By Angela Green
Hotel News is sponsored by HotelPartner UK
Marsham Court Hotel in Bournemouth has invested further to better their accessibility offerings and become a truly inclusive destination.
The family-run hotel has continued with its mission to make their hotel completely accessible for disabled guests by continuing to invest in the improvements.
Since completing the original additions and adaptations, which included installing a wheelchair lift, levelling access across the ground floor, and creating new accessible rooms, the hotel has now further upgraded their existing accessible rooms and added a family room to create an even more comfortable experience for all visiting.
The hotel spent a further £75,000 on upgrading the outdoor terrace over the past several months as part of the £225,000 they devoted to accessibility improvements. This was done to ensure walkways were level and wheelchair friendly. This follows on from the original changes to this space, which included installing a wheelchair lift and a wheelchair-friendly ramp to the pool area, as well the purchase of a pool hoist.
The hotel embarked on this course of action after their own first-hand personal experience of caring for a loved one with limited mobility. During this time, the family saw the true impact of limited mobility.
Speaking on being a truly inclusive destination Rosie Radwell, co-owner of Marsham Court Hotel, said: “Adding even more accessible features and facilities to our hotel has been an important step for us, renewing our commitment to becoming a truly accessible hotel which can comfortably accommodate everyone, regardless of their level of mobility.
“Knowing so many people will benefit from the changes we’ve made is a great feeling. There are many families out there who have additional requirements to be able to stay away from their homes, and the majority of hotels just can’t fully accommodate their needs.
“We are incredibly proud that we offer an accessible stay for those who need it, and we will continue to do so no matter the cost.”
As part of its ongoing work to ensure guest with disabilities have the best possible experience, the hotel has partnered with WelcoMe, a service that allows guests to discreetly provide the hotel with all the necessary information and accommodations they require so that staff can be fully prepared and help them have an enjoyable stay. Additionally trained staff are ready to field inquiries and anticipate the needs of disabled guests ahead of and during their stay.
While the first round of accessibility improvements was part-funded with a grant from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, the latest works have been fully funded by the owners. The payback is continuous, as Rosie Radwell explained by saying: “Since making the upgrades, the hotel has seen a major increase in accessible room bookings – with the rooms being nearly booked out all year around, which is a clear reflection of need for these features in hotels.”
Hotel News is sponsored by HotelPartner UK
