Archive | Accommodation Reviews

Accessible Apartment

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Accessible Apartment

Posted on 02 September 2010 by CraigGrimes

Accessible apartments in Barcelona are few and far between, however, during 2007 AccessibleBarcelona was involved in the design and refurbishment of a universally designed apartment for people with disabilities. The apartment is now available for rent.

The ground floor studio apartment designed by a wheelchair user for wheelchair users, is a luxury contemporary studio, located in Barceloneta, only 5 minutes from the beach and port.

Many local restaurants are accessible, and a guide to all local accessible facilities is provided at the apartment. There are excellent local shops, supermarkets and Barceloneta Market (for fresh food) within a very short distance of the studio.

Accessible transport is also found within 5 minutes by wheelchair. The air conditioned studio has step-free access from the street, fully accessible bathroom with level access shower and accessible kitchen.

Renovation of the studio has recently been completed and the result is a very high quality living space, with a contemporary atmosphere.

Entrance for People with Disabilities:

Ramped or level access to main entrance: Yes
Door Width: 94cm
Type of door: Manual push door with handle

Sleeping Area

Type of beds available: Two twin beds with latex mattresses

Height of bed: 49cm

Clear space under bed: 23cm

Light switch next to bed.

Wardrobe rail height: 148cm

An inflatable mattress for a third person or child

Living Area

The spacious living area enables unimpeded movement in a wheelchair.

Facilities:
Large flat-screen TV
DVD player
Free Wi-Fi access.

PC desk height: 76cm

Open space for wheelchair users

Kitchen

The small kitchen is fully accessible, with oven, hob and refrigerator.

Leg space under sink: height 61cm x 76cm wide

Work surface height: 86cm

Bathroom

Bathroom door width: 84cm

WC height: 51cm

All grab rails have a height of 75cm

Fold down seat in level access shower

For further information, please contact us: info@accessiblebarcelona.com

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Confortel Barcelona

Posted on 02 September 2010 by CraigGrimes

The Confortel Barcelona is ideally located for business and leisure travellers that want to be near to the Forum, the Puerto Olímpico and the Plaza de las Glorias. For business visitors it is great for conferences at the Forum or having meetings with clients. Although it maybe a little far from the main tourist attractions for some leisure travellers it is very close to the beach and regular accessible buses run to the centre of Barcelona.

This hotel is one of the few in Barcelona that has an adapted swimming pool for disabled people with a seat that lowers you into the water. With this facility and the city close by it means that people with disabilities can combine a relaxing beach and pool holiday with all the cultural advantages of a city break.

Entrance for People with Disabilities:

Ramped or level access to main entrance: Yes
Door Width: 190cm
Type of door: Automatic, sliding doors

Lift:
Lift door width: 80cm
Lift depth: 138cm
Lift width: 107cm
There is an audible signal for lift stops at each floor.
There is a verbal announcement for lift stops at each floor.
The lift has Braille on the buttons.

Guest Rooms with Facilities for People with Disabilities:

There are 8 rooms with facilities for people with disabilities.
Door width: 79cm
Type of beds available: Double
Largest free space at side of bed: 88cm
Height of bed: 56cm
Clear space under bed: 10cm
Light switch next to bed.
Height to the top of the desk: 78cm
Clear space underneath the desk: 70cm
Height of the rail in the wardrobe: 116cm (pull down rail)

En-suite Bathroom:

Door type: Manual, opens outwards
Door width: 80cm
Bathing Facilities:
Roll in shower: Yes
Width of shower door: 106cm
Dimensions of shower: 90cm x 120cm
Wall mounted shower seat provided: Yes
Shower seat height: Height adjustable (see photo)
Shower handrails: Yes

WC:

WC height: 49cm
Facing toilet, clear space on left side is: 26cm
Facing toilet, clear space on right side is: 144cm
Clear space in front of WC: 150cm
WC handrail type: Fixed and drop down
WC handrail height: 73cm (fixed) and 85cm (drop down)

Sink:

Sink height: 85cm
Clear space under sink: 67cm
Height from the floor to the base of the mirror: 104cm (tilted for wheelchair users)

Other Details:

The hotel has a 24 hour reception.

