A man with multiple sclerosis, Rohan Tarry, found himself in a challenging situation when he had to spend three nights sleeping in his wheelchair at a hotel, despite booking an accessible room for his stay. Mr. Tarry, who hadn’t ventured out of his home for over a year, had planned a three-day getaway with his wife to celebrate her birthday.
Their anticipated break at The Bristol Hotel from August 27 to 29 turned into a disappointing experience as they discovered that the room was not suitable for Mr. Tarry’s accessibility needs. The room lacked proper space in the bedroom and the bathroom, with the bed being too high for him to use comfortably.
Mr. Tarry expressed his frustration, feeling discriminated against and overlooked due to his wheelchair-bound condition. Despite informing the hotel staff of the issue, the only solution provided was a “folding camp bed,” which was impractical for him to use. Dissatisfied with the lack of assistance, Mr. Tarry and his wife had to manage on their own during their stay.
Upon returning home, Mr. Tarry tried to address the situation by contacting the hotel manager, who offered a meager £150 as compensation, claiming they had not received any previous complaints. Disappointed with the response, Mr. Tarry expressed his dismay over the ordeal turning what was meant to be a relaxing break into a stressful experience.
In response to the incident, The Bristol Hotel spokesperson emphasized their commitment to guest satisfaction and adherence to accessibility regulations. They stated that guests booking accessible rooms are provided with an accessibility statement to make informed decisions before arrival. The hotel strives to accommodate specific requests whenever possible and communicates limitations clearly in advance to avoid similar misunderstandings.
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