Access Guide
Accommodation Overview
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About
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- The is a hotel with a restaurant, bars and a health spa.
- There are 105 bedrooms in total.
- There is step-free level access to some of the bedrooms.
- There are 7 bedrooms with adaptations.
- There is step-free level access to some of the bedrooms with adaptations.
- None of the bedrooms with adaptations have adjoining rooms.
- All bedrooms with adaptations have an ensuite with a wheel-in shower.
- 3 bedrooms with adaptations have an ensuite with a bath.
- Dogs are welcomed at this venue.
- Shared facilities include: toilets and a dining room.
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Parking and Public Transport
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- The venue has its own car park.
- The nearest step-free train station is St Annes-on-the-Sea.
- For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Traveline (opens new tab).
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Getting In and Around
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- There is step-free access via ramp at the most accessible entrance.
- The main entrance at the front of the hotel is only accessable via steps.
- There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas, this may include the use of a lift.
- The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the second floor corridors (short steep slopes).
- The following areas have stepped access: the lower floor area in the main bar, ground floor rooms 30-48, 54-56 and 66-68, first floor room 155A, second floor Chimneys and Rooftop Suites, rooms 264-269, 273-287 and the Nivens Health Spa and Swimming Pool.
- Access throughout may include manual doors, doors permanently held open, narrow walkways and narrow openings.
- The basement, ground, first and second floors 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 no hearing assistance system.
- You can borrow or hire the following equipment: mobility scooter charging facilities.
- There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
- There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
Toilet and Changing Facilities
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Toilet Facilities
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- There is 1 toilet with adaptations.
- The toilet with adaptations is located on the ground floor, ahead from the platform lift and to the right before reception.
- The toilet with adaptations has a left hand transfer space.
- The male and female step-free toilet facilities are located on the ground floor, ahead from the platform lift and to the right before reception.
- The male and female step-free toilet facilities are located in the basement, near the ballroom.
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Changing Places and Changing Facilities
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- Standard changing facilities are located on the basement floor.
- Parent and baby changing facilities are located in the toilet with adaptations.
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Washroom and Shower Facilities
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- Standard shower facilities are located on the basement floor, in the changing rooms.
Parking
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Car Park
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- The car park is located to the left side of the hotel.
- The car park is open air/surface.
- The car park surface consists of tarmac.
- There are 2 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
- The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
- The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 225cm (width) x 485cm (depth).
- There is a marked zone to one side but not at the rear.
- The width of the marked zone is 265cm.
- The nearest designated bay is 48m from the accessible entrance.
- The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a steep ramp or slope and manual doors.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- Parking is free for all users.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is not a designated drop-off point available.
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On-street Parking
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- On-street standard parking is available.
Entrance (Accessible)
- This entrance is located to the right side of the hotel.
- 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 ramp at the entrance.
- The ramp has a steep gradient.
- The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide with a handrail on the left going up.
- The ramp bypasses the steps.
- There are 3 steps with 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 steps have some clear markings.
- The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the highest step is 16cm.
- The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
- There is an intercom at a height of 115cm.
- There is a buzzer at a height of 133cm.
- There is a single manual door at this entrance.
- The door opens towards you.
- The width of the opening is 93cm.
- The door has a low 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 176cm.
- The second set of doors have a high visual contrast.
- There is step-free level access via lift as you enter.
- The lift bypasses the steps.
- There are 6 steps with a handrail on the left 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 steps are unmarked.
- The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the highest step is 16cm.
- The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
Lift (Accessible Entrance)
- The lift surveyed is located on the left after the accessible entrance.
- This lift is a platform lift.
- The distance from the accessible entrance is 2m.
- The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
- The lift door has a medium 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 high visual contrast.
- All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The lift door opening width is 88cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 83cm (width) x 140cm (depth).
- The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
- All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The button needs to be pressed constantly when in use.
- Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit.
- Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
- There is a bell to call for staff assistance to activate the lift. The bell is 125cm high.
Reception
- The reception is located on the ground floor, ahead from the platform lift.
- The distance from the platform lift is 15m.
- The most accessible route to reception has doors permanently held open.
- There is step-free level access to reception.
- The height of the reception desk is 112cm.
- There is not a lowered section at the desk.
- The reception has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- There may be background noise in this area.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
- There is some 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.
- Furniture available in this area includes: coffee tables.
Getting Around
- There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas, this may include the use of a lift.
- The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the second floor corridors (short steep slopes).
