A selection of holiday properties/services that have genuine wheelchair access ... I have had many holidays over the past few years in my wheelchair; sometimes the facilities are good, sometimes they are not. Many places boast that they are 'wheelchair friendly' but on arrival you find that there is a step up to the shower (which may as well be a wall), or that a large part of the property is inaccessible to a wheelchair. Sometimes the accommodation is great, but there is nowhere else to go for a fortnight!!My aim is to put together a selection of properties that cater for someone who has the ability to transfer to a shower-chair/commode and a bed, but nothing else. I can recommend a couple of places myself, but welcome any information from people in a similar position.
I must stress that any reports are purely anecdotal and further advice should be taken before booking. Everyone has different needs, and sometimes the facilities within the property will change over time.
Feel free to add to the list (more reviews are desperately needed!!) by clicking here - please send a brief description of your experience to Michael, the URL of the website, and your entry will be included.
Jardines del Puerto - Costa del Azahar, Spain
This apartment is situated on the twin resorts of Alcossebre/Las Fuentes in an area known as the 'Orange Blossom Coast'.
I stayed there myself in 2007 and found the access to be excellent. The only problem I found was that the shower chair was perhaps an inch or two higher than I would have liked for transfers, but this was more than compensated for by the fact you could wheel it in the pool, which had a steady incline at one end! It also fitted over the toilet.
There were quite a few accessible restaurants in the immediate vicinity, a short incline has to be negotiated so an able pusher is required. A further selection can be found maybe half-an-hour's push away (level) in the centre of Alcossebre; the Chinese restaurant is well worth a try!
Click on the above link to visit their website for more information.
Canet-en-Roussillon - Perpignan, France
I stayed at this apartment in 2005 and found the provision of disabled facilities to be outstanding. As well as shower chairs, grab rails etc., there were hoists available, an adjustable bed, even a shower stretcher should you need one.
It is situated in Canet-en-Roussillon on the south-eastern coast of France. There are a selection of bars/restaurants within fifteen minutes' push of the apartment, everywhere we visited we found the people very friendly and helpful.
Click on the above link to visit their website for more information.
Eurotaxi Malaga - Costa del Sol, Spain
I used this company in 2008 and found them to reliable, friendly and the rates were very reasonable.
It is possible to be wheeled straight up a ramp at the back and to remain securely fastened in your wheelchair; it's a snug fit once the luggage joins you, but I can personally recommend their service.
There is a slideshow on their website that shows how everything works, just click on the above link.
Cortijo la Loma Granero - Andalucia, Spain
Although this villa is situated in a rural location I had to include it because of its excellent disabled facilities and sheer luxury.
Attention to detail is key to this villa's attraction, allowing wheelchair users to indulge themselves for a change. There is a seat that can be lowered into the pool, but the highlight for me was the massive outdoor cinema. Total privacy is guaranteed, so if you like 'holiday friends' you'll have to take them with you!!
Due to its location it is necessary to hire a car, and obviously have the ability to transfer in and out of the car. Click on the above link for more information.
I used Norbus in 2010 for my airport transfer and found their service to be exceptional.
It is possible to book online before you go, you are then sent a map of the airport, showing the location of their office. The taxi was ready and waiting outside. The service was courteous and prompt on both journeys and you are not charged extra for having a wheelchair (although you must request the adapted vehicle when booking).
For a VIP transfer there is another adapted vehicle, click here for a photo. For more information, click on the above link.
Links
Ableize - has disability and mobility covered
Eagle Disabled and Healthcare Resources
Disabled Online - an online portal that provides web directories, forums, chat rooms, shopping and classifieds for people with disabilities.
Willgoto Travel Directory - World travel directory and travel guide
Focus on Disability - A Wide Range of Information and Products for Disabled People, The Elderly and their Carers in the UK.
Top Disability Websites - The Best Sites from Around the World Providing Services for the Disabled Community
Disability Holidays and Accommodation Directory - listing both holiday packages and holiday accommodation suitable for people with a range of disabilities and special needs.
ENAT - European Network for Accessible Tourism
DAR - Disabled Access Ramp
ADAPT NI - promote disability equality and inclusion in the arts and provide the Access400 information resource: a guide and database describing disability access to venues across Northern Ireland.
Leszan - Expert provider of transport for people with special needs or disabilities, and the elderly.
