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ABode Chester

Grosvenor Road, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2DJ

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Access Guide

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Accommodation Overview

  • About View
    • This is a four star hotel offering a warm welcome in the heart of the city, complemented by exceptional Brasserie style dining and a relaxed, sophisticated design. A hotel gym is available for use of hotel guests.
    • There are 85 bedrooms in total.
    • There is step-free level access to all bedrooms.
    • There are 4 bedrooms with adaptations.
    • None of the bedrooms with adaptations have adjoining rooms.
    • All bedrooms with adaptations have an ensuite with a wheel-in shower.
    • Only assistance dogs are welcomed at this venue.
    • Shared facilities include: toilets.
  • Parking and Public Transport View
  • Getting In and Around View
    • There is step-free access via a very easy slope at the most accessible entrance.
    • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas, this may include the use of a lift.
    • The following areas have stepped access: some seating in the far left corner after entering the ground floor bar, and access to some seating in the Brasserie on the fifth floor.
    • Access throughout may include manual doors and doors permanently held open.
    • Floors -2, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 can be accessed via a standard lift and stairs.
  • Getting Help and Assistance View
    • There is seating available.
    • There is a fixed hearing assistance system.
    • You can borrow or hire the following equipment: vibrating pillows, bath mats, shower chairs and commodes.
    • The alternative formats documents can be provided in include: Braille (on request) and large print.
    • There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
    • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
    • Staff receive the following training: disability and discrimination awareness training.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There are 2 toilets with adaptations.
    • Toilets with adaptations are located on the ground floor near the hotel lobby and on the 5th floor near the Brasserie.
    • All toilets with adaptations have a right hand transfer space.
    • The male and female step-free toilet facilities are located on the ground floor near the hotel lobby and on the 5th floor near the Brasserie.
  • Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
    • Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the toilets with adaptations.

Parking

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located beneath the hotel, accessed via Nicholas Street.
    • The car park is underground.
    • The car park surface consists of concrete.
    • The height of the restriction barrier is 410cm.
    • There are 3 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 350cm (width) x 510cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone only at the rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 140cm.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
    • The nearest designated bay is 14m from the car park entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has step-free level access and manual doors.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

Entrance (Main Entrance)

  • This entrance is located at the front of the hotel, to the left of the revolving doors.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via a very easy slope at the entrance.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • There is a push pad at a height of 105cm.
  • The width of the opening is 160cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 94cm.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Entrance (Car Park)

  • This entrance is located near the Blue Badge bays in the car park.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There is a single manual door at this entrance.
  • The door opens away from you.
  • The width of the opening is 99cm.
  • The door has a high visual contrast.

Lift (Car Park)

  • The lift surveyed is located beyond the entrance from the car park.
  • The distance from the car park entrance is 6m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • Floors -2, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a high visual contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The external lift control buttons have a low visual contrast.
  • The majority of the external controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 90cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 157cm (width) x 139cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a high visual contrast.
  • The majority of the internal controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing and a visual floor indicator.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • The lift has a card reader that gives access to floors above reception level.

Stairs (Car Park)

  • The stairs surveyed are located beyond the entrance from the car park.
  • There is a single manual door to access the stairwell.
  • Floors -2, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 20+ steps between floors.
  • The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 17cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Reception

  • The reception is located ahead as you enter via the main entrance.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 5m.
  • There is step-free level access to reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 118cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the desk.
  • The height of the lowered section is 82cm.
  • The reception has glazed screens.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is background noise in this area.
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
  • Seating available in this area includes: sofas.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.

Getting Around

  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas, this may include the use of a lift.
  • Access throughout may include manual doors and doors permanently held open.
  • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
  • The visual contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high.
  • Some of the walls have a reflective finish.
  • There is background noise in some areas of the venue.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
  • Seating available in the walkways includes: chairs with armrests and chairs without armrests.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

Eating and Drinking (Ground Floor - Bar)

  • Location and Access View
    • The bar is located along the corridor opposite reception.
    • The most accessible route has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
    • There is step-free level access into this area.
    • There are double manual doors with a high visual contrast.
    • One of the doors was locked at the time of the survey.
    • The door opens away from you.
    • The width of the opening is 78cm.
  • Service View
    • This area has a bar where food and drink can be ordered.
    • Full table service is not available.
    • Menus are wall-mounted.
    • The following are available: drinking straws.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Order and Payment View
    • The bar was surveyed.
    • The counter is located on the left as you enter the bar.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 107cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • Seating Area View
    • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
    • The following areas have stepped access: some seating in the far left corner after entering the bar.
    • There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
    • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
    • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
    • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests, sofas, benches and high stools.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: tables, coffee tables and high tables.
    • Some chairs are fixed.
    • The surface height of some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • The clear height under some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the time of day.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located along the right-hand corridor after passing reception.
    • The distance from the main entrance is 18m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 88cm.
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a medium visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 162cm (width) x 228cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 94cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a spatula flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is no vertical grab rail for the toilet.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 55cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 72cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 87cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 87cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a sanitary bin.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 93cm.
    • The walls and floor have a low visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Lift (Main Lift)

  • The lift surveyed is located ahead as you enter the hotel.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 11m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • Floors 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a high visual contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The external lift control buttons have a low visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 90cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 157cm (width) x 138cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a high visual contrast.
  • Some of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing, a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
  • There are other lifts available at this location which are of a similar size.