Services for guests with asthma or allergies include:

• non-smoking rooms
• rooms with non-allergic bedding (e.g. non-feather pillows)
• rooms with no fitted carpets
• non-smoking area in the bar and restaurant

Services for guests with visual impairments:

• There is an audible evacuation alarm.

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Condes de Barcelona

Posted on 02 September 2010 by CraigGrimes

The first thing to be said about this great Four Star hotel is that they have two ways of spelling the name of it which makes everything a little confusing at times! The hotel is called “Condes de Barcelona” on their website, which is in Spanish, however, it is also known as “Comtes de Barcelona” such as on the above entrance photo which is in Catalan. Whether you call it Condes or Comtes, it doesn’t change that this a great hotel in the heart of Barcelona on the main shopping street of Passeig de Gracia.

The hotel has an amazing accessible roof terrace which overlooks La Padrera and La Sagrada Familia can be seen on the distance. The only thing that lets this hotel down is that the adapted ensuite bathrooms are a little tight and some menuervering maybe required to use it. Due to this electric wheelchair or scooter users maybe advised to choose a differernt hotel. Below is the access information for this hotel, so have a look and decide for yourself!

Entrance for People with Disabilities:

Ramped or level access to main entrance: Yes
Door Width: 160cm
Type of door: Automatic, sliding door.

Lift:
Lift door width: 80cm
Lift depth: 140cm
Lift width: 110cm
The lift has Braille on the buttons.

Guest Rooms with Facilities for People with Disabilities:

There are 3 guestrooms with facilities for people with disabilities.
Door width: 73cm
Type of beds available: Double
Largest free space at side of bed: 200cm
Height of bed: 53cm
Clear space under bed: 24cm
Light switch next to bed.
Height to the top of the desk: 73cm
Clear space underneath the desk: 67cm
Height of the rail in the wardrobe: 175cm

En-suite Bathroom:

Door type: Manual, opens outwards
Door width: 76cm
Bathing Facilities:
Roll in shower: Yes
Dimensions of shower: 100cm x 100cm
Door width to shower: 80cm
Wall mounted shower seat provided: yes
Shower seat height: 46cm
Shower handrails: yes

WC:

WC height: 42cm
Facing toilet, clear space on left side is: 10cm
Facing toilet, clear space on right side is: 51cm
Clear space in front of WC: 114cm
WC handrail type: Drop down (both sides)

Sink:

Sink height: 83cm
Clear space under sink: 78cm
Height from the floor to the base of the mirror: 96cm

Other Details:

The hotel has a 24 hour reception.

Services for guests with asthma or allergies include:

• non-smoking rooms
• rooms with no fitted carpets
• non-smoking area in the bar and restaurant

Address:
Passeig de Gracia, 73-75
08008
Barcelona
Spain

Tel: +34 934 450 000
Email: info@condesdebarcelona.com
Website

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Confortel Almirante

Posted on 02 September 2010 by CraigGrimes

The Confortel Almirante is on the bustling Barcelona street of Via Laietana close to Plaza de Catedral and only a few minutes away from Las Ramblas and the central square of Plaza Cataluña. The hotel comprises of 7 floors housing 73 rooms which are serviced by two lifts, the details of the largest of the 2 are below.

The hotel is ideally located for business and leisure travellers alike with good accessible connections to Barcelona International Airport on the Aerobus from Plaza Cataluña. From the hotel the Gotic and Borne areas are very close where you can find accessible bars and restaurants for having a relaxing meal or drink after a hectic day.

Entrance for People with Disabilities:

Ramped or level access to main entrance: Yes
Door Width: 125cm
Type of door: Sliding, automatic

Lift:
Lift door width: 82cm
Lift depth: 140cm
Lift width: 108cm
There is a verbal announcement for lift stops at each floor.
The lift has Braille on the buttons.

