coast at Sennen Cove, was a really good accessible beachside restaurant to visit and we gave them 2.5 BBS Ticks.
3. Is Lanchid 19 hotel in Budapest – A trendy and very accessible hotel (especially now the roadworks outside have finished). They had one of the best disabled toilets ever, with an automatic door. Very trendy especially when lit up at night the only downside was the lack of grab rails in the roll in shower. They nevertheless got 2.5 BBSTicks.
4. Dorsett Hotel , London – Style & Access on Shepherds Bush Green in a Grade II Listed Building – It can be done!!. We were astounded at their 10% accessible rooms (30+) and many with the most attractive and discreet hoists. They also have a Michelin Bib Gourmand recommended chinese restaurant, Shikumen. The food is the best Chinese in London (IMHO). They both received the max 3 BBS Ticks.
5. Last but not least we’ve chosen Danni Garcia restaurant Marbella Spain. Access was rather a tortuous route but once there the access and food in the restaurant warrants their 2 Michelin Stars. The restaurant had themes from Alice in Wonderland, there were teapots serving after dinner delicacies and the disabled toilet even had birdsong to keep you calm – I guess? Best disabled toilet I’ve ever been to! Hence they received 3 BBS Ticks. A must see/do experience.
That’s our top 5 at present but we’ve plenty more places we can add such as Old New Restaurant in Taiwan, Musholm in Denmark, Skylon at festival Hall London, G&V Hotel Edinburgh (Missoni as was), but we’ve chosen the least well known and most stylish for now!. Here’s to a year of access for all people around the world.