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In New York, we went with the Four Seasons again – figuring we were on a roll – but life was just a little more tricky, not through lack of service but more lack of familiarity at both ends. Despite all of our best efforts, US and UK, when we arrived:
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- The accessible bathroom had a lip so was not roll in/roll out.
- The lift was not a hoist but a trapeze bar pull up – not an acceptable replacement!
- The bed did not have the requisite few inches underneath to allow use of the hoist.
I moved swiftly into an, ‘oh, no, disaster, disaster,’ mode. EaZyD tried to calm me and we both tried to explain the problems. The Four Seasons staff went immediately into hyper-efficient overdrive. Within a few hours, we were tucking into complimentary food and drinks while they sourced, and had delivered, the correct equipment. They got workmen in to, safely, saw and support the bed base to allow the hoist legs to go underneath. They recognised but could not eliminate the shower lip problem. However, with some ingenuity, we thought we could cope. Everyone was charming throughout, nothing seemed to be too much trouble, and they offered us a complimentary meal in their restaurant during our stay. It could have been a disaster and wasn’t.
Ya gotta love the Four Seasons! Service is their raison d’etre and they do it so well. Yes, I know you might expect it at these prices but, in our experience, just paying a lot does not mean people go out of their way to help with disability issues. Here, they did. We were impressed… and incredibly grateful.
In both locations, we had a great time. EaZyD even got some cardio-vascular exercise in...it’s really very hilly in Atlanta, especially when pushing a wheelchair! The rooms at both hotels are a pretty decent size – the view in New York, much better – and do great room service. I watched lots of films in Atlanta and learnt loads from the carers about the US health system! We ate at some great restaurants, re-inflated the US economy and EaZyD assures me we took in some culture though I am not sure that The Matrix Reloaded counts as culture! It was so fabulous getting back to New York, I had missed it so much and truly thought I might never get back there...
Having been back home for a week, we want to go again soon but the credit cards are weak....they need resuscitating....condition critical!
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