Kimpton Fitzroy hotel, Gaucho and Chewton Glen recognised for attention to accessibility

The Kimpton Fitzroy hotel, Gaucho Cardiff and Chewton Glen have all been hailed as accessibility champions.

The trio were recognised at the Blue Badge Access Awards 2023, which celebrates the best accessible style and design in the hospitality industry.

Meanwhile Ablestay, which won the Accessibility Award at the 2023 Cateys, was awarded the Best Accessible Bathroom/Toilet title and the Above and Beyond award.

The Kimpton Fitzroy (pictured) was praised for its stylish accessible bedrooms and suites, which feature a roll-in shower or an easy access bath. The hotel, which features a gym with a disability-adapted rest room with shower, also offers complimentary rooms to carers.

Gaucho Cardiff was recognised for its wide-open entrance, access to both floors, toilets and comfortable dining area with enough space for all guests.

The Best Spa award went to Chewton Glen in Hampshire for features including accessible changing rooms and pool side access, pool hoists for entry into the water safely in both the indoor and outdoor pools, and a stair climber.

Bad practice was also highlighted at the awards, which singled out 45 Jermyn Street in London for the Ludicrous Loo Award, while the Ridiculous Ramp award went to the Quarter Lounge in Southampton.

Robin Sheppard, co-founder of the BBAA Awards and president of Bespoke Hotels said: “After eight years of trying to persuade the hospitality industry to put 'access' higher up their collective agenda I am delighted to say that tonight’s award ceremony is testament to the progress that has been made.

“We have witnessed a much wider acceptance of the need to do better. We had an embarrassment of riches in terms of nominations and some very worthy entries. Congratulations to all our winners and runners up this evening.”

Jarvis added: “This was a very emotional and positive evening as all the nominees and winners were there with the common goal of making places hospitable for all. But the list to choose from for our Ludicrous Loo and Ridiculous Ramp awards was unbelievable and show that there is more to be done.”

The 2023 Blue Badge Access Award winners

• Best Accessible Bathroom/Toilet: AbleStay London
• Best Luxury Hotel Award: The Kimpton Fitzroy Hotel, London
• Best Boutique Hotel: Wraxall Yard
• Best Venue in an Historic Building Award: Blenheim Palace
• The Blue Badge Style Access Champion: Anna Neary, Legoland
• Best Spa Award: Chewton Glen
• Best Restaurant Award: Gaucho, Cardiff
• Best International Venue: Amilla Resort Maldives
• Best Bar: The Audley Public House, London
• Above & Beyond Award: AbleStay London
• Special Award for Outstanding Achievement in Accessibility: Charlie Lyons, Sesame Access Systems