- The following areas have stepped access: the lower floor area in the main bar, ground floor rooms 30-48, 54-56 and 66-68, first floor room 155A, second floor Chimneys and Rooftop Suites, rooms 264-269, 273-287 and the Nivens Health Spa and Swimming Pool.
- Access throughout may include manual doors, doors permanently held open, narrow walkways and narrow openings.
- Some flooring is patterned.
- The visual contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high.
- There is no (or very little) background noise.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
- The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
- Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
Eating and Drinking (Outside Bar)
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Location and Access
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- The outside bar is located at the front of the hotel.
- The most accessible route has step-free level access.
- There is step-free level access into this area.
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Service
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- This area has a bar where food and drink can be ordered, staff who can provide assistance with ordering and numerous seating options.
- Full table service is available on request only.
- 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 not a hearing assistance system.
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Order and Payment
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- The bar was surveyed.
- The counter is located in the centre of the seating area.
- There is step-free level access to the counter.
- The height of the counter is 116cm.
- There is not a lowered section at the counter.
- The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
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Seating Area
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- The seating area is uncovered.
- There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
- The following areas have stepped access: The seating at the rear of the area is accessed via a single step.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
- Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests.
- Furniture available in this area includes: tables and picnic tables.
- The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
- The clear height under the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
- There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.
Eating and Drinking (The Resident's Bar)
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Location and Access
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- The Resident's Bar is located on the ground floor, at the front of the hotel.
- The most accessible route has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
- There is step-free level access into this area.
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Service
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- This area has a bar where food and drink can be ordered, staff who can provide assistance with ordering and numerous seating options.
- Full table service is available on request only.
- Menus are handheld and displayed on the counter.
- 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 not a hearing assistance system.
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Order and Payment
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- The bar was surveyed.
- The counter is located to the rear right of the area.
- There is step-free level access to the counter.
- The height of the counter is 106cm.
- 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: the lower ground floor seating area.
- There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
- The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
- Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests, armchairs and sofas.
- Furniture available in this area includes: tables and coffee 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 may be background noise in this area.
- Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Left Hand Transfer)
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Location and Access
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- The toilet surveyed is located on the ground floor, ahead from the platform lift and to the right before reception.
- The distance from the platform lift is 20m.
- 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 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 84cm.
- 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 high visual contrast.
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Dimensions and Features
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- The dimensions of the cubicle are 137cm (width) x 162cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
- The lateral transfer space is 83cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
- There is a spatula flush on the non-transfer side.
- There is no horizontal grab rail for the toilet.
- 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 non-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 high visual contrast.
- The toilet roll holder is 84cm 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 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 high visual contrast.
- The soap dispenser is 82cm from the floor.
- There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The towel dispenser has a low visual contrast.
- The towel dispenser is 109cm from the floor.
- There is not a hand dryer.
- 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.
- There is one coat hook.
- The coat hook is 185cm from the floor.
- The height of the baby change facility when in use is 69cm.
- The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
- Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
Lift
- The lift surveyed is located to the right from the platform lift.
- The distance from the platform lift is 3m.
- The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
- The basement, ground, first and second floors are accessed by this lift.
- The lift door has a medium 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 high visual contrast.
- All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The lift door opening width is 80cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 110cm (width) x 140cm (depth).
- The internal lift control buttons have tactile 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 low at the time of the survey.
Stairs
- The stairs surveyed are located to the right from reception.
- There is a single manual door to access the stairwell.
- The basement, ground, first and second floors can be accessed by these stairs.
- There are 20 steps between floors.
- The steps have some clear markings and have handrails on both sides.
- The handrails are not easy to grip.
- The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- The handrails do 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 16cm.
- The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
- Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
- The door on the ground floor is permanently held open.
Standard Bedroom and Ensuite (Standard Family Room - 166)
- The bedroom surveyed is located on the first floor.
- The distance from the lift is 40m.
- The most accessible route to the bedroom has step-free level access.
- There is step-free level access into the bedroom.
- There is numbered signage on or near the door.
- The key lock is at a height of 115cm.
- The door opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
- The width of the door opening is 71cm.
- The bedroom has a single bed and a double bed.
- The top of the mattress is 61cm from the floor.
- The space under the bed is 5cm from the floor.
- Furniture can be moved to enable a manoeuvring space 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.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
- Lighting levels are adjustable.
- 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 73cm.
- Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
- The dimensions of the ensuite are 165cm (width) x 162cm (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 wall mounted soap dispenser and a hand towel available.
