As we head to the end of the year, I round up my favourite accessible hotels of 2017.

Disclaimer: These reviews are entirely based on my personal experience of staying at the hotels included, as a manual wheelchair user who is able to transfer, and is not intended to be a comprehensive guide to accessibility at the hotels.

Crowne Plaza Glasgow

If you’re visiting Glasgow and want a stylish, comfortable hotel with very good accessibility in a quieter location I’d highly recommend the Crowne Plaza. The first thing I noticed about the room was the stylish décor. Physical access is of massive importance, but it is easy for accessible rooms to have the look and feel of a hospital. Personally, as a paying guest, I want my accessible room to be just as beautiful as the rest of the hotel! This room definitely fits the bill, even with the (very discreet) ceiling track hoist. The bathroom was also stylish and spacious, with fixed and folding grab bars, emergency pull cords, and the all-important wheel-in shower. The shower had a folding seat, and a hand held shower head, which I find makes a huge difference to a sit-down shower.

Dorsett Shepherds Bush

I stayed at the Dorsett hotel in Shepherds Bush when attending the Catey Awards back in July. I’ve been a judge for the Catey Accessibility Award for a number of years – it’s wonderful to be able to champion accessible businesses within the hospitality industry’s ‘Oscars’. The Dorsett Shepherds Bush won the award in 2016, and has the high standard of accessibility that you’d expect. Luxurious rooms with the option of ceiling track hoists, bath tub or level entry shower, and my personal favourite – an outdoor doggy toilet for assistance dogs. I also enjoyed the best Chinese meal I’ve ever had at their Shikumen restaurant!

Renaissance Manchester City Centre

Renaissance Manchester City Centre is part of the Marriot hotel group, in a fantastic central location on Deansgate. I stayed there at the end of July, with my mum and niece. That’s the major selling point for this hotel – accessible family rooms, which are so rare. Our huge room had two double beds, a seating area and a large, wet-room style bathroom. Unlike the other hotels in this post the Renaissance doesn’t have ceiling track hoists; those who need to use a hoist might like to consider buying a mobile one to travel with.

Are you planning any holidays, breaks or hotel stays for 2018?

As always, keep an eye on my blog for more accessible travel inspiration, and let me know your travel plans.