Guest Rooms with Facilities for People with Disabilities:

There are 4 guestrooms with facilities for people with disabilities.
Door width: 75cm
Type of beds available: Two single beds
Largest free space at side of bed: 200cm
Height of bed:
Clear space under bed: 15cm
Light switch next to bed.
Height to the top of the desk: 74cm
Clear space underneath the desk:
Height of the rail in the wardrobe: 159cm

En-suite Bathroom:

Door type: Opens inwards
Door width: 78cm
Bathing Facilities:
Roll in shower: Yes
Dimensions of shower: 90cm x 90cm
Wall mounted shower seat provided: No, free standing shower seat
Shower seat height: 46cm
Shower handrails: Yes

WC:

WC height: 50cm
Facing toilet, clear space on left side is: 33cm
Facing toilet, clear space on right side is: 106cm
Clear space in front of WC: 140cm
WC handrail type: Drop down
WC handrail length: 70cm
WC handrail height: 72cm

Sink:

Sink height: 86cm
Clear space under sink: 65cm (adjustable)
Height from the floor to the base of the mirror: 89cm

Other Information:

The hotel has a 24 hour reception.

Services for guests with asthma or allergies include:

• non-smoking rooms
• rooms with non-allergic bedding (e.g. non-feather pillows)
• rooms with no fitted carpets
• non-smoking area in the bar and restaurant

Bathroom plan of an accessible bathroom at the Confortel Almirante:

Address:
Via Laietana, 42
08003
Barcelona
Spain
Tel: +34 93 268 3020
Email
Website

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Ayre Caspe

Posted on 01 September 2010 by CraigGrimes

This hotel is located 8 blocks from Plaça Catalunya the central square of Barcelona, which is about 15 minutes by wheelchair. Alternatively there are several accessible buses or a wheelchair friendly Metro station close by. It’s in a quieter area than Las Ramblas which means that it is much easier to sleep in this hotel than in the noisier central locations.

The Hotel Ayre Caspe has five spacious rooms which are equipped with wheel-in-showers and grab bars for helping with transfers. The minimum door width in the building is 74cm and is the bathroom door (See plan). There are two accessible toilets on the ground floor, one in the reception area and one in the bar. There are also two ramps to enter the building at the main hotel entrance and the other at the entrance to the bar. The only problem with the ramps is that they are made of marble and therefore can be slippery at times.

All in all this is a great hotel for wheelchair users and rooms can frequently be reserved at a reasonable price. Although it is not on Las Ramblas it is still quite central and most attractions are within wheeling distance.

Entrance for People with Disabilities:

Ramped or level access to main entrance: Yes, there are three entrances with 2 marble ramps to the reception area and bar.
Door Width: 83cm
Type of door: Automatic, revolving with alternative side hung manual door. There is also an automatic sliding door that leads into the restaurant that have a clear with of 90cm.

Lift:
Lift door width: 80cm
Lift depth: 137cm
Lift width: 107cm
The lift has Braille marked buttons.

Guest Rooms with Facilities for People with Disabilities:

There are 5 rooms with facilities for people with disabilities at this hotel.
Door width: 74cm
Type of beds available: Double
Largest free space at side of bed: 130cm
Height of bed: 58cm
Clear space under bed: 25cm
Light switch next to bed.
Height to the top of the desk: 71cm
Clear space underneath the desk: 67cm
Height of the rail in the wardrobe: 101cm (pull down rail, see below)

En-suite Bathroom:

Door type: Sliding, manual door
Door width: 74cm
Bathing Facilities:
Roll in shower: Yes
Dimensions of shower: 216cm x 84cm
Wall mounted shower seat provided: Yes
Shower seat height: 51cm
Shower handrails: Yes

WC:

WC height: 49cm
Facing toilet, clear space on left side is: 22cm
Facing toilet, clear space on right side is: 181cm
Clear space in front of WC: 133cm
WC handrail type: Drop down
WC handrail height: 73cm

Sink:

Sink height: 89cm
Clear space under sink: 74cm
Height from the floor to the base of the mirror: 96cm

Other Details:
The hotel has a 24 hour reception.

Services for guests with asthma or allergies include:

• non-smoking rooms
• rooms with non-allergic bedding (e.g. non-feather pillows)
• rooms with no fitted carpets
• non-smoking area in the bar and restaurant

Address:

Calle Caspe, 103
08013
Barcelona
Spain

Tel: +34 93 246 7000
Email: caspe@ayrehoteles.com
Website

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Duquesa de Cardona

Posted on 01 September 2010 by CraigGrimes

With great views of the port, this hotel has an ideal location for beach and city lovers alike. It is situated between Via Laietana and Las Ramblas near to the statue commemorating Christopher Columbus. This is an enchanting four star hotel which offers great access combined with a family style run establishment.

