Finding wheelchair accessible hotels in London should be fairly easy, but I speak from experience when I say it’s not always done well. However, I was floored with the level of professionalism luxury on a recent trip to the Rosewood in London.
Arriving in a wheelchair at Rosewood London
Based in bustling High Holborn, the bright lights of London’s Oxford Street and the majestic St Paul’s Cathedral moments away, Rosewood London stands out for its lengthy display of classic architecture which hosts one of London’s most charming courtyards inside. Dropped curbs and the smoothest flooring – vital as a wheelchair user- entice you in and a visit at Christmas time will leave you marvelling at the outdoor Christmas tree which practically begs you to order a mulled wine within moments of arriving.
I stayed in the deluxe suite, welcomed for check-in at a level table and wheeled to my room with the porters taking my guests’ bag. Lifts at the Rosewood London are plentiful, with helpful signs to show which is best for wheelchair users.
Rosewood London’s Wheelchair Accessible Delxue Suite
The suite itself is large with separating doors to the plumpest looking bed I’ve seen in a while.
A member of staff showed me round the two bathrooms, fully equipped with disabled rails that easily pull down from panels in the wall. If there’s one thing about the Rosewood London, it’s that accessibility and design are thought of together and not just added at the end. Everything was within reaching distance in the bathrooms; something fellow disabled travellers will know is one of the smallest but most meaningful aids. A waterfall shower and dreamy lavender scented products help wash the day away until you’re left to just wrap yourself in a robe and relax.
If you’re able to transfer easily out of your wheelchair, utilise the lounge area of your suite and order a large pot of Earl Grey to your room, which arrive under a cloche of buttery biscuits. We listened to Aretha Franklin on the sound system as the rain poured outside and every muscle relaxed.
Dining at Rosewood London
Dinner at Holborn Dining Room
When it comes to food, the Holborn Dining Room serves beautifully prepared and presented British cuisine, most notably their pies which look like golden domes and taste of comfort and home. The Dover sole is another personal recommendation, laid beautifully and grilled to perfection; a real treat after my calamari for starter. Sides are plentiful and welcomed at the Holborn Dining Room, heritage carrots adding colour and warmth but nothing beats the parmesan and truffle fries which were some of the best I’d ever tasted in my life.
Finally, dessert is vital. The lightest French pastries layered with salted caramel, custard tarts with festive spice and the prettiest petit fours this side of London.
After dinner we headed straight to bed; I managed to transfer easily but was comforted knowing there was a butler on speed dial if we needed anything extra. My guest and I drifted off to sleep quickly amongst an array of plump pillows and luxurious Italian linens and, despite central London buzzing outside, we couldn’t hear a thing but our deep sighs as we drifted off to sleep.
Breakfast at Rosewood’s Mirror Room
After another pampering shower and a rich coffee from the Nespresso machine, I finally felt awake enough to indulge in breakfast. The Rosewood’s Mirror Room is infamous for its classy golden design and beautiful breakfasts that would accompany time alone with the day’s newspaper or play host to a morning meeting in equal strength.
I kicked off my morning with juices and coffee, my guest being served the perfect cup of English breakfast tea as we waited for our acai bowls and avocado and eggs to arrive; there’s also the option of adding a glass of champagne to your morning meal but having indulged in a candy cane themed gin cocktail and wine the previous night, I thought it was best left to the professionals.
A sad goodbye to Rosewood London
A quick wheel back to our suite to touch up my makeup and pack our bag, it felt sad to say goodbye but Rosewood London absolutely honours your return.
The Rosewood are fully prepared, knowledgeable and exceptionally well trained when it comes to disabled guests. Not once was I spoken down to, not once did I experience any difficulty getting around and not once did I feel I had to apologise for my mobility aid being in the way, something which is so rare once you leave the warmth of your own home. But that’s the thing about Rosewood London, it really does feel like home.
Book your stay in a Deluxe Suite here.
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Hollie Brooks is a freelance journalist writing for publications including Red magazine, the Independent and Metro. Hollie is a wheelchair user and specialises in disabled travel.
