Access in Summary
Accommodation
There are two accessible bedrooms, room numbers 203 and 225. Both rooms have accessible ensuite with bath facilities. The bath has a good sized transfer seat with grab rails. There is a good level of circulation throughout the room and ensuite with all amenities at an accessible height.
Car Parking/Drop Off
There are two car parks at the hotel, there is a main car park which is on the front elevation of the hotel and a further car park located in the hotel basement. There is no step free access to the hotel from the basement car park. The entrances to the car parks are next to each other and both have a barrier control which opens when the control point issues a ticket. The control point has in intercom connected to the hotel. There are four accessible spaces which are located in the main car park close to the entrance. The route from the accessible spaces to the hotel is directly across the car park and via an access ramp which leads up the main entrance. The drop off point is conveniently located at the start of the ramp.
Public Transport
There is a bus stop located approximately 300m from the hotel on St Nicholas Way. There is an accessible route from the bus stop which encounters one crossing point.
Access into Hotel
The hotel can be approached from street level on Cheam Road via a ramp. The ramp is on a moderate to steep gradient down from Cheam Road and joins another ramp which leads up to the main entrance. This ramp is on a gentle gradient. In addition to the ramp there are also steps up to the main entrance. The entrance is step free and consists of two automatic doors into the reception lobby. The immediate entrance foyer is of a good size and central to all amenities.
Circulation
There is step free access to all areas within the hotel and all floors can be accessed by the lift. There is good lighting and a good level of visual contrast throughout. All areas are identified by signage. Supplementary directional signage is positioned in strategic locations throughout. The majority of the main public areas are open plan. Where there are doors these are held open on magnetic openers.
Reception
The reception is located just inside the main entrance. Whilst the main reception counter is not of an accessible height there is a lower desk next to reception which is the desk for conference and business services. The reception counter has an induction loop and also a portable chip and pin machine for card payments. The reception areas is light and spacious and there is a range of seating located nearby.
Bars
The Junction Bar is located close to reception and is located in the same place as Junction Restaurant. This is a themed bar and there is a low level of music. There are two entrances, one from street level which encounters steps and one from inside the hotel which is on level access from all areas. The bar is not of an accessible height but table service is available. The bar is fitted with an induction loop. The internal entrance is via double doors which are held open during business hours. There is a good range of seating, fixed and loose, and tables can be organised as required. All areas are well lit. The hotel has a further bar area which is open during the day. This is located next to reception and serves hot and cold drinks and a range of bar food. This is in an open plan area which is spacious and well lit. There are a number of seating options with varying styles available. A full table service is operated in this area.
Restaurants
The Junction Restaurant is located close to reception and is located in the same place as Junction Bar. There are two entrances, one from street level through Junction Bar which encounters steps and one from inside the hotel which is on level access from all areas. The entrance is via double doors which are held open during business hours. There is a choice of seating and the tables are suitable for a wheelchair user. There is a self service counter which is set up for breakfast and the restaurant offers a full table service. The restaurant is well lit.
Health Club
The Spirit Health Club is located in the basement of the hotel and is accessed via a lift which is close to reception adjacent to the coffee lounge. The Health Club has a swimming pool, gymnasium, spa pool, and male and female saunas. There is an accessible changing facility which also has an accessible toilet and shower within the same cubicle. This is located in the reception area and is a short distance to the pool.
Business Facilities
The Hotel Conference Centre has 12 meeting and conference rooms all of which are located on the first floor and accessible via the main lifts. There are toilets on the first floor including a unisex accessible toilet. Induction loops are available in all rooms.
Staff: Languages spoken
All areas of the business are well staffed and the majority of the services incorporate staff assistance. There is generally a good level of staff awareness and all staff were pleased to be of assistance. There are a number of languages spoken at the hotel which include: Arabic, English, Finnish, French, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Polish and Spanish. It is advisable to contact the hotel in advance should a specific language be required.