Stamford Plaza Brisbane Hotel (Turrbal Country)-Accessibility Review
View from the accessible room at Stamford Plaza over Brisbane River and the Story Bridge
The swanky Stamford Plaza is situated in the very accessible central business part of Brisbane, a short roll-stroll to many great restaurants and Eagle Wharf. I loved being next to the picturesque and wheel-friendly Botanical Gardens that face the Brisbane River but that was secondary to the fact that it is located in BRISBANE and as a warm climate lover living in Melbourne that is a big 10 out of 10 score at the outset.
Breakfast was plentiful and full of variety with a choice of dining in or sitting under a large covered patio area and enjoying the river activity. One morning we were at breakfast there was a torrential downpour that was quite lovely; being safe and dry while still feeling part of the cacophony of precipitation and watching the fattened energetic rain drops stream down the outside of the transparent screens felt deliciously tropical.
WEBSITE | BOOKING:
STRENGTHS:
· The Superior room type is the only one with an accessible bathroom, and with a view of the Story Bridge and an attractive stretch of the Brisbane River it is beautifully positioned.
Booking had to be made via a phone call, but it was easily handled and all queries including forwarding photos to me were answered promptly. The staff were friendly and helpful at every stage and liaised very well with our equipment hire company
OPPORTUNITIES :
· The website had absolutely no mention of anything to do with accessibility, considering neither the hearing challenged, visually impaired or physically disabled. Upon talking with reservations, I found out that only once you are in the booking section and know to pick the Superior Room that you get the choice of one with accessibility. I tried that and still couldn’t get an option.
ACCESS TO VENUE | PARKING:
· Parking is onsite, at $57 per night via concierge or $45 per night for self-parking, depending on availability. There is comprehensive travel information here on their website.
WHAT’S INSIDE:
What worked:
· Entrance to the foyer is via a small ramp cut into the gutter from the drop off area. There is a lovely semi-covered outdoor area off to the side of the foyer complete with an outdoor bar which can be accessed via the side foyer doors.
· The foyer is elegant and vast with easy entry lifts at the far end and corridors that are wide enough for chairs.
· The superior accessible room has a wide entry (I’ve got to start measurements soon!) to a short hallway with the accessible bathroom coming off to the left.
· The entrance to this room with only a small lip/bump dividing the floor surfaces.
· The bathroom itself has the requisite roll-under basin, flick taps, toilet with plenty of space around it, hand rails and a vast roll-in shower with adjustable hand-held shower head. This is all accessed by plenty of space for a hoist and shower/commode with an extra person.
What didn’t work:
· the outdoor covered area is a trip out the front doors and around a bumpy small path.
· The bedroom itself could be a bit larger and I would recommend anyone in a power chair ask for measurements first, as transferring to the bed via a hoist would be a bit squeezy.
· The placing of a power chair to charge overnight would be a bit tricky, especially if you had suitcases as well. I’m sure the hotel staff would relocate the room’s table and chairs if this was an issue.
OTHER COMMENTS:
Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our time at the Stamford Plaza Brisbane and would recommend to someone in a manual chair, but I’m not sure a power chair would be as easy. I would like to see the booking process for an accessible room be as easy as it is to book a ‘normal’ room but can’t fault the hospitality of the staff at every point of our stay.
IMPORTANT FOOTNOTE:
I look at the ways in which businesses present an overall inclusive experience for their patrons. While I focus on mobility access I hope to get ideas from you and others to add observations relating too other disabilities. I take a comprehensive look at everything from initial website experience to staff attitudes. I do not comment on food (except sometimes if it’s super fab I might not be able to help myself) as you can have the joy of making up your own mind on that.
Happy accessible living and playing !
