Accommodation Auckland Region

Accessibility at the Spencer on Byron Hotel, Takapuna Beach, Auckland

“A short stroll to Takapuna Beach and only 10 mins from the Heart of Auckland”

The Spencer on Bryon in Takapuna is located on Auckland’s North Shore. Close to all amenities on offer in Takapuna like top class restaurants, a stunning beachfront and a great Sunday Market. Close by is the Takapuna Transport Station, just an estimated 7-minute walk around the corner. Kneel down buses leave regularly from this location into Auckland City and other parts of the North Shore.

(A) Spencer On Byron and (B) Bus Transport Station

The Spencer welcomes you with an automatic double glass sliding door and flat concrete outside terrain. The entry is covered, light and spacious. On my visit, I noticed taxis waiting in the ranks for exiting guests.

Car Parking

Secure accessible underground parking is available for hotel guests, with a maximum height of 2.1 vehicle clearance. There is a cost of $20 per day/night (self-drive) and $35 (valet) per day/night. Depending on availability there is also a weekly self-park of $100.

Reception Area

The Reception and Lobby are light and spacious with lot’s of natural lighting from the floor to ceiling glass outside walls. Carpeting is at a minimum allowing easy access for wheelchairs.

The Reception Desk is at standing height with no ‘accessible’ area for those seated in a wheelchair.

Main Entrance looking over to Lobby/Library Area
The Reception Area

The Lobby/Library area has quiet areas where guests can relax and receive visitors or hold business meetings.

The Main Lobby and Library Space

Guest Lifts

There is good signage at the Reception Desk which indicates the location of key areas around the hotel. The guest lifts are an average of 1400m x 1400m which allows guests to access each floor.

Restaurant (Level 1)

The SmokePit & Buoy is well set out with areas that give you a sense of privacy with light curtaining. They have an A La Carte menu for evening meals and cater for vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free and low-carb diets.

Bar (Level 1)

The Bar is open all day and is complemented with a lounge bar and Sky TV.

Accessible Toilets (Level 1)

Accessible toilets are available on this floor (Level 1) to cater for those in the restaurant and bar. They are also located next door to the Conference Room.

Conference Room (Level 1)

Very spacious Conference Room with a meeting room available next door. This was occupied on my visit so I was unable to take a look.

Conference Room

Pool and Gymnasium

The roof-top pool is accessed through a hinged glass door that has a lip in the doorway. The accessible changing facilities are located to your right just before you exit outside.

If the initial lip can be negotiated a well-lit ramp will take you out to the swimming pool. There is no hoist or chair lift, only steps with handrails to assist entry.

Ramp into the pool – two steps to the spa pool

The Spa Pool is not accessible unless you can negotiate two steps. The pool itself is also accessed via a step down with grab rails to assist. No hoist or chairlift.

Steps to access Spa Pool
Gymnasium

One-Bedroom Accessible Suite (Level 6)

The one-bedroom suite is accessed through an 820mm hinged door width.

It was good to find an accessible bedroom with a view! We checked out Room 1806, the bedroom consisted of a king-size bed with a gap of 120mm underneath that could accommodate a mobile hoist. The television is accessible for viewing from the bed with bedside lamps at easy reach for switching on and off. There is sufficient space on either side for wheelchair transfers.

They have no connecting rooms for any of their access rooms and all comprise of the same configuration.

Bathroom

Adjoined to the bedroom is a full wet floor shower. The door is 820mm in width and is sliding. The bathroom is clean and spacious with a sliding shower head, with an L-shaped grab rail and shower seat that folds down against the wall. The towels are accessible from seating along with the soap.

The toilet is 360mm away from the back wall and 470mm from floor to seat. It has an L-shaped grab rail to assist with sit to stand.

The basin is 740mm from the ground, so ample room to wheel into. The mirror is just about accessible from seating.

Lounge & Kitchen

The lounge and kitchen are quite compact for wheeling around, but furniture can be moved to allow more space.


Mobility Taxis & Companion Drivers

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