Sometimes twitter can be a total pain. Other times, a random tweet can lead to a wonderful discovery. This time twitter revealed a total GEM to me. I happened upon a tweet from a lady named Jennifer. She mentioned that her hotel was COMPLETELY ACCESSIBLE. I have heard such claims before, and have been disappointed when they turn out to mean the entrance, the one hotel room, and maybe part of the check-in desk. I wanted to investigate further. Jennifer, Mackenzie, and the rest of the team were more than happy for me to do so. After my research I decided I had to share this place with you and what better day to do so than World Accessibility Day.
I should state right now that I have not yet had the chance to travel to The Bruce Hotel, so all of the information here is gleaned from conversations, photos, and the website itself.
The Bruce Hotel
They describe themselves as an oasis, just steps from world-renowned theatre and some of the nation’s finest restaurants… where guests’ privacy and comfort are paramount… where even the smallest details have been perfected… and sophistication combines with a touch of humor to provide an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere…
Set on six and a half acres, The Bruce Hotel offers unparalleled service in the heart of Stratford. Fully wheelchair accessible, the hotel features 25 decadent rooms and suites, with an adjoining private Cottage, facilities including a gym and indoor pool, and two dining options by Executive Chef Brandon Clemens.
About the Rooms
Each of the rooms features:
- Adjustable bed legs
- accessible sink/vanity
- lowered showerhead and shower ledge
- lowered closet bat
- French door Ramp for Patio (each guest room has either a patio or balcony)
- Double peep holes
These features should help make a stay easier and more comfortable for those who are traveling with mobility issues.
The City View Rooms feature a city view, with one King bed or two twin beds. They are 600 square feet and are furnished with a 42″ flat screen, deep soaker tub and rainfall shower, a seating area with arm chairs or sofa, and bluetooth radio. Each room also has a wet bar that is stocked with complimentary coffee, tea, and water. There are also walk out balconies or patios on every room.
The Garden View Rooms, each overlooking the gardens and bee meadow with a King Bed featuring a Stearn and Foster Mattress. They are 600 square feet and are furnished with a 42″ flat screen, deep soaker tub and rainfall shower, a seating area with arm chairs or sofa, and bluetooth radio. Each room also has a wet bar that is stocked with complimentary coffee, tea, and water. There are also walk out balconies or patios on every room.
THE SUITES each overlooking the gardens and bee meadow with a King Bed featuring a Stearn and Foster Mattress. They are 600 square feet and are furnished with a 42″ flat screen, deep soaker tub and rainfall shower, a seating area with arm chairs or sofa, and bluetooth radio. Each room also has a wet bar that is stocked with complimentary coffee, tea, and water. The suites also have an additional entertaining area separate from the bedroom with a large flat-screen television and a sofa bed
But that is NOT where the Accessibility Features Stop
The hotel also features buttons for automatic double-doors in Hallways and throughout Restaurant and Main Hotel Entrance. There is an accessible front desk check-in counter built as a part of the front desk, and I love this because if I’m the one paying for the room, I want to be the one handling the transaction.
There are also tri-level sinks in public bathrooms for hotel & restaurant guests.
I love that everyone can find a sink height that works for them and maybe not emerge from the facilities looking like they just took a splash in the pool. Speaking of the pool…the hotel also has an accessible pool with raised ledge and accessible life preservers & first-aid equipment, including accessible change rooms, sink, and shower without lip or ledge. If you would rather hit the gym, KrankCycles and adaptable fitness equipment feature in their fitness studio.
If none of that strikes your fancy there are the flat and wide garden path in back lawns that would be perfect for a gentle stroll.
Sorry, Not Sorry, the Cross Stitch Queen in Me is Flipping Out
Okay so the accessible bathroom already makes me happy and relaxed just looking at it, but I am in love with the detail I learned about the decor.
All twenty five rooms feature a unique mosaic band that runs around the tub and through the shower-
First, a picture was taken and manipulated into a band 29 pixels high by 409 pixels wide. Then the picture was uploaded into a cross stitch program. Each pixel represented a stitch, or in this case, a tile. The pattern was printed with symbols representing each colour tile.
Following the pattern, the 10mm tiles were placed face up in a grid 29 tiles wide by 29 tiles high. When a grid was done, a clear vinyl adhesive sheet was smoothed over it to keep the tiles in place. They were labeled, turned out of the grid, placed on a board, shrink wrapped and then boxed.
The boxes were then handed over to the tile setters who handled the installation. The end result is a beautiful example of the level of detail that can be found throughout the hotel.
The cross-stitcher in me loves this and wants all the patterns.
I don’t know about you but I am currently looking for an excuse to head for The Bruce. If you decide to enjoy a stay when they re-open beginning on June 11 in line Canada’s current protocols, let me know what you think!
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