Gym (First Floor)

  • The gym is located on the first floor, opposite the main lift.
  • There is step-free level access into the gym.
  • There are double manual doors with a low visual contrast.
  • One of the doors was locked at the time of the survey.
  • The locked door can be opened on request .
  • The door opens away from you.
  • The width of the opening is 85cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout.
  • There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • The gym is not staffed.
  • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • There is not clear manoeuvring space between equipment (150cm x 150cm).
  • Equipment includes free weights, cable resistance machines and arm cycles.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

Eating and Drinking (Fifth Floor - Brasserie)

  • Location and Access View
    • The Brasserie is located on the fifth floor, opposite the main lifts.
    • The most accessible route has manual doors.
    • There is step-free level access into this area.
    • There are double manual doors with a low visual contrast.
    • The doors open away from you.
    • The width of the opening is 170cm.
  • Service View
    • This area has a bar where drinks can be ordered, staff who can provide assistance with ordering and numerous seating options.
    • Full table service is available.
    • Menus are handheld.
    • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, dairy free, lactose free, nut allergy, vegetarian and vegan.
    • The following are available: drinking straws.
    • There is a fixed hearing assistance system which is not clearly signed.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested, however it was not working at the time of the survey.
  • Order and Payment View
    • The bar was surveyed.
    • The counter is located on the right after entering.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 111cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
    • The counter has mirrors.
  • Seating Area View
    • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
    • The following areas have stepped access: access to some seating.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
    • Some flooring is shiny.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests, armchairs, sofas, benches and stools.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
    • Some chairs are fixed.
    • The surface height of some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • The clear height under some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • There is background noise in this area.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Counter (Fifth Floor - Brasserie Welcome Counter)

  • The counter is located on the left as you enter the Brasserie.
  • The distance from the Brasserie entrance is 3m.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 112cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
  • There is a fixed hearing assistance system which is not clearly signed.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested, however it was not working at the time of the survey.
  • There is background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Bedroom and Ensuite with Adaptations (Room 421)

  • Bedroom Access View
    • The bedroom surveyed is located on the fourth floor, along the right-hand corridor after exiting the lift.
    • The distance from the lift is 13m.
    • The most accessible route to the bedroom has step-free level access and manual doors.
    • There is step-free level access into the bedroom.
    • There is numbered signage on or near the door.
    • There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 100cm.
    • The door opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm.
  • Bedroom Features View
    • The bedroom has a super king bed which can be split into two singles.
    • The top of the mattress is 55cm from the floor.
    • The space under the bed is 11cm from the floor.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre next to the bed (150cm x 150cm).
    • The following is available in this bedroom: a chair without armrests, a desk and a TV with subtitles.
    • There is no emergency alarm.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
    • This bedroom does not have an adjoining room.
  • Ensuite Access View
    • There is step-free level access into the ensuite.
    • The ensuite door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening to the ensuite is 90cm.
    • Internally the door has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a medium visual contrast.
  • Ensuite Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the ensuite are 263cm (width) x 249cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet.
    • The lateral transfer space is 136cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a lever flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has varying visual contrasts.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 47cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 50cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 74cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a low visual contrast.
    • There is a soap dispenser, however it is not wall mounted.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The ensuite has a pedal bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 105cm and 140cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
    • The ensuite has a wheel-in shower.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the shower (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
    • The shower controls are lever mixer.
    • There is a flip-down shower seat.
    • The shower seat is 55cm from the floor.
    • There are grab rails and dropdown rails for the shower.
    • The shower grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • The shower dropdown rails have a high visual contrast.

Standard Ensuite (Room 421)

  • There is step-free level access into the ensuite.
  • The ensuite door opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
  • The width of the door opening is 67cm.
  • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
  • The dimensions of the ensuite are 179cm (width) x 171cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is not a lateral transfer space next to the toilet.
  • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder, a wash basin, a soap dispenser and a hand towel available.
  • The wash basin has a twist turn mixer tap.
  • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
  • Additional features include: a mirror and a coat hook.
  • The ensuite has a pedal bin.
  • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
  • The ensuite has a shower with a step.
  • There is a fixed height shower head.
  • The shower controls are twist turn mixer.
  • There is no shower seat.