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Access Guide

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Accommodation Overview

  • About View
    • There are 270 bedrooms in total.
    • There is step-free level access to some of the bedrooms.
    • There are more than 10 bedrooms with adaptations.
    • There is step-free level access to all bedrooms with adaptations.
    • None of the bedrooms with adaptations have adjoining rooms.
    • All bedrooms with adaptations have an ensuite with a wheel-in shower.
    • 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, this may include the use of a lift.
    • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the toilet with adaptations by Whitworth 1.
    • The following areas have stepped access: the reception lobby to the ground floor corridor (7 steps), the Whitworth area (3 steps), the Post Room (3 steps) and access to the Refuge Bar (11 steps).
      The steps can be bypassed by taking the reception lift either directly to the mezzanine floor to access the Post Room or to the first floor and following the corridor to the relevant lift.
    • Access throughout may include manual doors.
    • Floors B, LG, G, M, 1, 2, 3 and 4 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.
    • There is not a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
    • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
  • Related Access Guides View

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There are 2 toilets with adaptations.
    • Toilets with adaptations are located near the Refuge Restaurant and within the gym.
    • All toilets with adaptations have a right hand transfer space.
    • The male and female step-free toilet facilities are located opposite the Refuge Restaurant.
  • Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
    • Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the toilet with adaptations near the Refuge Restaurant.
  • Washroom and Shower Facilities View
    • The shower facilities which have adaptations are located in the toilet with adaptations within the gym.

Parking

  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is a designated drop-off point available.
    • The designated drop-off point is located in front of the main entrance.
    • There is no dropped kerb from the drop-off point.

Entrance (Main)

  • This entrance is located at the front of the hotel on Oxford Street.
  • 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 90cm.
  • The width of the opening is 188cm.
  • The doors have a high visual contrast.

Reception

  • The reception is located ahead from the main entrance.
  • The distance from the entrance is 10m.
  • There is step-free level access to reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 115cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the desk.
  • There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
  • There is background noise in this area.
  • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
  • 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: armchairs and benches.
  • Some chairs are fixed.

Counter (Digital Concierge)

  • The counter is located to the right of reception.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 10m.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 115cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the counter.
  • The height of the lowered section is 76cm.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The height of the touchscreen display ranges from 105cm to 150cm from the floor.
  • There is background noise in this area.
  • Some flooring is patterned.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Getting Around The Building

  • There is step-free access throughout all areas, this may include the use of a lift.
  • The following areas have stepped access, however can be bypassed using an alternative route: the reception lobby to the ground floor corridor (7 steps), the Whitworth area (3 steps), the Post Room (3 steps) and access to the Refuge Bar (11 steps).
    The steps can be bypassed by taking the reception lift either directly to the mezzanine floor to access the Post Room or to the first floor and following the corridor to the relevant lift.
  • There are lifts and stairs in each area of the hotel. These areas include the Clock Tower Building, Whitworth Building and the Refuge Building.
  • Access throughout the building may include doors permanently held open.
  • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
  • There is a low visual contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of walkways.
  • There is background noise in some areas of the venue.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
  • Seating available in resting areas includes: armchairs.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

Lift (Clock Tower Building)

  • The lift surveyed is located to the right of reception.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 10m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • Floors B, LG, G, M, 1, 2, 3 and 4 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 tactile markings and a medium 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 150cm (width) x 150cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a medium visual contrast.
  • Some of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit, a hearing assistance alarm system, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and a list of floor services/facilities.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Stairs (Clock Tower Building)

  • The stairs surveyed are located to the right of reception.
  • Floors LG, G, M, 1, 2, 3 and 4 can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 15 steps between floors.
  • The steps are unmarked and have a handrail on the right going up.
  • The handrail is easy to grip.
  • The handrail covers the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrail does not 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 18cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
  • Additional stairways are located in other areas of the hotel. These areas include the Whitworth Building and the Refuge Building.

Lift (Whitworth Building)

  • The lift surveyed is located on the left side of the hotel in the Whitworth Building.
  • The distance from the clock tower building lift is 100m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access, a lift and manual doors.
  • Floors B, LG, G, 1, 2, 3 and 4 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 tactile markings and a medium visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 92cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 134cm (width) x 140cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a medium 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, a hearing assistance alarm system, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and a list of floor services/facilities.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • There are other lifts available at this location which vary in size.
  • There is step-free access to the lift from the first floor corridor via the reception lift.
    There is a similar lift located to the left of the Whitworth Lift.

Lift (The Refuge Building 1)

  • The lift surveyed is located on the left side of the hotel.
  • The distance from the Refuge entrance is 70m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access, a lift and manual doors.
  • Floors G, 1, 2, 3 and 4 are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a low 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 tactile markings and a medium 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 185cm (width) x 115cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a medium visual contrast.
  • All 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 a list of floor services/facilities.
  • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.

Lift (The Refuge Building 2)

  • The lift surveyed is located at the rear of The Refuge building bar.
  • The distance from the Refuge entrance is 10m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access, a lift, manual doors and automatic doors.
  • Floors G, 1, 2 and 3 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 tactile markings and a medium 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 122cm (width) x 140cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a medium visual contrast.
  • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing, a hearing assistance alarm system, a visual floor indicator and a list of floor services/facilities.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • There is step-free access to the lift from the first floor corridor via the reception lift.

