Access Statement

Dukes is a Grade 2 listed building and dates back to the 16th century, it does mean that the structure of the building does present some physical barriers to accessibility. We understand that every customer has different needs and we aim to make our facilities available and accessible equally within the confines our building. In instances where this is not possible, we will endeavour to offer a suitable alternative.

Enquires

We welcome correspondence by phone, fax, email and letter and we will endeavour to respond by whichever means is most suitable to you. We are located on Sidmouth esplanade, just a short walk from the town centre. The bus stop is located in the town centre, taxi numbers can be given or booked upon request.
Sidmouth shop mobility can be contacted directly on 01395 519850 to arrange hire of equipment.

Arrival / Car Parks

Parking is based on first come, first served at the side of the building. Disabled parking spaces can be reserved but must be informed upon booking.
On arrival cars can park at the side of the building to unload luggage. A porter service can be available for help with luggage.
Our car park is on a level and is tarmac surface at the side of the building.
Access to Dukes from the car park is on a slight slope into our patio area through the main entrance. All areas of car parks are reasonably at night.

Main Entrance

Reception

There is one step from the patio into the reception area and a further two shallow steps. Ramped access is available through the conservatory upon request from the patio area. Front door is not automated, staff can assist.
Reception is manned between the hours of 8am and 11pm, staff are on hand to offer assistance and a porter service is available. A familiarisation tour can be given upon request. Alternative check in procedure can be prearranged if required. After 11pm at night the night duty staff can be contacted via phone.
No lower section of reception desk for wheelchair access, alternative check in can be arranged.
An induction loop can be made available upon request and is portable.
All signs are written in light colours on a dark background.
We have no lift access due to the nature of the age of the building, there are steps to the first floor and to the second floor.
Fridge storage is available for guests who require this facility for medication.

Bedrooms

Each room varies in style and size and we always try to match guest requirements with rooms. Please advise upon booking your requirements.
Due to us not having a lift we have no wheelchair access to our bedrooms, our two sister hotels on the seafront have a number of facilities that accommodation wheelchair users.
We offer a number of facilities for our guests, please enquire upon booking if you would like any of the following:
Raised toilet seat, chairs with arms, bath seats, grab rails, extra reading lights, bathroom stools, toilet frame, bed boards, raised bed / table blocks, wheelchair ramps, headphones for televisions, tv with remote control, teletext or subtitles, specific duvet and linen, tap grips or removal of furniture to allow greater access.
Assistance dogs are welcome.
All our bedrooms are ensuite with shower room or bathroom, please specify specific requests upon booking.
All rooms centrally heated with adjustable radiators.
Tea and coffee making facilities available in all rooms, cordless kettle are available upon request.
There are no phones in the rooms, mobile phone coverage is generally good throughout the building but is dependent on network coverage.
Handrails run up the stairs to each floor.
Corridors are well lit, majority of signage is light writing on a dark background.
Fire alarm is audible only, and please inform upon booking if specific emergency evacuation procedures are required. Signs are available in the rooms to hang on doors asking for assistance in an emergency.
All our rooms are non smoking.

Public Areas

Lounge / Bar / Dining room

Specific chairs can be made available upon request for mealtimes.
Table lamp can be made available for meal times.
Easily accessible tables can be arranged upon request.
Menus are available in large print or staff can assist.
Special dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notification.
Bar, dining room and conservatory area, all doors / corridors allow wheelchair access.
Floors are slate tiles throughout public areas and carpeted up the stairs.
Waiter / waitress service in the dining room, waiting bar service can be available.
All areas are non-smoking
We have a disabled toilet located in the dining room fitted with an emergency alarm.

General

Staff able to assist wherever possible and when required, please ask for any assistance.
General information can be made available in alternative formats and staff can assist.
Assistance dogs are welcome.

Future Plans

Duke is continually looking to improve and update its facilities to all guests. We would welcome any comments or suggestions that guests may have in which will help them to make their stay more enjoyable and accessible.

Please enquire if there are any specific requests we have not covered above.

May 2007