Overview

I attended for a work Xmas Party. The hotel Coombe Abbey was reasonably accessible. I struggled to get across the cobbled moat bridge in my self propelled chair. It was very uneven and gaps between cobbles. My castors got stuck so I got out and walked/pushed it. I could not see a bell on the ramp entrance. I did not want to get stuck on the steep ramp waiting. I was not clear how to get in. The main regular entrance has a 15" single step. There was lots of ramps everywhere, and often more than one entrance to rooms. There was really thick pile carpet too which added to my work out. However I could get about fine, it was just tiring 😆 The lift was broken but luckily I had requested a ground floor room. I was told there were accessible rooms on the 1st floor but check the lift is working before you arrive as this is needed to other parts of the hotel. My bed was VERY high so I had to ask for step stool up. But it was not an accessible room and I knew that. I was lucky that I was ambulant and could climb the stairs into the bed, as the lift was out of order to the accessible rooms. However one of my colleagues said that their bed was really low. Every room was unique. As the lift was broken a staff member escorted me thru the maze to exit outside and enter the tea room from outside ramp (instead of inside lift). This was fine as a backup. The Xmas dinner was so delicious. The breakfast buffet was equally yummy. Good quality food products. I think electric chairs or a hand bike would be easier. Some places had tight turning circles for a scooter. Some door ways were only just big enough for my self propelled chair, but it was a maze with more than one entrance. I was there for Xmas dinner so did not explore in full. The staff were lovely and welcoming and took my requests in their stride. The staff were opening doors for me without asking. When I went in direction of breakfast buffet, I didn't need to ask for help, a guy appeared and asked if I needed help. It just made things easier to not keep asking. I would call to find out about the accessible rooms to make sure lift is working. They said you can get dropped off at front door to avoid cobbles. It's quite uneven paving for those with walking difficulties and big. The blue badge parking is a distance away so a drop off by someone who can then park up would work better. I would take reception number so you can call when outside to open the ramp door. There was at least one disabled toilet. It was not the biggest and I could not turn and I had to reverse out. The ladies general toilet was upstairs so I continually had to wait to use it as staff and other guests used it all night as it was nearer. It was a lovely medieval venue which made it all worth it. I treated it as an adventure and to focus on the positives. It was a tiring venue but such a beautiful and interesting venue. It was once in a lifetime type of venue. One night was enough for me as it was physically tiring but worth it.

Transport & Parking

Blue badge spaces are a distance away

Access

Ramps throughout the hotel. Well thought through. I could access entire hotel. Sometimes had to take a longer route from A to B but it let me see this magnificent building. The stair lift was broken so I cannot give 5 stars. It's not an elevator floor lift, but a roll on cage lift for stairs. I would use an electric wheelchair or handbike if I went again. It would be less tiring. I would not take my elec scooter as the turning circles and space in tea room was not big enough in my opinion.

Toilets

Not big enough. Did the minimum job. Were clean. Two staff members used while I waited. Other ladies using it as it was nearer There is a disabled toilet photo by another person who reviewed the hotel as a day visit.

Staff

Great customer service and intuitive and experienced at helping disabled guests. No awkwardness, just another guest. Opening doors and chit chatting. Felt very welcome and looked after.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

Was sanitiser at reception