Cateys 2023: Accessibility Award: AbleStay

AbleStay wins the Accessibility Award, sponsored by Blue Badge Access Awards

The judges described AbleStay, London's first fully accessible, contemporary single-storey holiday home, as a "shining example of design-led accessible accommodation" and one that has a "perfect combination" of a commitment to its guests while being a commercial opportunity.

Co-founded by Charles (pictured) and Jo van Berckel in May 2020, the family-owned and operated holiday home in Worcester Park in south-west London has placed accessibility at the heart of its offering, providing holiday accommodation for 250,000 people in the UK with complex physical impairments.

The pair have first-hand experience of the difficulties people with additional needs face when wanting to enjoy time away from home, as their son Kit suffered a brain injury at birth, resulting in quadriplegic cerebral palsy.

Charles said: "AbleStay was inspired by the difficulties we faced as a family and the thousands of others in our community that would love to visit London but can't because of the lack of somewhere to stay that meets their needs."

It is the first and only fully accessible holiday accommodation for those with complex physical disabilities within the M25.

Outside, there is off-street parking for two cars, one of which can accommodate a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, and two ramps into the house. The south-facing back garden has a wheelchair access terrace and is not overlooked, ensuring privacy.

Inside, there's an open plan kitchen, dining and living area large enough for wheelchairs to move around and a Stressless sofa, which responds to the seater's movements. The apartment sleeps six. There are two fully accessible bedrooms, one of which has a ceiling track hoist that connects to an accessible bathroom, while the other has connecting door for a carer or family members. The third bedroom is suitable for adults and children.

Judges were impressed with the level of detail in the hotel's accessibility statement, including precise measurements of doors, transfer spaces and walkways, as well as details on flooring types, colour schemes and lighting. One stated that the owners "have created a strikingly beautiful self-catering property that enables its guests to explore one of the most exciting cities in the world, taking trips they may otherwise not have been able to take".

They also noted the website includes accessible friendly attractions in London, including a list of Changing Places bathrooms, where toilets are larger than standard accessible toilets with extra features and more space.

The project, which cost £750,000, was completed last summer, and AbleStay opened its door to its first guests in September 2022. It has been fully booked since then and, as of January 2023, it was 90% booked for the year.

What the judges said

"This was the perfect combination of personal commitment to guests, a desire to provide excellent service and a sound commercial opportunity. I was particularly impressed by their desire to ensure guests enjoyed their stay." Daniel Pedreschi

"Owners Charles and Jo have created a strikingly beautiful self-catering property. AbleStay is a shining example of design-led accessible accommodation – I can't wait to see what further properties may come next!" Ross Calladine

The shortlist

• AbleStay
• Hilton London Metropole
• Hotel Brooklyn Leicester

The judges

• Peter Banks, Rudding Park
• David Croft, Haven for Others
• Ross Calladine, VisitEngland
• Mark Lewis, Hospitality Action
• Daniel Pedreschi, PPHE Hotel Group