On the right track for all
ANORTH West hotel is proving that providing good quality accessible accommodation is actually great for business.
While the cost of living crisis bites across the industry, Manchester’s Hotel Brooklyn made £217,000 from its accessible suites and events in 2022 alone.
Accessible features extend from bedrooms and bathrooms to conference rooms, restaurant, bar, and mini cinema. And it’s all made the hotel a sought-after event venue for groups that include guests with access needs.
Owners Bespoke Hotels say the venue proves the business case for embedding accessibility from the outset. Its most regular repeat visitors, who have each visited more than 50 times, are both wheelchair users travelling with service dogs.
Robin Sheppard, Bespoke president, said: “We have demonstrated how accessibility can be incorporated into a luxury hotel.
“We hope tthis will inspire others to help make UK hospitality more accessible for all.”
Inclusive design specialist Motionspot was employed to design and supply the 18 accessible suites and build in attractive access principles and features throughout the hotel’s communal areas.
Among accessible features are:
Ceiling track hoists subtly concealed in light fittings and stored within built-in storage.
Wall-mounted basins featuring discreet integrated hand grips that can be used from a seated or standing position.
Discreet accessible bedroom furniture including safes, mini-bars, wardrobes, desks, and adjustable height robe hooks.
Interconnecting rooms for family and carer access.
Well planned circulation space throughout the hotel including stylish wheelchair accessible public toilets.
Accessible tourism in England is a £15.3 billion a year market, with guests requiring accessible rooms tending to travel with others, take longer trips, and stay loyal to hospitality venues that get it right.