Access Guide
Accommodation Overview
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About
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- 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.
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Parking and Public Transport
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- The venue has its own car park, with Blue Badge parking available.
- The nearest step-free train station is Chester.
- The nearest bus station is Chester Interchange.
- For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Traveline (opens new tab).
- View information on getting here (opens new tab) .
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Getting In and Around
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- 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.
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Getting Help and Assistance
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- 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
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Toilet Facilities
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- 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.
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Changing Places and Changing Facilities
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- Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the toilets with adaptations.
Parking
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Car Park
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- 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.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- Parking is not free for all users.
- Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
- Clearly presented parking signs are available.
- View information on parking policies/charges (opens new tab).
- Payment for parking should be made at reception.
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Drop-off Point
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- 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)
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Location and Access
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- 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.
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Service
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- 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.
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Order and Payment
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- 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.
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Seating Area
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- 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)
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Location and Access
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- 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.
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Dimensions and Features
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- 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)
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Location and Access
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- 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.
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Service
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- 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.
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Order and Payment
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- 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.
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Seating Area
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- 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)
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Bedroom Access
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- 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.
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Bedroom Features
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- 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.
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Ensuite Access
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- 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.
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Ensuite Dimensions and Features
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- 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.
