Overview

This review is of the Seal Bar within the hotel and not other facilities. I hope to be able to add more about the other facilities at a later date. I had a bit of a negative start to my visit to the Marine Hotel in Troon which is part of the #marineandlawn group. I parked in the first and only disabled parking spot that I came across outside the main entrance, which is to the back (the sea side) of the building. I was pleased to see that there was ramped access to the main door which was up a flight of steps, however, when I made my way over with Morse it was far too steep to manage independently in my self-propelled Kushell Compact and I was on my own. So I was glad to see a wheelchair sign on the wall next to a doorbell saying "ring for assistance" which I duly did. Several times. After 10 minutes of sitting in my wheelchair in the bitterly cold wind, I phoned reception who were concerned to hear that I had been sitting outside waiting, and surmising that the bell must be broken, said they would dispatch someone to assist me. Which I assumed would be straight away. However as my old Sergeant used to say, never assume anything because it makes an ass out u and me (readers I'm hoping that you get this play on words), because 10 minutes later I was still waiting. Eventually, a member of staff came down to help me and he was more than happy to push me up the ramp with Morse in tow. It must have been quite funny to watch the scene unfold as Morse was very confused as to who he should be walking next to so proceeded to wrap his lead around me and our helper before deciding that he didn't like the feel of the coir doormats and refused to walk over them causing a second member of staff to come and assist. I was duly wheeled into the reception area through one of two side doors which are on either side of the revolving door, and the entire way on to the bar area making sure that I got to a seat without any problems. I couldn't have asked for more, from this gentleman who was a real credit to the hotel for everything he helped with during my visit. In fact, all the staff I dealt with were more than happy to oblige in any way they possibly could, and they very much had a can-do attitude. As soon as I was seated one of the waitresses brought over a lunch and drinks menu, returning after a few minutes to take my order. I was really pleased that they had decaffeinated tea, which not many places do as unfortunately, I can't tolerate caffeine. The tea was served in a teapot, with a large cup and saucer, sugar cubes in a bowl, and a jug of milk. There was enough tea in the pot for several cups, and the slice of carrot cake I ordered was more like a slab!! Talk about value for money, as I ended up having to get a doggy bag to take the uneaten remainder of my cake home. Once I was ready to leave the bill was brought to me and I settled up. Self-propelling my way out of the bar into the reception I met our helper from earlier who asked if I needed the toilet. Actually, I did and I was keen to have a nosey. So he showed us to the disabled toilet, opened the door for me and offered to help me in, and then asked if he could mind Morse for me which was fine by me. He then helped me back out to my car with a colleague who held onto my chair as he was concerned that the steepness of the ramp could cause me to lose control and crash. Once we got to my car they happily put my wheelchair in the boot whilst I put Morse on the back seat, and then offered their help to me getting in which was very kind of them to ask. I have found that some people just take over and do everything for you rather than asking if that is what you want or need, so it was refreshing to be asked, which allowed me to remain in control and maintain some dignity over the situation. Before saying our goodbyes, the gentlemen gave me details of where to access the wheelchair-accessible entrance, which was at the opposite side of the hotel at the health and leisure entrance, which had its own car park when I drove past on my way out I noted had a disabled parking space. I pointed out to the gentlemen that there needed to be a sign advertising this entrance otherwise how are we to know about it. Despite the popularity of the bar area, it's relaxed atmosphere, soothing music playing quietly in the background, plush comfortable furnishings, and the seating groups etc helped me to relax and just enjoy being in the moment, something I struggle to do. The seating groups were spaced sufficiently apart to allow me room to go past in my wheelchair without people having to move chairs in, which I always find embarrassing and makes me feel like I need to apologise for daring to be in a wheelchair this space also minimised the risk of tripping hazards for anyone who has a sight impairment. There was also room to allow me to keep my wheelchair with me once I transferred onto the sofa. The room is lavishly decorated, and some of the wallpaper is very busy which some people might find very distracting. There is a combination of chairs, sofas and seats built into the wall behind tables. I noted that many of the chairs had armrests which are useful to anyone who needs something to steady themselves when they stand. In all despite the bad start to my visit, I am looking forward to returning in the near future.

Transport & Parking

I drove here, there is plenty of standard parking on the grounds and some street parking nearby. For anyone on public transport, I did notice a bus stop about 50 metres away, Troon also has a rail station with regular service to Glasgow however you would need to get a taxi from the station. Disabled parking is minimal nor is it easy to find, I noted 2 spaces but there may have been more in the larger car park.

Access

The main entrance is up a flight of stone steps which has metal railings should you need to hold on to something for support. As I mentioned previously the ramp is not accessible for anyone in a wheelchair unless you have someone to push you or have a power attachment. The bell to request assistance is out of order, and there was no sign directing you to the Health and Leisure entrance at the other side of the hotel which was wheelchair accessible. I was told that the hotel was working on improving the main entrance having changed hands last year, I hope this means that there will be a wheelchair lift to the main entrance as I can't help but feel like a second-class customer having to enter through the leisure entrance. There are lifts in the hotel should you need to access other floors. This is an old building so expect the layout to be spread out along long corridors. Whilst there was a sign to the Seal bar area above the entrance, I did not see any signs directing you to the toilets and elsewhere however as this was my first visit so I may have been too preoccupied to notice. The menus were easy enough to read for someone without sight problems, but I did not see any easier-to-read menus or picture menus.

Toilets

The toilet was not easy to find you need to ask for directions. It should be noted that the hotel has tried hard to make the toilet have the same things that would be enjoyed in the other toilets, by providing a small lamp table with tissues and hand cloths. Unfortunately, this limits the size of the turning circle in the toilet, and whilst I could just about manage it in my compact wheelchair people in larger wheelchairs, power chairs, or mobility scooters will not be able to turn around and will have to reverse out of the toilet. The door opens out into the corridor and there is plenty of room in the corridor for you to make any necessary turns to get through the door. The door handle and lock are easy to use for anyone who has fine dexterity difficulties. The toilet is straight in front of you as you enter and has a drop-down hand-rail and a wall-mounted hand rail. It was good to see an emergency cord which went all the way to the floor. There is also a wall mounted baby changing table that folds up onto the wall. The sink is at wheelchair height with a mirror above and there is the option of using the wall mounted hand dryer or hand cloths that are provided in a basket on the table in there.

Staff

The staff I met were fantastic as I mentioned earlier they had a can-do attitude and were keen to make my visit as enjoyable as possible. From start to finish, nothing was too much, they were able to pre-empt some of the problems I would have in my wheelchair but were also very respectful to not just take over explaining the issue first so I understood why they were intervening. Unfortunately, I can't remember the name of the gentleman who mostly helped me to give him credit however he had a soft Geordie accent, so if anyone reading this comes across him, you are in excellent hands. The real proof in the pudding will be whether my comments with regards to the accessible entrance not being signposted get fed back to management and are acted upon. This will demonstrate whether the hotel is open to receiving constructive criticism and making improvements to benefit the customers bringing in the “purple pounds”.

Photos