Bedroom and Ensuite with Adaptations (Room 190 - Wheel-in Shower)

  • Bedroom Access View
    • The bedroom surveyed is located on the first floor, to the left after you exit the lift.
    • The distance from the lift is 20m.
    • The most accessible route to the bedroom has a lift and step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the bedroom.
    • There is written text and numbered signage on or near the door.
    • There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 105cm.
    • The door opens inwards and has a low visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 77cm.
  • Bedroom Features View
    • The bedroom has a double bed.
    • The top of the mattress is 73cm from the floor.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre next to the bed (150cm x 150cm).
    • The flooring is patterned.
    • The following is available in this bedroom: an armchair, wardrobes for seated users, bedside plug sockets, a desk and a TV with subtitles.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
    • 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 low visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening to the ensuite is 71cm.
    • Internally the door has a medium visual contrast.
    • There is not a grab rail on the internal door.
  • Ensuite Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the ensuite are 157cm (width) x 255cm (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 92cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a push button flush on top of the cistern.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a medium visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a medium visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a medium 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 medium visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 85cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 72cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a medium 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 is one coat hook.
    • The coat hook is 122cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a low visual contrast.
    • 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 50cm from the floor.
    • There are grab rails and dropdown rails for the shower.
    • The shower grab rail has a medium visual contrast.
    • The shower dropdown rails have a medium visual contrast.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm for the shower within 10cm from the floor.

Eating and Drinking (Post Room)

  • Location and Access View
    • The Post Room is located on the mezzanine floor.
    • The most accessible route has step-free level access and a lift.
  • Service View
    • This area has a bar where drinks can be ordered and designated seating.
    • Full table service is not available.
    • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: lactose free.
    • The following are available: takeaway cups.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Order and Payment View
    • The bar was surveyed.
    • The counter is located at the rear of the room.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 90cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
    • The counter has windows.
  • Seating Area View
    • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
    • 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 and chairs without armrests.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: tables and high tables.
    • 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.

Entrance (The Refuge - External Entrance)

  • This entrance is located on the corner of the Oxford Street and Whitworth Street.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is stepped access at the entrance.
  • There are 5 steps with no handrails.
  • The steps are unmarked.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 17cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
  • There are double manual doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open away from you.
  • The width of the opening is 160cm.
  • The doors have a high visual contrast.
  • There is a second set of double manual doors.
  • The second set of doors open towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 160cm.
  • The second set of doors have a high visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Eating and Drinking (The Refuge - Restaurant)

  • Location and Access View
    • The Refuge is located on the ground floor, on the left side of the hotel.
      There is step-free level access by taking the reception lift to the first floor and then following the corridor to either of The Refuge building lifts.
    • The most accessible route has step-free level access and a lift.
    • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • Service View
    • This area has staff who can provide assistance with ordering.
    • Full table service is available.
    • Menus are handheld and online.
    • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, dairy free, lactose free, nut allergy, vegetarian and vegan.
    • The following are available: takeaway cups.
    • The hearing assistance system is located at the welcome point before entering the restaurant.
  • Seating Area View
    • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
    • Some flooring is patterned.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests, armchairs, sofas, benches and stools.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: tables and coffee 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 low at the time of the survey.

Eating and Drinking (The Refuge - Bar)

  • Location and Access View
    • The Refuge is located on the ground floor, on the left side of the hotel.
      There is step-free level access by taking the reception lift to the first floor and then following the corridor to either of The Refuge building lifts.
    • The most accessible route has step-free level access and a lift.
    • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • Service View
    • This area has a bar where food and drink can be ordered, staff who can provide assistance with ordering and designated seating.
    • Full table service is available on request only.
    • Menus are handheld and online.
    • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, dairy free, lactose free, nut allergy, vegetarian and vegan.
    • The following are available: takeaway cups.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Order and Payment View
    • The bar was surveyed.
    • 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 windows and patterned/distracting backgrounds.
  • Seating Area View
    • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
    • The flooring is patterned.
    • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
    • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests, armchairs, sofas 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.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Toilet with Adaptations (The Refuge - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on the ground floor, near The Refuge Restaurant.
    • The distance from The Refuge lifts is 15m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access, a lift and manual doors.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 90cm.
    • 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 150cm (width) x 230cm (depth) and there is not 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 44cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a push button flush in the centre of the cistern.
    • There is no horizontal grab rail for the toilet.
    • There is no vertical grab rail for the toilet.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The dropdown rails have a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 49cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high 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 85cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can 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 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 104cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer which requires hands to be inserted into the top.
    • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 80cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin, a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There is one coat hook.
    • The coat hook is 155cm from the floor.
    • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 84cm.
    • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Gym

  • The gym is located on the lower ground floor.
  • There is step-free level access via lift into the gym.
  • 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 67cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • The gym is not staffed.
  • The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
  • There is some clear manoeuvring space between equipment (150cm x 150cm).
  • Equipment includes free weights and cable resistance machines.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There may be background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.

Toilet with Adaptations (Gym - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on the lower ground floor within the gym.
    • The distance from the lift is 10m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access, a lift and manual doors.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 93cm.
    • The door has a twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a low visual contrast.
    • There is not a grab rail on the internal door.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 400cm (width) x 250cm (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 110cm (from the side of the toilet pan to the wall).
    • There is a push button flush in the centre of the cistern.
    • 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 a low visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 49cm 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 60cm 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 rail is on the right as you face the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rail has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a low visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 115cm from the floor.
    • There are paper towels for drying hands.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm but it was tied up at the time of the survey.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There is one coat hook.
    • The coat hook is 175cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a low visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
    • There is another wash basin within the toilet, this is 86cm from the floor and has twist turn taps.

Shower with Adaptations (Gym)

  • Access View
    • The shower surveyed is located within the gym toilet with adaptations.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the shower (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a detachable shower head.
    • The shower controls are lever mixer.
    • There is a flip-down shower seat.
    • The shower seat is 50cm from the floor.
    • There are grab rails and a dropdown rail for the shower.
    • The grab rails have a low visual contrast.
    • The dropdown rail has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm for the shower, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.