Access in Summary
Accommodation
There are ten accessible bedrooms, two per floor on floors one to five. The rooms are a short distance from the lifts and near to a disabled refuge. All of the rooms have interconnecting rooms and accessible bathrooms fitted with a bath.
Car Parking/Drop Off
Parking is limited to three blue badge spaces which are on the street and limited to a maximum of a three hour stay. The drop off point is again on street and directly outside of the hotel entrance. As the parking and drop off are on the street there is no designated area for side and rear loading. Side loading is possible onto the pavement.
Public Transport
Blackfriars tube (exit 8) and Blackfriars bus stop are located nearby on New Bridge Street. The most accessible route from either of the transport points to the accessible entrance is via Tudor Street. This has a wider pavement and less surface variation.
Access into Hotel
The most obvious entrance to the hotel is located on New Bridge Street. This is a stepped entrance and has a revolving door providing access to the Upper Ground floor. The accessible entrance is at the rear elevation situated on Kingscote Street. There are two entrances on this elevation both on level access from the pavement. One entrance has a revolving door and the other has a set of double doors which open in and out. The entrances are next to each other and both open into the reception lobby.
Circulation
There is step free access to all areas within the hotel and all floors can be accessed by lift. There is good lighting and a good level of visual contrast throughout. All areas are identified by location or directional signage. The majority of the main public areas are open plan. For Safety and Security access via the lift to certain floors requires the room card to activate the lift.
Reception
There is a large reception counter which is the main feature of the hotel lobby. The counter is not of an accessible height for wheelchair users and therefore staff will offer assistance on the customers side of the counter or at a the Club check in desk. The Concierge is located next to reception and again staff are on hand to offer assistance as the counter is not of an accessible height. The reception and concierge have an induction facility and there is seating close by in the lobby area. The reception lobby is a bright spacious environment providing a good level of circulation.
Bars
Nineteen Below is located on the lower ground floor and is accessible via the lifts or steps from the lobby. There is an open plan entrance and this theme continues into the bar. The bar has a modern design and a range of seating and tables to suit all users. An induction facility is available and a full table service is in operation.
Restaurants
Chinese Cricket Club is a destination Chinese restaurant within the deluxe Crowne Plaza London – The City, a flagship property of renowned InterContinental Hotels Group. Against a sophisticated yet relaxed backdrop decorated with a warm simplicity, Chinese Cricket Club offers a mouth-watering range of Sichuan and Dim Sum specialities with a modern twist. Overseeing seeing the kitchen is Head Chef Brendan Speed, who launched and subsequently ran Zuma Istanbul, helping to turn it into one of the city’s leasing restaurants. Signature dishes include such imaginative fare as Crispy Orange Beef, Fried Perch with Garlic Chives; Orange Rib of Beef and Silken Tofu. The menu also features an excellent choice of Dim Sum, including Back Cod Gow Gee, Club Lobster, Dumpling and Honey Glazed Pork Puff. Perfect for sharing, these smaller portions are also an ideal option for those seeking more speedy lunchtime sustenance.
Both the Chinese Cricket Club and Refetorrio restaurants are located on the upper ground floor and accessible by the lifts. Both restaurants are step free and easy to access as the doors are held open. The restaurants are spacious and have a good level of circulation. On entering the Chinese Cricket Club there is a ramp which is on a moderate gradient. Some wheelchair users may require assistance on the ramp. There is a range of tables and seating to suit all users including the availability of high chairs. Large print menus are available.
Health Club
A fitness centre is located in the basement is accessible via the lifts. A key card is required to access the fitness centre. The centre has a range of fitness equipment on level access and there is a sauna which has stepped access. Male and female changing rooms are available and there is also a separate unisex accessible toilet and shower. The centre does not always have staff on duty but the area is monitored by cctv and assistance alarms are in all areas.
Business Facilities
The Conference Centre is located on basement one level and is accessible via the lifts. There is also a stepped entrance from lower ground level. The centre has a number of meeting rooms which vary in size and can be set up in a range of styles. The centre is on level access throughout there is an accessible toilet. The centre has a small business centre which is located behind the reception counter. Induction loop facilities are available and staff are on duty throughout the day should assistance be required.
Staff: Languages spoken
The hotel have a good complement of staff who are on hand to offer assistance. 24 hour assistance is available via the concierge. There are a number of languages spoken at the hotel although it is advisable to check in advance should a particular language be required.