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Marsham Court Hotel, a family run hotel in Bournemouth has been awarded the Accessibility Award, sponsored by Blue Badge Access Awards at this year’s Cateys, which recognises hospitality businesses that go above and beyond.
Described by the judges as a “trailblazer”, Marsham Court was the UK’s first hotel to install a Changing Places toilet and shower, which includes a hoist and changing bench. They also offer guests a sensory room and have a number of accessible rooms, two of which have profiling beds and ceiling hoists, as well as adjoining rooms for carers and family members. Earlier this year, the team at the hotel added a swimming pool hoist and wheelchair lift, allowing guests to enjoy even more of the hotel’s facilities. Judges said they were impressed with the level of detail included in the hotel’s accessibility statement, which lays out the details of door measurements and walkways, as well as information on colour schemes, lighting and the hotel’s flooring.
Speaking about their decision, one of the judges, Michael McGrath said: “So good to see this independent family business with the resources it has, putting accessibility at the heart of its operations. The accessibility statement enables people with disabilities to make informed decisions, they want information and this gives it to them in a comprehensive way.”
Fellow judge David Croft added: “It was pleasing to know that a changing Places toilet had been installed and a sensory room provided as some people and their families needing such facilities are often doubly excluded within society.”
The hotel’s owners explained that they added the new facilities as they felt there was a shortage of accessible places and wanted to help.
Marsham Court Hotel beat the Kimpton Fitzroy and Victory Services Club, both in London to the top spot.
Ross Calladine, from Visit England who was part of the judging panel, told reporters: “A focus on access for all is driving enquiries and is set to position this family-run hotel as a go-to holiday destination for people with accessibility requirements.”
Find out more about booking a stay at Marsham Court and the facilities on offer here.
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The award winning, family owned and operated Marsham Court Hotel overlooks Bournemouth Bay and is just a five minute walk to Bournemouth beach and the town centre. The hotel offers free parking for guests who book direct with the hotel.
