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Sofitel London Gatwick

North Terminal, London Gatwick Airport, Crawley, West Sussex, RH6 0PH

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Access Guide

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Location

  • There is not a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Gatwick Airport.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is not free for all users.
    • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
    • For 4 nights there is a £22.50 per night parking charge, and for more than 4 nights the charge is £15.00 per night.
    • The car park type is multi storey.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders can booked in advance.
    • There is/are 5 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 290cm x 410cm (9ft 6in x 13ft 5in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 38m (41yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 56m (61yd 9in) from the main entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user unaided.
    • The car park surface is concrete.
    • There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is a designated drop off point.
    • The drop off point is located in front of the main entrance.
    • There is a dropped kerb from the drop off point.
    • There is tactile paving on the dropped kerb.

Outside Access (Drop Off Point)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the venue.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is / are single.
  • The width of the door opening is 90cm (2ft 11in).

Level Change (Drop Off Point)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 520cm (17ft 1in).

Entrance (Link Bridge to North Terminal)

  • This information is for the entrance located after the link bridge from the North terminal.
  • Entrance View
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 160cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 182cm.
  • Comments View
    • There is a long slope on a very easy incline along the link bridge.

Reception

  • The desk/counter is 15m (16yd 1ft) from the lift.
  • There is not level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is high (110cm+).
  • The desk/counter does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested on 12/10/2023.
  • The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
  • Comments View
    • Reception is open 24 hours a day.
    • There is an express checkout key drop slot 118cm above the floor.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The system is a portable loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested on 12/10/2023.
  • The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
  • This venue does play background music.
  • Music is played quietly in the background on the podium floor and in the restaurants.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are good.

Eating and Drinking (le petit reveur)

  • The following information is for the restaurant.
  • The restaurant is located on the left of the main atrium when facing away from reception.
  • The bar does serve food.
  • Full table service is available.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the entrance off the main atrium.
  • The standard height for tables is 70cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Menus are hand held only.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not available in large print.
  • Picture menus are available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is an a la carté menu.

Access Point (Vivre)

  • Access Point View
    • This information is for the access point located off the main hotel atrium.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this access point.
    • There is no gate at this access point.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the rear right of the restaurant.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located off the main hotel atrium.
    • There is/are 1 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 21cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

Eating and Drinking (Vivre)

  • The following information is for the restaurant.
  • The restaurant is located on the left of the main atrium when facing away from reception.
  • The bar does serve food.
  • Full table service is available.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the from the ramped access point.
  • The standard height for tables is 73cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Menus are hand held only.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not available in large print.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is an a la carté menu.

Access Point (La Terasse Bar and Lounge)

  • Access Point View
    • This information is for the access point located to the rear of the main hotel atrium, on the left and right hand sides of the restauarant.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this access point.
    • There is no gate at this access point.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the left of the restaurant.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located to the right of the restaurant.
    • There is/are 1 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 18cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

Eating and Drinking (La Terasse Bar and Lounge)

  • The following information is for the restaurant.
  • The restaurant is located to the rear of the atrium facing away from reception.
  • The bar does serve food.
  • Full table service is available.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • All chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the from the ramped access point.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 42cm (1ft 5in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 86cm (2ft 10in).
  • The standard height for tables is 63cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Menus are hand held only.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not available in large print.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is an a la carté menu.
  • Comments View
    • There is additional seating within the main atrium.
    • Table service remains available at seating within the atrium.
    • There is step-free access within the atrium.

Lift (Right)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the right of the main atrium on the podium floor (reception).
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, P, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 40m (43yd 2ft) from the entrance to the link bridge on the podium floor (reception).
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 106cm (3ft 6in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 127cm x 193cm (4ft 2in x 6ft 4in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift controls are within 80cm - 115cm from the floor.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is low to moderate.
  • Comments View
    • The lift is 26m from the escalator on the podium floor (reception).
    • The lift is 36m from the drop off point entrance on the ground floor.
    • There are 2 adjacent lifts within the lift lobby.

Lift (Left)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the left off the main atrium on the podium floor (reception).
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are P, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 48m (52yd 1ft) from the entrance to the link bridge on the podium floor (reception).
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 107cm (3ft 6in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 127cm x 193cm (4ft 2in x 6ft 4in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift controls are within 80cm - 115cm from the floor.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is low to moderate.
  • Comments View
    • The lift is 26m from the escalator on the podium floor (reception).
    • There are 2 adjacent lifts within the lift lobby.
    • These lifts do not access the ground floor/drop off entrance.

