The Macdonald Inchyra Hotel and Spa in Falkirk – Is it Wheelchair Friendly?
We stayed in the Macdonald Inchyra Hotel and Spa on our recent trip to Falkirk.
As part of the Macdonald Group of Hotels and Resorts, the Macdonald Inchyra Hotel and Spa was what we needed after a busy day exploring Falkirk’s tourist attractions.
The Macdonald hotel group owns thirty 4 and 5* hotels and resorts around the UK. We’ll be checking some of them out on future travels, that’s for sure.
In this post, I want to offer my opinion of the hotel, describe our stay and tell you about the hotel’s facilities.
Is the Macdonald Inchyra Hotel in Falkirk Wheelchair Friendly?
The Macdonald Inchyra Hotel was wheelchair friendly concerning our mobility needs. Using a wheelchair, we accessed the entrance, car park, hallways, bedroom and restaurant.
Is the Car Park Wheelchair Friendly?
The Macdonald Inchyra Hotel has a vast car park.
We parked near the entrance in a disabled parking bay.
I was surprised to see that given the size of the car park, there are only a couple of disabled parking bays near the hotel entrance.
The road in the car park has speed bumps. If the car park is busy and you have to park away from the entrance, it can be difficult squeezing through the parked cars to avoid the speed bumps.
How Accessible is the Hotel Entrance?
The hotel entrance has a dropped kerb and a set of automatic doors. Then there are two manual doors to enter the reception area.
The manual doors were wedged open, so we had no issues entering the hotel.
There is a call button for out of hours access if the doors are locked.
How Accessible Was Reception?
The reception area is large and immediately adjacent to the entrance.
The reception counter is long but too high for a wheelchair user.
I don’t recall a lowered section suitable for wheelchair users.
How Easy Was Check-in?
The hotel staff were friendly, efficient and courteous. They were expecting us and took an interest in what we’d been doing during the day.
Check-in was smooth. The receptionist explained where everything was, gave us restaurant opening times and offered to make reservations for us.
We were given clear directions to our room and reassurance that all we needed to do was contact reception if we needed anything.
Are the Communal Areas Wheelchair Friendly?
All communal areas are carpeted, clean and reasonably lit.
We were able to access all areas as required. All communal areas were free of unnecessary obstacles.
There is a lift to the hotel’s upper floors, but we didn’t need to use it as our room was on the ground floor.
I am assured there is an accessible toilet, but I’ll be honest, I didn’t see it.
The reception area has seating and coffee tables. We used them wisely and met up with our long time friends Alan and Emma from Simply Emma (can you believe we didn’t take a picture).
You can access the accommodation via a couple of steps or a small ramp using a wheelchair from reception.
Does the Hotel Have Wheelchair Accessible Bedrooms?
Yes, the Macdonald Inchyra Hotel has accessible bedrooms.
Our room was a Super Deluxe King room. Although not sold as an accessible room, it was arguably more accessible than most accessible bedrooms we’ve stayed in
What Facilities are in the Bedroom?
The bedroom had wide walkways and ample space for side transfer around the bed.
The bed was high enough for us and had plug sockets on one side.
This was especially useful for plugging in my CPAP machine.
The bed was huge and, without a doubt, the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in.
A large wardrobe containing hangers at a standard height is not suitable for solo wheelchair travellers.
Fluffy bathrobes, disposable slippers, an ironing board, and an iron are in the wardrobe.
There is a TV, desk, tea and coffee, kettle and Nespresso coffee-making machine (nice touch).
We had two armchairs, a table containing local information, a fruit bowl and chocolates.
There is free wifi in the room and throughout the hotel.
Did it Have a Wheelchair Friendly Bathroom?
Our bathroom was not billed as an accessible bathroom.
What Facilities are in the Bathroom?
The bathroom was large enough to access in a wheelchair, but you would need to be an ambulatory wheelchair user as there’s not enough space to turn or side transfer onto the toilet.
Also, there isn’t enough space underneath the sink for a wheelchair user.
There is both a bath and shower.
Taps on the bath and sink are not lever taps, so people with dexterity issues would struggle.
The walk-in shower was suitable for us.
The step into the shower was okay for Bridget but could be difficult for some. There was a portable shower stool so Bridget could sit in the shower. The water control is at the opposite end, so you’ll need assistance unless you can stand unaided.
Does it have a Wheelchair Friendly Restaurant?
There are several entrances to the Scottish Steakhouse restaurant.
From reception, there are two steps to access the restaurant. As we used a wheelchair, we used an entrance from the main corridor.
Once inside the restaurant, there are booths and free-standing tables.
Bridget transferred from her wheelchair to a booth with some help from me. Staff members will happily move chairs and even tables to get you comfortably seated.
Did it have an Accessible Menu?
No. The menu is printed daily because it changes depending on the local produce available, and the menu is printed on paper.
The food was freshly cooked and tasted fabulous.
Breakfast is both buffet and table service. I am confident a staff member would assist you with the buffet if you need them to.
What Else is Available at the Macdonald Inchyra Hotel?
There is a leisure centre with a swimming pool and a spa.
We didn’t use them, so I can’t comment.
Would You Stay at the Macdonald Inchyra Hotel Again?
One hundred per cent YES!
I only wish we had stayed in an accessible bedroom so we could offer a more relevant review.
Macdonald Hotels will be the first place I look when I’m looking to book an upmarket hotel on our travels.
Summary
The Macdonald Inchyra Hotel and Spa lived up to its 4-star rating, and everything about it felt better quality than an average hotel.
As ambulatory wheelchair users, even though we were not staying in an accessible room, it worked for us.
The hotel is convenient for all Falkirk attractions, the Bo’ness Railway Museum, and is a comfortable base for exploring further afield.
Based on our two-night stay, I would have no hesitation recommending The Macdonald Inchyra Hotel and Spa.
Here is their disabled access policy: Disabled Access Policy
Contact Details
The Macdonald Hotel and Spa, Grange Road, Polmont, Falkirk FK2 0YB
Website: The Macdonald Inchyra Hotel and Spa
Facebook: @MacdonaldHotels
Instagram: @macdonaldhotelsandresorts
Twitter: @MacdonaldHotels
Where Else Would You Like to Go?
Accessible Falkirk – Wheelchair Friendly Things to Do
Accessible Falkirk – Wheelchair Accessible Things to Do
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**This stay was part of a hosted trip. As always, my opinions are my own.