Venue - Conference Aston Hotel

Physical Accessibility

Most parts of the venue were accessible by both stairs and lifts. There were some rooms that were only accessible by stairs. Most of the conference rooms, restaurant etc were on ground floor. Getting into the corridors on the upper floors needed a key card which I found difficult to use. I also found it difficult to develop a mental map of the venue and find my way around. Signage on Aston Campus was poor and the signs difficult to read, so I ended up unnecessarily cycling all the way round it before finding the venue and getting lost every time I left it and came back. However, it was close to the main train station.

Toilets

There were toilets including an accessible gender neutral toilet near the conference room my event was in. In other parts of the venue you needed to walk a bit to find the toilets and the accessible gender neutral toilet was not right next to the others. More toilets would have been useful.

Sensory Considerations

The bedrooms did not have traffic noise or noise from the other rooms. However, there was a constant low level hum which was irritating, though my ear defenders cut it out, but I do not like to wear them all the time. There was a quiet room, though I did not use it as on the first floor and I was able to find parts of the venue away from other people to sit with a few people to talk. I suspect a quiet room is only available if requested by the organisers. Unfortunately, there were trees with lights and various golden lighting features, though these could be unplugged. The outside seating area, which otherwise would have been really nice, had a lot of low level lights, which I find difficult, so was less attractive to sit in than it would otherwise have been.

Busyness

Things got crowded a meal times. I had requested and was given a seat at the back of the conference room, so that was ok. There were queues for meals, but I was able to find spaces away from other people and come after the queues. For the conference dinner I sat with a friend away from the main group, so that was ok.

Staff and support

The mirrors were covered over. I had forgotten to ask for the TV to be covered, but was able to hang a towel over it. They provided an extra duvet, but I had to ask. I rarely stay in hotels and prefer flats when I am away. When I do I am always puzzled why there are so many pillows and cushions, but just one duvet. The hotel staff were generally helpful.