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Hitchin Priory

Tilehouse Street, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5 2DL

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include 52 en-suite bedrooms, a cocktail bar, gymnasium and 16 meeting and conference rooms.
  • Comments View
    • Hitchin Priory is a 14th Century building and former monastery, set in 19 acres of picturesque parkland.

Location

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

Opening Times

  • The venue is open 24hrs.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • The car park is located at the front and side of the venue.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot booked in advance.
    • There is/are 3 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 390cm x 520cm (12ft 10in x 17ft 1in).
    • The nearest designated bay is 19m (20yd 2ft) from the accessible entrance.
    • The furthest designated bay is 87m (95yd 5in) from the accessible entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user unaided.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • The patron does not have to cross a road.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • Two of the Blue Badge bays are opposite Priory Court where the accessible room is located.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The width of the door opening is 139cm (4ft 7in).
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) both ways.
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
  • Comments View
    • This entrance is for reception and the Atrium. There is no step free access to rooms or other facilities.

Level Change (Main Entrance)

  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located in front of the second entrance door.
  • There is/are 1 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are medium.
  • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are shallow (2cm - 10cm).
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

Outside Access (Accessible Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the side of the building.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
  • Second set of doors View
    • The automatic doors are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The width of the door opening is 93cm (3ft 1in).
  • Comments View
    • This entrance leads to the upper ground floor where the cocktail lounge, The Radcliffe Room, The Delme Room, Library Room, The Adam Room and standard male toilets are situated.

Level Change (Accessible Entrance)

  • There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
  • The ramp or slope is located on the path leading to the entrance.
  • The ramp or slope is permanent.
  • The ramp does have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.
  • The width of the ramp or slope is 110cm (3ft 7in).

Reception

  • The desk/counter is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The desk/counter does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.

Level Change (Reception to Upper Ground Floor)

  • There is a / are step(s) to access this area / service.
  • The step(s) is / are located immediately beyond the main entrance.
  • There is / are 11 step(s) to the area / service.
  • The lighting levels at the steps are medium.
  • The step(s) is / are not clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is / are medium height.
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.

Inside Access

  • There is not level access to the service(s).
  • This venue does play background music.
  • Music is played at various times during events.
  • The lighting levels are varied.

Eating and Drinking (Cocktail Lounge)

  • The following information is for the bar.
  • The bar is located on the upper ground floor.
  • The bar does not serve food.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the accessible entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 64cm (2ft 1in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 65cm (2ft 2in).
  • The standard height for tables is 64cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are not available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is not available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Children are welcomed in the bar area.

Level Change (Cocktail Lounge)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located leading from the cocktail lounge to the main upper ground corridor.
  • The ramp/slope is portable.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 75cm (2ft 6in).
  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located leading from the cocktail lounge to the main upper ground corridor.
  • There is/are 1 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are medium.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).

Room

  • General Information View
    • The Tourist Board rating is 3 Star.
    • There are 52 rooms in total.
    • There are 18 standard ground floor rooms.
    • There are 33 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 0 adjoining room(s) available for carers.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is level access from an accessible entrance.
    • Some accessible rooms are located in a separate building from the main hotel.
    • There is level access leading to the accessible room in a separate building.
  • Accessible Room View
    • The room number or room name viewed was 51.
    • The width of the door is 74cm.
    • The height of the bed is 65cm.
    • The measurement between the bed base and floor is 15cm (6in).
    • Light switches are within 120cm from floor level.
    • There is not a functional emergency alarm in the room.
    • No emergency alarm is fitted in the room.
    • An adjoining room is not available.
    • Assistance dogs are welcomed to stay with guests in accessible rooms.
  • Accessible Ensuite View
    • The width of the door to the ensuite is 79cm (2ft 7in).
    • The door opens by sliding.
    • The door weight is light.
    • The door is locked by a sliding bolt.
    • The dimensions of the accessible ensuite are 190cm x 240cm (6ft 3in x 7ft 10in).
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 35cm (1ft 2in).
    • 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 41cm (1ft 4in) above floor level.
    • 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 in height.
    • There is a sink.
    • The sink cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the sink is 79cm (2ft 7in).
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap for the sink.
    • There is not a functional emergency alarm available in the ensuite.
    • No emergency alarm is fitted in the ensuite.
    • Disposal facilities are not available.
    • There are mirrors.
    • Mirrors are 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 lever.
    • The shower seat is flip-down.
    • The flip down or fixed seat height is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • 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 poor.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal hotel room door and wall is poor.
    • The colour contrast between the external ensuite door and wall is poor.
    • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Colour contrast and lighting in accessible ensuite View
    • The colour contrast between the internal ensuite door and wall is poor.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor in the ensuite is good.
    • The colour contrast between the drop down rails and wall is poor.
    • The colour contrast between the grab rails and wall is poor.
    • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Auxiliary Aids - General View
    • Some hotel rooms have no auxiliary aids for people with sensory impairments.
    • The hotel does not provide other auxiliary aids for people with mobility impairments.
    • 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 standard rooms on the ground floor.
  • Standard Rooms on Other Floors View
    • There are standard rooms on other floors.
    • The other floors cannot be accessed by lift.
  • Comments View
    • The accessible room is located in Priory Court.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1-2.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on the left going up.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Other View
    • The area(s)/service(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are meeting, conference rooms and bedrooms.
  • Comments View
    • There are several staircases within Hitchin Priory leading to other floors.

Fitness Suite (Gymnasium)

  • Access to Fitness Suite View
    • The fitness suite is located in Priory Court.
    • The fitness suite is 52m (56yd 2ft) from the accessible entrance.
    • There is not step free access to the fitness suite.
    • There are doors into the fitness suite.
    • The doors open towards you (pull).
    • The doors are single.
    • The doors are heavy.
    • The opening is 83cm wide.
  • Fitness Suite (General) View
    • Staff receive no training in assisting disabled people.
    • A portable hearing loop is not available for induction.
    • There is clear manoeuvring space between equipment.
    • There is level access to all of the equipment.

Level Change (Gymnasium)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp or slope is located in front of the entrance.

Standard Changing Room (Gymnasium)

  • There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 51m (55yd 2ft) from the accessible entrance.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the gymnasium.
  • The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located in the gymnasium.
  • There is level access to the standard changing room(s).
  • Shower facilities are available within the changing room(s).
  • There is not level access to the shower facilities.
  • The shower cubicle(s) / area is / are accessed via a medium step.

Accessible Toilet (Ambulant)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) within this venue designated for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 54m (59yd 2in) from the accessible entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located in the gymnasium.
    • There is not level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex 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 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 147cm x 197cm (4ft 10in x 6ft 6in).
    • There is 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 78cm (2ft 7in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is twist/turn.
    • There is not a mixer tap.
    • There is not an emergency alarm.
    • Disposal facilities are not available in the cubicle.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
    • 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 not a mirror.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is fair.
    • There is a medium 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 bright.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
    • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located off the upper ground main corridor.
    • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 31m (33yd 2ft) from the accessible entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is not level access to the female toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located off the upper ground main corridor.
    • The male toilet(s) is/are 17m (18yd 1ft) from the accessible entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is not level access to the male toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Comments View
    • There are also standard toilets on the first floor and in the gymnasium.

Level Change (Female Toilets)

  • There is a / are step(s) to access this area / service.
  • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
  • There is / are 7 step(s) to the area / service.
  • The lighting levels at the steps are medium.
  • The step(s) is / are not clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is / are medium height.
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The handrails are on the left going up.

Additional Info

  • Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Documents are not available in Braille.
  • Documents can be requested in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.