We really like this hotel as it is one of the most accessible hotels in that we have found in Barcelona. It has a sense of class and style with access which has been integrated into the ambience of the hotel in a non imposing way. This is an ideal place to stay for honeymooners, people that want to splash out a little and those visiting Barcelona before or after a cruise.

Entrance for People with Disabilities:

Ramped or level access to main entrance: yes
Door Width: 160cm
Type of door: Automatic, sliding

Lift:
Lift door width: 90cm
Lift depth: 138cm
Lift width: 130cm
The lift has Braille on the buttons.

Guest Rooms with Facilities for People with Disabilities:


Type of beds available: Two single beds

En-suite Bathroom:

Door type: Sliding, manual Door width: 79cm

Bathing Facilities:
Roll in shower: Yes
Dimensions of shower: 98cm x 175cm
Wall mounted shower seat provided: Yes

Other Details:
The hotel has a 24 hour reception.

Services for guests with asthma or allergies include:

• non-smoking rooms
• rooms with non-allergic bedding (e.g. non-feather pillows)
• rooms with no fitted carpets
• non-smoking area in the bar and restaurant

Address:
Passeo Colón, 2
08002
Barcelona
Spain

Tel: +34 93 268 9080
Email: info@hduquesadecardona.com
Website

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Grand Hotel Central

Posted on 01 September 2010 by CraigGrimes

The Grand Hotel Central opened in 2006 and is situated very close to La Plaza de Catedral and only a short distance from both the port and Las Ramblas. It is also located between two very popular tourist areas known as the Gothic quarter and the Born.

The hotel itself is very modern with a minimalist style to it, comprising of subtle lighting, decoration and music. The entrance of the hotel has a revolving doorway with a button to slow down the doors for wheelchair users. For wheelchairs that are slightly larger there is also a conventional door next to it. The foyer of the hotel is very impressive with high ceilings, a small library and a quiet seating area. There are two lifts up to the bedrooms and also down to the restaurant and bar. They also climb to the very top level of the building where there is a large roof terrace and swimming pool with fantastic views of Parc Citudella and the church of Santa Maria del Mar.

This is a great hotel which has much to offer disabled people, even though the swimming pool isn’t specifically adapted, it is accessible which is very rare in Barcelona. It’s a very central hotel with a great location and access to the main tourist centre of the city.

Entrance for People with Disabilities:


Ramped or level access to main entrance: Yes
Door Width: 74cm
Type of door: Automatic, revolving, with a wider side hung manual door.

Lift:
Lift door width: 80cm
Lift depth: 140cm
Lift width: 110cm
The lift has Braille on the buttons.
There is a hand-rail in the lift.

Guest Rooms with Facilities for People with Disabilities:

There are 4 guestrooms with facilities for people with disabilities.
Door width: 76cm
Type of beds available: Two single beds
Largest free space at side of bed: 77cm
Height of bed: 60cm
Clear space under bed: 25cm
Light switch next to bed.
Height to the top of the desk: 73cm
Clear space underneath the desk: 61cm
Height of the rail in the wardrobe: 180cm

En-suite Bathroom:

Door type: Sliding, manual
Door width: 89cm
Bathing Facilities:
Roll in shower: Yes
Shower door width: 91cm
Dimensions of shower: 126cm x 126cm
Wall mounted shower seat provided: No
Shower handrails: Yes

WC:

WC height: 45cm
Facing toilet, clear space on left side is: 30cm
Facing toilet, clear space on right side is: 130cm
Clear space in front of WC: 142cm
WC handrail type: Fixed (one side only)
WC handrail height: 81cm

Sink:

Sink height: 84cm
Clear space under sink: 67cm
Height from the floor to the base of the mirror: 124cm
(there is also a full length mirror in the bedroom)


Other Details:
The hotel has a 24 hour reception.

Services for guests with asthma or allergies include:

• non-smoking rooms
• rooms with no fitted carpets
• non-smoking area in the bar and restaurant

Services for guests with visual impairments include:

• audible evacuation alarm

Bathroom plan of an accessible room at the Grand Hotel Central

Address:
Vía Laietana, 30
08003
Barcelona
Spain

Tel: +34 93 257 900
Email: info@grandhotelcentral.com
Website

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