- The wash basin has a twist/turn tap.
- The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
- The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
- Additional features include: a mirror and a shelf.
- The ensuite has a pedal bin.
- The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
- Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
- The ensuite has a standard bath.
- The bath controls are twist/turn.
- There is a fixed height shower head.
- The shower controls are lever mixer.
- There is a grab rail for the shower.
Eating and Drinking (Vettrianos Restaurant)
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Location and Access
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- The restaurant is located in the basement, ahead from the lift.
- The most accessible route has step-free level access.
- There is step-free level access into this area.
- There is a single manual door with a high visual contrast.
- The door opens towards you.
- The width of the opening is 101cm.
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Service
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- This area has buffet counters.
- 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 not a hearing assistance system.
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Order and Payment
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- The buffet counter was surveyed.
- The counter is located at the rear of the restaurant.
- There is step-free level access to the counter.
- The height of the counter is 89cm.
- There is not a lowered section at the counter.
- The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
- The height of the tray rail is 80cm.
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Seating Area
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- There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
- 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 patterned.
- The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
- Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests and benches.
- Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
- Some chairs are fixed.
- The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
- The clear height under the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
- There may be background noise in this area.
- Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
Eating and Drinking (Ballroom Bar)
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Location and Access
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- The bar is located in the basement, to the right from the lift.
- The most accessible route has step-free level access.
- There is step-free level access into this area.
- There are double manual doors with a high visual contrast.
- The doors open towards you.
- The width of the opening is 154cm.
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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 not a hearing assistance system.
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Order and Payment
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- The bar was surveyed.
- The counter is located to the left of the ballroom.
- There is step-free level access to the counter.
- The height of the counter is 113cm.
- 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 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 and patterned.
- The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
- Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests and benches.
- Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
- Some chairs are fixed.
- The surface height of the tables is not suitable for wheelchair users.
- The clear height under the tables is not suitable for wheelchair users.
- There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.
- Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
- Lighting levels are adjustable.
Room (Niven's Health Spa - Lounge)
- The room is located on the ground floor, at the rear of the hotel.
- The distance from the lift is 60m.
- The most accessible route to the room has slight ramps or slopes, steps and manual doors.
- There is written text signage on or near the door.
- There is step-free level access into the room.
- There are double manual doors with a high 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 54cm.
- There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
- The following areas have stepped access: the seating area to the right and left.
- 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 the room includes: chairs without armrests, armchairs and sofas.
- Furniture available in the room includes: coffee tables.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- There may be background noise in this room.
- Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
Stairs (Niven's Health Club)
- The stairs surveyed are located at the rear of the hotel, by the pool and spa area.
- There is a single manual door to access the stairwell.
- The basement, pool level, ground, first and second floors can be accessed by these stairs.
- There are 20 steps between floors.
- The steps have some clear markings and have handrails on both sides.
- The handrail is not 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 not between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the highest step is 14cm.
- The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
- Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
Gym (Niven's Health Club)
- The gym is located on the ground floor, at the rear of the hotel.
- There is step-free level access into the gym.
- There is a single manual door with a low visual contrast.
- The door opens by sliding.
- The width of the opening is 97cm.
- There is step-free level access throughout.
- The gym is not staffed.
- The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
- There is not clear manoeuvring space between equipment (150cm x 150cm).
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- There may be background noise in this area.
- Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
Pool (Niven's Health Club)
- This is an indoor swimming pool.
- There is step-free level access throughout this area.
- Access throughout this area may include slippery surfaces.
- There is not an emergency alarm at poolside.
- Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
- Access into the water is via a ladder or steps.
- There are 5 steps with a handrail on the right going down.
- The handrail is easy to grip.
- The handrail covers the flight of the steps throughout its length.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- The pool is not staffed and does not have a lifeguard.
Standard Changing Room (Pool Changing Rooms)
- The changing room surveyed is located in the basement at the rear of the hotel.
- The distance from the stairs is 7m.
- The most accessible route to the changing room has steps.
- There is step-free level access into the changing room.
- The door opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
- The width of the door opening is 72cm.
- Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
- Facilities in the changing room include: a changing table/bench, a toilet, a wash basin, a locker and a dry seat for changing.
- The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
- The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
- Additional features include: a mirror and coat hooks.
- The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
- The changing room has a waste bin.
- There is a fixed height shower head.
- The shower controls are push.
- The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
- Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
- There is a 20cm step over into the shower.
