Kingston House Access Statement

Built in the late 1800s Kingston House has seen quite a few changes over the years.

Originally owned by a wealthy family and named Tresco House, Kingston House was built in such a way as to lend itself to the Hospitality Industry. There is however still one or two changes required in Kingston House to improve access by all possible guests. Until these changes can be made however we have to ask that if any prospective guests need special considerations concerning access to Kingston House you should inform us prior to your arrival, preferably at the time of booking.

Pre-Arrival

Contacting Kingston House couldn’t be easier; it doesn’t matter whether you choose the more traditional methods of communication, as in letter or telephone, or if you opt to use computers as your chosen media, in the form of e-mails and fax. We will respond in like manner or any variant mentioned. Which ever is most suitable for you?

We have two main line stations nearby, the first is Torre Station and this is approximately 200-250 metres from Kingston House, for the fitter among you about a five minute walk (downhill).

The second is Torquay Station; this is the most likely station for main line direct travellers. Taxis are available at most times of the day/night while trains are running. It takes approximately five minutes to get to Kingston House and the average cost is £4.50p.

There is of course a third point of arrival and that is Torquay Coach Station, distance to Kingston House is approximately the same as the train station and taxi fares are similar as well.

The local public service transport is very good and well represented by the Stagecoach Bus Company, access to almost all of the local attractions is both easy and in the main relatively inexpensive.

We hold a good selection of brochures for most of the attractions in the Torbay area, but if you have a particular place of interest to visit and you think it may not be in our choices then let us know before your arrival and we will endeavour to obtain information for you.

We also have our web site to refer to, particularly if you require directions to Kingston House. Occasionally we have local events advertised so check us out on www.kingstonhousehotel.co.uk who knows what you may find out.

Arrival and Car Parking Facilities

Kingston House car park is accessed from Avenue road and depending on the size of guest’s vehicles we can accommodate between five and seven cars. If for some reason we cannot get all of our guest’s cars on the car park, suitable free parking is available on the side streets adjacent to Kingston House. Should any guest have a need to park near to the main entrance arrangements can be made to reserve a place on the drive. At night all our outside areas are very well lit, independently of street lights.

Arrival time at Kingston House is stated on your confirmation details and is usually 1600hrs, however, should you wish to arrive earlier than this we always try to accommodate and whenever possible allow you access to your room. Should this not be possible, cases can be left with us and cars can be parked up if necessary while you go to explore your holiday location?

The entrance to Kingston House is clearly marked with our sign post. Again this is brightly lit at night. From the car park, which is located directly in front of the house, you can walk to the main door at the side of the building via a very gentle drive or by taking two steps onto the terrace area next to the drive. The main door to the house is preceded by a very small step 5” high, the door itself being 35” wide, this is followed by an inner door that is 33” wide, although the two main entrance doors are wide enough for wheelchair access and a ground floor room is available, en-suite doors in all our rooms would not accommodate wheelchairs.

All door locks in Kingston House are set at a standard height and are of the Yale type of design. The main door also has a security lock that requires a key code when in operation.

Main House Details

Once in the main hall of the house you will find to the left a guest cloakroom with tiled floor and wash hand basin with WC, unfortunately this is not accessible to any wheelchair bound guests and is not likely to be changed in the near future, though the possibility of change is constantly being discussed.

Reception

To the right of the interior door is the guest lounge, here you will be asked to fill out a guest registration card and you will be given your room key. Help with luggage is always available and it will be taken to your room.

Kingston House is carpeted throughout with medium pile carpet except in the en-suites; these are covered in cushion floor vinyl.

Dining Room

Our dining room is located on the ground floor, access is from the lobby via two doors set at 45 degrees to each other, and there is a step at the second door of seven inches allowing entry to the room. Though natural light is slightly limited through the French windows, electric light is more than ample and gives a bright and airy atmosphere to the room.

Ground Floor Accommodation

Also on the ground floor is the first of our super king luxury rooms, although as stated earlier wheelchairs have access to the room door size 33”, but not to the en-suite which would be too small to accommodate.

First and Second Floor Rooms

The remaining rooms are all accessible via the stairs to the first floor then a 180 degree turn on a half-landing and a further five steps to the second floor.

All our bedrooms are en-suite, fitted with shower, wash hand basin and WC, tiled throughout, with wall lights as well as overhead lights. Heated towel rails/radiators are available in some rooms but not all, this is part of an on going upgrading programme and will continue as funds and time allow.

Our four poster room has an added advantage of a bath in the en-suite as well as a shower over the bath, side grip handles are fitted to aid getting in and out of the bath.

Facilities in the rooms include fridge, flat screen TV with free view and remote control, a well stocked complimentary refreshments tray and dressing table aids such as cotton balls, tissues and cotton buds are all available as standard in all the rooms, our front facing rooms also have overhead fans for when the sun gets a little too hot.

Additional Information

Any guests who like the afternoon sun can relax at the front of our house sitting at the table and chairs on our terrace, an ideal spot to catch up on sun worship.

If you’re arriving in Torquay by train or bus and you know your arrival time why not tell us when you book and we can arrange pick up and save you queuing for taxis.

It is a point to note that mobile phones on certain networks do not pick up transmissions very well inside Kingston House and guests should make friends, family and work colleagues aware that they may be difficult to contact.

Contact Information

ADDRESS: 75 Avenue Road, Torquay, Devon TQ2 5LL

TELEPHONE: 01803 212760

FAX: 01803201425

E-MAIL: stay@kingstonhousehotel.co.uk

WEB:www.kingstonhousehotel.co.uk