Changing Places Checks in at Bournemouth Hotel

A hotel in Bournemouth has become the first in the UK to install a Changing Places accessible bathroom on its premises.  The new facility in Marsham Court Hotel is the latest in a number of adaptions made by the owners to make stays more welcoming for disabled guests.

Adaptions for All

It’s hoped that the new facilities at Marsham Court Hotel will give disabled holidaymakers more choice when it comes to finding accessible accommodation to suit their individual needs.  While lodgings will commonly offer parking spaces for wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) and wheelchair-friendly entrances, other accessibility features that cater for those with more complex conditions aren’t easy to find.  For Rosie Radwell, whose family has run Marsham Court Hotel for over 30 years, having a relaxing and enjoyable holiday as a disabled person can sometimes be hard to come by.

She says: “Sadly, for many people with additional needs, memorable holidays with their families seem impossible.” (Enable Online, 2022)

Room for Accessibility

Thanks to the new Changing Place at Marsham Court Hotel, guests now have everything they need to have an independent staycation in the UK.  The new disability-friendly hotel rooms include adjustable beds with hoists, space for a disabled guest’s personal assistant to stay as well as a fully accessible wet room.  Elsewhere in the hotel, a newly installed sensory room allows guests with processing disabilities to relax and recharge.  Outside, Marsham’s heated swimming pool has a newly installed hoist for visitors to use.

Helping to Make a Haven

The family were inspired to do the work on the hotel when Rosie’s mother became ill and started using a wheelchair.  They realised first-hand the difficulties disabled people can face when wanting to relax on holiday.  According to the Changing Places Consortium, even though over 250,000 people in the UK require them, there are only 1,500 Changing Places in the entirety of the UK.

More to Come

In light of the changes to the hotel, Rosie has seen a boost in disabled guests flocking to the hotel to take in the sun, sea air and make use of their brand-new facilities.  Due to the high demand, the hotel is planning on making even more rooms in the hotel fully accessible.  Rosie says the family is incredibly proud of what the accessible hotel has achieved so far and they’re looking forward to developing more to offer their visitors.

She says: “We want to make sure people can come to Bournemouth knowing their comfort and needs have been considered.” (Enable Online, 2022)

Learn more about Marsham Court Hotel’s accessible features at: marshamcourthotel.co.uk.