Overview

1st good point - amazingly easy to get to! We travelled down from Scotland to go to a show at the NEC, it was literally 2 min drive from the M6. We arrived around 7pm (total nightmare of a delay on the M6), and was sad to find that all 6 disabled spaces were already taken (not a blue badge in site) so we had to park over in the shopping centre car park instead. Although we still got free parking - you just give your reg number to reception. First impressions in the reception area and bar were good, very modern, clean & calm. The receptionist Matthew (training to be a supervisor) was lovely, very chatty and seemed genuinely interested in us. I was a little hangry by then so we went straight for food before going to the room. The bar area was nice, staff super attentive. Menu not so great, very basic options and a bit expensive, but I guess that's what happens in these places. Food was meh, nothing bad but just not exciting, my chicken wrap was super cold and tough like it had been made in advance and left in a fridge. The receptionist had suggested we go for dinner in the shopping centre next door - so maybe he knew this already! When I enquired about their accessible room I was dismayed that they didn't offer twin beds, only king ones. I travel with my dad and sharing a bed is definitely not an option! When I explained my situation they offered a second adjoining room for free - that was a surprise and nice touch. On arrival at the room I had my usual issue I can't open the door from my wheelchair. Have been places that have auto openers and they are amazing. Dad got me in and then the issues became apparent. This was a normal room with some haphazard hand rails and pull cords installed. The side of the bed with the pull cord (which didn't reach the floor) was only about 1 foot away from the wall, no way a wheelchair would fit down it. Even for me who can walk I couldn't use that side as getting up was impossible against the wall. Next issue was the space between the dressing table and bed, I managed to squeeze my wheelchair through but it was tight and my dad had to move the computer chair first. There was a good amount of space on that side of the bed to leave my wheelchair and still use the comfy chairs. My biggest issue was in the bathroom. I had asked about the height of the toilet in advance and was told it was a standard toilet - hence I brought my own seat raiser as they didn't provide these. Unfortunately the hand rails were squeezed into the space on the wall beside the door and were much too short. Luckily I am pretty steady on my feet and could cope. However they had raised the toilet room holder so high to fit the rail in I had to use the spare roll and hold it the whole time I was on the loo. I also couldn't shower as it was over a bath, with no nonslip mat or many handrails. I in fact couldn't get my legs over the side of the bath anyways. I wasn't made aware of this despite asking in advance. Also the red pull cords didn't reach the floor and was located in corners. The general upkeep of the room and bathroom was poor, the bath panel was warped and peeling, parts of the carpet were worn and fraying. Though it was insanely clean - that I can't fault. As we were there to go to the NEC which was less than 5 min walk past a lovely lake away it was convenient. A large shopping centre with Imax cinema, bowling and lots of restaurants was literally next door as well.

Transport & Parking

Easy access from the M6 by car. Should have plenty disabled parking if others don't use it!

Access

Level access from the car park, wide communal areas and lovely staff to help. Lifts were of a decent size and seemed reliable. Receptionist checked with me at check in about my needs should there be a fire, and noted that they would come and check on my if the alarm went off.

Toilets

Poor - toilet too low, handrails in awkward places, bath inaccessible to a wheelchair used or anyone with poor balance.

Staff

Couldn't fault any of them, super lovely and helpful at all times.