Disabled accomodation

Cathy Spooner · Post by **Cathy Spooner** » Fri Apr 08, 2005 9:25 am

Hi there
I am currently organising for my wedding in Tobago next year and one of my party has walking difficulties. I was wondering if anybody could reccomend a hotel that is situated on one level, or caters for disabled people.
Thanks
Cathy

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Fri Apr 08, 2005 9:40 am

Hi Cathy

Welcome aboard!

Three questions spring to mind before we can answer sensibly:

How difficult are their walking difficulties (i.e. can they manage one or two minor steps, or must it be all totally flat?)
what sort of budget have you in mind?
What part of the island is everyone staying or the wedding taking place?

Cathy Spooner · Post by **Cathy Spooner** » Fri Apr 08, 2005 10:02 am

Hi Steve

Ideally the flatter the better - although the odd step here and there would not be too much of a problem - our guest walks with a stick and finds flights of stairs impossible.

Currently we'd like to review all options on offer and then consider the price.

We would like the hotel to be situated in the southern end of the island anywhere from Plymouth down to Crown Point and across to Scarborough - the party will be hiring a car.

Thanks for your help and for the great site
Cheers
Cathy

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Fri Apr 08, 2005 10:13 am

Hi Cathy

Although every hotel I can think of has ground-floor accommodation, all the big ones have level changes which may mean either a long walk, or difficulty getting to the restaurants and bars. Le Grand Courlan does have a ramp covering the different levels, but that does make it quite a long walk for someone with difficulties.

I'm inclined to suggest Inn On The Bay. Our review of this small adults-only all-inclusive hotel will be published in a few weeks time. They are particularly popular with the elderly and if you specify one of the ground-floor rooms, your relatively will find everything within an easy short walk and all on the same level. There's just two minor steps up into the main entrance building.

Hopefully other readers may have some alternative suggestions.

John Hill · Post by **John Hill** » Fri Apr 08, 2005 12:24 pm

Steve

If I remember right The Rex Turtle Beach is all on one level including the beach with a ground floor room.

Mind you age makes memory loss

for us both.

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Fri Apr 08, 2005 12:27 pm

John

You are indeed right, John. I should have remembered, because that's another review that will be published in a few weeks time.

Rachel Harries · Post by **Rachel Harries** » Fri Apr 08, 2005 12:41 pm

Hi Cathy

I am very excited for you - I got married in Tobago and it was just wonderful

Last year's trip was with my husband who had mobility problems. We stayed at Coco Reef and found it quite easy to get around. Sure, there are steps, most notably to the main restaurant, but if you have a room above ground level, it's a walk right round on that level, or if you have a room on the ground floor, just that one flight (does that make sense?!). It's not a multi-storey hotel is my point!

There was also a lady in a wheelchair staying at Coco Reef - their room was on the ground floor and she was helped up the steps to dinner. Slowly, but then that matches the pace of life generally on Tobago!

HTH a bit

Rachel (Have fun!)

Sharon E · Post by **Sharon E** » Fri Apr 08, 2005 4:48 pm

The 14th Green villa at Mount Irvine is a fully equipped disabled villa including shower etc. Wings on Wheels are a specialist company in the UK that arrange disabled holidays abroad either for groups or individuals. Their website is wingsonwheels.co.uk. They can also advise on transport, limited mobility trips and make all ground arrangements you require.

Jill M · Post by **Jill M** » Fri Apr 08, 2005 5:10 pm

If my memory serves me correct - The Rex Turtle beach is all on one level if you have a ground floor room, BUT there are 3 or 4 steps up to the main entrance. I can't remember if there was a ramp, but a quick phone call or email to the hotel would confirm. Whilst we were there last year, there was a lady in a wheelchair and she was delighted with the place !
Jill

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Fri Apr 08, 2005 5:16 pm

Hi Jill

Your memory does, indeed, serve you well. There are a number of steps up to the entrance foyer from under the main portico. However, if my memory serves me right (risky!) there is a small ground level entrance, possibly intended for wheelchairs etc., left of the main block. I'm 99% certain, but sod's law - its just out of shot on all my photos of the front of the hotel.

Jill M · Post by **Jill M** » Sat Apr 09, 2005 4:17 pm

You are right Steve. I think I remember now, however,I think there is a gate there and I am not sure whether it is locked at certain times. I remember that the staff used this entrance.
Jill

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Sat Apr 09, 2005 4:46 pm

Yes, I'm sure you're right, Jill. It would make sense for it to be locked at night. I'm fairly confident that I used it day and evening and even late at night, I bet the security guard at the adjacent main entrance would be able to open it for someone with mobility problems.