Overview

I stayed at this seafront hotel as part of a Shearings break. I had made Shearings aware of my disability requirements, namely to keep my rollator with me at all times, for a walk in shower rather than a bath or over-bath shower and for an auxiliary aid in the form of a toilet seat raiser. I was allocated room 335, which, when I arrived had space for my rollator as well as the requisite shower and a toilet seat raiser already fitted. However, I was going to have to negotiate steps on the third floor corridor and these presented a risk, so I returned to Reception - and a portable ramp was straightaway fitted so that the steps were no longer a problem. On the first night I found the mattress too hard but when I asked a mattress topper was fitted which again meant the problem no longer existed. The point is, one can ask for aids and the staff will do their best to oblige. That in itself made for a really pleasant stay. The lifts are small and my understanding is that nothing can be done to improve this due to listed building status. One must therefore be patient - and that can mean a wait of up to half an hour. In the dining room I had a table that allowed me to keep my rollator with me and the radiator behind aided me in getting up from the table. I have nothing but praise for all aspects of this hotel.

Transport & Parking

Although I did not use it, the hotel has a carpark at the rear, that I gather has to be paid for. I believe the charge is £6 per day, I do not think there is any blue badge parking and the rear entrance across from the carpark has steep steps. Across the road from the hotel and close by the pier entrance a bus into town runs every 20 minutes. It goes to Brighton but four stops takes one to the main shopping centre in Eastbourne itself as well as the train station (which has a radar key toilet). One cannot use one's disabled travel pass before 9.30 a.m.

Access

As well as the back entrance, the main entrance to the hotel also features steps but there is a wheelchair accessible entrance via the dining room. It is not well signposted, but the staff do tell guests of its existence. The door is often open - and there is a bell to ring if the door is locked. In my experience ringing the bell brings a member of staff promptly and efficiently.

Toilets

The accessible loo is on the ground floor. One has to negotiate a door from the lobby to reach the toilet and a wheelchair user may need to ask for help. It is one of these toilets that are for everyone and not just disabled guests, but it is suitable for most disabled persons. There are grab rails and there is ample space to accommodate a wheelchair as well as a carer.

Staff

Every member of staff I met was unfailingly helpful, kind and interested in me as an individual.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

This hotel is popular with disabled guests. Indeed, 60% of the guests use some sort of walking aid, I was informed. I fully recommend the Bay Burlington and would definitely return.