Hotel Accessibility Assessment: Exploring Avani Melbourne Box Hill Residences

Explore our hotel accessibility assessment of Avani Melbourne Box Hill Residences through the eyes of MediStays Accessibility Reviewer, Ash Dolby.

This review delves into the property’s accessibility features, evaluating wheelchair-friendly apartments, accessible bathrooms, and convenient amenities for short and medium-term medical and disability stays. From the thoughtfully designed entrance to the fully equipped kitchen and spacious living areas, our assessment reveals how Avani caters to guests with mobility needs.

Discover why this accessible property close to Epworth Eastern and Box Hill Hospital offers a comfortable and practical home-away-from-home experience for hospital visitors and patients with diverse accessibility requirements.

Hotel Accessibility Assessment

As someone with access needs, I completely get it! When you’re staying away from home, especially for more than a couple of nights or when traveling for medical reasons, hotel accessibility is crucial. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit and assess Avani Melbourne Box Hill Residences to see how it caters to those with mobility aids.

Conveniently located just a stone’s throw from Epworth Eastern and Box Hill Hospital, this property is perfect for short or medium-term stays. It offers the comfort, accessibility, and practical amenities you need to feel at home while in the area. Let me walk you through my experience with the accessibility features.

First up, the hotel entrance: it’s thoughtfully designed with accessibility in mind. The wide entryway, automatic doors, and welcoming lobby make a great first impression. From there, you’ll find the lifts just around the corner, easily reached via a slight incline ramp. The hallways, lined with plush purple carpet, add a touch of luxury as you make your way to your floor.

The accessible One Bedroom Suite is well equipped for those using mobility aids. With essential facilities including a fully functioning kitchen, laundry and lounge, the apartment ensures you have the independence and convenience required for longer stays. The open layout makes navigating with a wheelchair or walker a breeze. There is plenty of space around the kitchen table and living area, which is super cosy with a couch and TV for when you need to relax.

One of the standout features is the spacious accessible bathroom. With grab rails around the toilet and a fold down shower seat, it’s designed for convenience. The large layout ensures easy maneuverability, and the shower is separated by a curtain for privacy. If you need extra security, a non-slip bathmat can be made available on request. The bathroom’s generous size ensures plenty of room for smooth navigation and easy transfers. The bathroom is a standout in this hotel accessibility assessment.

The private balcony offers views of Box Hill Gardens, with Epworth Eastern Hospital across the road. However, the small step required to access the balcony could be challenging, particularly for wheelchair users. It’s more suited for ambulant wheelchair users or those with walkers—personally, as a mobility scooter user, I would need assistance to access this space.

The bedroom has a king bed that can be split into twins if needed, offering flexibility. I found the space beside the bed to be narrower than expected which does impact accessibility. Fortunately, this can be easily modified by staff, who mentioned they can reposition the bed to create more room for transfers in and out of bed, making the stay more comfortable.

The property also offers onsite underground car parking, which is very convenient for those who have a car during their stay. Although there aren’t dedicated accessible spots, the staff are more than happy to assist in finding a suitable space. I would recommend letting the reception know prior to your stay to ensure best parking location for your needs especially if you let them know in advance. The lift is conveniently located near the carpark, making the transition from car to room seamless for those with access needs.

For added convenience, the hotel offers chargeback facilities with the Box Hill RSL next door. This means you can enjoy a meal out and charge it back to your room. The option of staying in with the full kitchen and dining table is ideal if you’re recovering from medical treatment or wanting to take it easy. Nelson Café next door is handy for brunch or to grab a morning coffee.

Overall, Avani Melbourne Box Hill Residences stands out as a well located, accessible, and comfortable option for those visiting nearby hospitals. The combination of accessible facilities and thoughtful design ensures that guests have everything they need for a seamless stay, making it an ideal choice for individuals and families seeking convenience and comfort during a hospital visit or recovery period.

Hotel Accessibility Assessment Checklist

Meet Ashlee Dolby

Ashlee Dolby serves as MediStays’ Accessibility Assessment Reviewer, bringing unique insights to this crucial role. Living with Friedreich’s Ataxia, Ashlee is a passionate advocate for people with disabilities. Her experience in the hospitality sector and work with Able Foods enriches her understanding of accessibility needs. Ashlee’s dedication to improving accommodation standards aligns perfectly with MediStays’ mission to ensure all guests find suitable lodging for their specific requirements. You can also find more about Ashlee Dolby on MediStays blog and the NDIS website.