Access Statement

The Hotel Elizabeth is a Victorian building, which means 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

• Please enquire about the availability of parking upon booking, all spaces must be reserved at the time of booking to ensure the most suitable spaces are allocated.
• On arrival cars should be double-parked at the front of the hotel to unload luggage. A porter service is available for help with luggage.
• Our car park is on a level with a tarmac surface and is at the rear of the hotel.
• Access to the hotel from the car park is around the side of the Hotel Elizabeth and through the main entrance, all of which is on a flat tarmac surface.
• All areas of car parks are well lit at night.

Main Entrance

Reception

• There are four steps with handrails from the seafront into level floor reception area or a portable ramped access upon request from the patio area to the pavement. The 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 and there is seating available in the reception area.
• Majority of signs are written in light colours on a dark background.
• The lift is accessible from reception on a level and reaches all floors, a wheelchair can not fit in the lift. The lift has a manual door, which staff can assist. Emergency procedures ask for the lift not to be used in an emergency.
• An induction loop system can be made available and is portable, please request upon booking.
• Small portable 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.
• We have one room, which have been specifically adapted for wheelchair users. Specific details are available upon request.
• 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, wheelchair, tap grips or removal of furniture to allow greater access.

• Assistance dogs only 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 emergency phones on each floor and mobile phone coverage is generally good throughout the building but is dependent on network coverage.
• A lift access all floors, some rooms do have stairs to the rooms but please specify upon booking to ensure we book the most appropriate room for you.
• Handrails run up the stairs to each floor.
• Corridors are well lit, majority of signage is light writing on a dark background.
• Balconies are not easily accessible to wheelchair users.
• 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 / Restaurant

• Range of seating available including chairs with arms, please specify if a specific chair is required for dinner or if you would like a table lamp 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.
• Lounge, reception and dining room area, all doors / corridors allow wheelchair access
• Floors are carpeted throughout public areas.
• Waiter / Waitress service in bar and dining room.
• All areas are non-smoking
• A portable induction loop is available.

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 only are welcome.

Future Plans

The Hotel Elizabeth 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