ACCESS STATEMENT
Introduction
This document is an access Statement for The Reading Rooms Bed and Breakfast, Margate, Kent
We aim to cater for the needs of all visitors in our home based three-bedroom bed and breakfast. The following statement is a summary of our provision. If you have any specific questions please feel free to call us and we will endeavour to help.
The House
The Reading Rooms is a 5 storey Grade II Listed Georgian townhouse. The historical nature of the building restricts the modifications that can be made for accessibility. The house is unsuitable for wheelchair access.
Pre-Arrival
We are located in the historical centre of Margate, close to local transport services and amenities. There are regular buses from the train station, which is itself only a few minutes away on the seafront. The bus stops are 1 minute walk from the house. Trains run to Margate regularly from London. Taxis are available at the train station and the ride takes a couple of minutes we have also provided the numbers of the local taxi services (see below).
Brochures and menus can be provided in large print by prior arrangement.
We have a website which provides more detailed information about our house and business.
You can contact us via phone or email.
Arrival & Car Parking Facilities
We are sited directly on Hawley Square, which is situated off one of the main highstreets in the town.
If arriving by car, you can pull up and stop outside the house which is a one way street and drop off passengers and luggage.
Parking is available in the residents and visitors parking bays in the streets adjacent to the square.
24 hour visitor parking vouchers are available when you arrive at The Reading Rooms.
There are 6 steps to the front door from the pavement in front of the house.
There is a period iron railing at either side of the steps.
We can assist guests with luggage.
Main Entrance & Reception
The front door has a threshold step 10cm high and is 91cm wide.
There is a knocker on the front door.
On entry into our home there is a hallway 1.37m wide by 5.40m long.
The floor surface of the hallway is original wooden floorboards.
Public Areas - General (Internal)
The passage to the bedrooms is 83cm wide at the narrowest part and is well lit. The floor is wooden floorboards.
From the ground floor to the first floor:
There are 18 steps - (of 18.5cm) - to the first floor bedroom. This is separated into two flights of 9 steps each with a landing in the middle. There is a hand rail on the left hand side.
From the first floor to the second floor:
There are 18 steps - (of 18.5cm) - to the second floor bedroom. This is separated into two flights of 9 steps each with a landing in the middle. There is a hand rail on the left hand side.
From the second floor to the third floor:
There are 15 steps - (of 18.5cm) - to the third floor bedroom. There is one flight of 9 steps with a landing and then a flight of 6 steps to the bedroom door. There is a hand rail on the left hand side.
Public Areas - WC
Room 1 has an ensuite bathroom.
Room 2 has an ensuite bathroom.
Room 3 has an ensuite bathroom
Bedrooms
Bedroom 1:
The door to the room width is 81cm.
There is a 7cm threshold into the bedroom.
The superking sized bed is 63cm high to the top of the mattress.
There is a dining table and two chairs.
The floor surface is original exposed wooden floorboards.
The ensuite bathroom door is 68.5cm wide.
There is a 9cm threshold step into the ensuite bathroom.
The floor surface in the ensuite is tiled.
Bedroom 2:
The door to the room width is 81cm.
There is a 1cm threshold into the bedroom.
The superking sized bed is 63cm high to the top of the mattress.
There is a dining table and two chairs.
The floor surface is original exposed wooden floorboards.
The ensuite bathroom door is 69cm wide.
There is a 3cm threshold step into the ensuite bathroom.
The floor surface in the ensuite is tiled.
Bedroom 3:
The door to the room width is 73cm wide and 183cm high.
There is a 2cm threshold into the bedroom.
Superking sized bed 63cm high to the top of the mattress.
Dining table and two chairs.
The floor is polish oak parquet.
There are exposed beams in the ceiling which start at 201cm high
There is a 4cm threshold step into the ensuite bathroom.
The floor surface in the ensuite is tiled.
Bathroom, Shower-room & WC [Ensuite or Shared]
Room 1:
The ensuite bathroom.is large with no wheelchair access.
Door width is ??cm wide opening inwards to the bathroom.
The shower cubicle is walk in with no step.
The cast iron rolltop bath is accessible on three sides and the rim is 63cm high.
The two washbasins are squared at the front and 84cm high.
The toilet has left-side transfer and is 46cm high.
Room 2:
The ensuite is large with no wheelchair access
Door width is 69cm wide opening inwards to the bathroom.
The shower cubicle is walk in with no step.
The cast iron rolltop bath is open on three sides and the rim is 60cm high.
The large washbasin is squared at the front and 84cm high.
The toilet has left-side transfer and is 46cm high.
Room 3:
The ensuite is large with no wheelchair access.
Door width 73cm wide and 178.5cm high opening inwards to the bathroom.
The shower is walk in with no step.
The two washbasins are squared at the front and 84cm high.
The cast iron rolltop bath is open on three sides and the rim is 60cm high.
The toilet has left-side transfer and is 43cm high.
Dining:
Meals are served in the guest rooms on a dining table with two chairs.
The dining table and chairs can be moved at request.
The Reading Rooms does not have a communal dining room available for guests.
We do not play background music in any area of the B&B.
Menus can be provided in large print on request.
Laundry:
We can arrange for laundry to be sent out to our external laundry service on request.
Shops:
We have a large number of shops within easy reach of the house. Please let us know if you have forgotten to bring something such as toothpaste.
Drink Making Facilities
There are tea and coffee making facilities in each room. We also provide a complimentary bottle of still mineral every day as well as a thermos of cold fresh milk changed every day.
Garden
We have a small courtyard garden. It is not currently accessible to guests. We plan to open the garden to guests in spring. There will then be rear access to the garden via the rear alley way.
Additional Information
Assistance dogs are welcomed by arrangement.
There is mobile phone reception. Guests are welcome to use our land-line on request.
We are able to use the front door in the need of evacuation. We will alert residents personally if evacuation is needed.
We are a no smoking building
We can accept small items of food/medication for storage in our fridge by arrangement (access available 24 hours).
Contacting Us
Contact Information
Address:
The Reading Rooms
31 Hawley Square
Margate
CT9 1PH
Telephone: 01843 225166
Email: info@thereadingroomsmargate.co.uk
Website: thereadingroomsmargate.co.uk
Hours of operation: Arrivals 4 - 9pm Departures by 11am (other times by arrangement).
Emergency number: 999
Taxi service:
Our nearest mini cab service is:
Central Cars
16 Hawley Street
Margate
Telephone 01843 601601
We welcome your feedback to help us continuously improve if you have any comments please phone 01843 225166 or email info@thereadingroomsmargate.co.uk