Other Floors (Ground Floor to Reception)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G and P.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are low to moderate.
  • Escalators View
    • Escalator(s) can be used to access other floors.
    • The floors which are accessible by escalator are G and P.
    • The escalators steps are not clearly marked.
    • The foot and head of the escalators are not clearly marked.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • The stairs and escalator provide access between the drop off entrance and the podium floor (reception).

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG, G, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Room (181 First Floor)

  • General Information View
    • The Tourist Board rating is 4 Star Luxury.
    • There are 518 rooms in total.
    • There are 0 standard ground floor rooms.
    • There are 517 standard rooms on other floors.
  • Accessible Rooms View
    • There are accessible ensuite facilities.
    • There is / are 1 room(s) which has / have accessible ensuite facilities.
    • There is / are 1 adjoining room(s) available for carers.
  • Location and Access View
    • The accessible room viewed is 59m (64yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • There is level access from an accessible entrance.
    • This is by lift.
    • No accessible rooms are located in a separate building from the main hotel.
  • Accessible Room View
    • The room number or room name viewed was 181.
    • The width of the door is 76cm.
    • The height of the bed is 62cm.
    • The measurement between the bed base and floor is 5cm (2in).
    • Light switches are within 120cm from floor level.
    • There is a functional emergency alarm in the room.
    • An adjoining room is available.
    • Assistance dogs are welcomed to stay with guests in accessible rooms.
  • Accessible Ensuite View
    • The width of the door to the ensuite is 75cm (2ft 6in).
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The dimensions of the accessible ensuite are 260cm x 310cm (8ft 6in x 10ft 2in).
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 196cm (6ft 5in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is not a flush on the transfer side.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are not available for the toilet.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm (1ft 7in) above floor level.
    • There is not a toilet roll holder.
    • There is a sink.
    • The sink cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the sink is 75cm (2ft 6in).
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap for the sink.
    • There is a functional emergency alarm available in the ensuite.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • There are mirrors.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
  • Bath and Shower View
    • There is not a bath.
  • Wheel In Shower View
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower head is adjustable.
    • The shower control type is twist/turn.
    • The shower seat is flip-down.
    • The flip-down or fixed seat height is 51cm (1ft 8in).
    • There are handrails available for the shower.
  • Signage, colour contrast and lighting in accessible rooms View
    • There is no additional signage on or near the hotel door.
    • The colour contrast between the external hotel room door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal hotel room door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the external ensuite door and wall is good.
    • Lighting levels in the room are varied.
  • Colour contrast and lighting in accessible ensuite View
    • The colour contrast between the internal ensuite door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor in the ensuite is fair.
    • The colour contrast between the dropdown rails and wall is fair.
    • The colour contrast between the grab rails and wall is fair.
    • Lighting levels in the ensuite are moderate to good.
  • Auxiliary Aids - General View
    • Some hotel rooms have auxiliary aids for people with sensory impairments.
    • Flashing fire alarms are in rooms.
    • Vibrating fire alarms are available from reception.
    • The hotel does not provide other auxiliary aids for people with mobility impairments.
    • Assistance dogs are welcome to stay with guests in rooms.
    • The number of accessible rooms with baths is 0.
    • The number of accessible rooms with wheel in showers is 1.
  • Ground Floor Standard Rooms View
    • There are not standard rooms on the ground floor.
  • Standard Rooms on Other Floors View
    • There are standard rooms on other floors.
    • The other floors can be accessed by lift.
    • Adjoining rooms are available.
  • Comments View
    • There are 29 pairs of adjoined standard rooms.

Accessible Toilet (Left Hand Transfer Podium Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is tactile and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the entrance to the link bridge.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the podium floor, near the entrance to the link bridge. The accessible toilet is 20m from the escalator.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 200cm x 160cm (6ft 7in x 5ft 3in).
    • There is not sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 137cm (4ft 6in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary and waste paper pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 118cm and 171cm from the floor.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the right.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 75cm (2ft 6in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located in the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 93cm (3ft 1in).

Standard Toilet(s) (Podium Floor)

  • Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
    • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the podium floor, near the entrance to the link bridge.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the from the entrance to the link bridge.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
    • Lighting levels in the female and male toilets are good.

Additional Info

  • Documents are not available in Braille.
  • Documents are not available in large print.
  • A bowl of water cannot be provided for an assistance dog.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
  • This service cannot be requested.