We love any reason to indulge in a hotel stay and an invitation to check out the recent refurbishments at the Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach last year was one we couldn’t refuse. It seemed fitting we should be staying in accessible accommodation with a stunning view on International Day of People with a Disability. We all know how rare it is to find an accessible room with any view, let alone uninterrupted views of Coogee Beach. There’s also nothing better than a newly refurbished hotel. Everything feels so fresh!
Some of you may remember I reviewed the hotel some years ago when I stayed there with a friend. We had a wonderful weekend, and I was keen to return with the family. It’s safe to say it was a hit with Hubby and the kids and we loved having an interconnecting room so we could all be together but have plenty of space with two rooms. It also never hurts to have two bathrooms when travelling as a family.
CROWNE PLAZA SYDNEY COOGEE BEACH – WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE ACCOMMODATION WITH OCEAN VIEWS
It didn’t take Braeden long to feel at home in the accessible room which allows plenty of circulation space on both sides of the bed for a wheelchair user. The chair and the coffee table could easily be moved to give greater access if you prefer to transfer from the left side.
I’m a fan of decor which reflects the hotel’s location and Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach has embraced coastal chic with art work of local attractions and cool blue and white hues throughout.
The room is equipped with all the mod cons including a flat screen TV with a good choice of movies. Amelia and I watched The Heights and thoroughly enjoyed having a movie night together in the interconnecting room. Braeden is not into musicals so the boys watched something else in the accessible room.
Braeden’s curiosity was thoroughly satisfied with the large floor to ceiling glass doors giving him uninterrupted views of all the activity on Coogee Beach. He supervised the lifeguards who were supervising the swimmers and enjoyed the Sunday morning surf carnival.
There’s a lip on the door which prevents easy access onto the balcony. We can easily bump Braeden’s chair over a step so he did enjoy sitting outside but the view is also lovely from inside.
I was so impressed with the bathroom makeover which includes a lovely long shower bench seat, height adjustable shower, grab rails throughout and lever taps.
The bathroom wash basin is wheelchair accessible but you’ll need to get creative with storing your toiletries as there is no bench space. Hubby has a hanging toiletries bag which he could hang from the magnifying mirror.
Take a little tour with me below (you’ll spot me trying to be incognito but unable to escape the mirror)
DINING AT CROWNE PLAZA SYDNEY COOGEE BEACH
Thanks to Covid it’s been a long time between buffet breakfasts so we were all up early and eager to head to Shutters, which is on lobby level, to indulge in all the goodies. Braeden certainly can put away a range of breakfast treats when he’s given the chance. Cereal, juice, delightful yoghurt pots and waffles were all gobbled up with great appreciation.
My biggest treat is a freshly made omelette so I was a happy camper.
Shutters is accessible throughout and with tables well spaced out we had no issues moving between the table and the breakfast buffet. And let’s just say, many a trip was made for just a little more. No judgement please, as I said, it’s been a long time between hotel buffet breakfasts.
I’ve said many times that Braeden isn’t one for lingering over meals so we don’t tend to often go out for dinner. The rest of us love the opportunity to get a little dressed up and I certainly welcome any opportunity not to cook. Isn’t that one of the best things about travel? Maybe that’s just me. Anyway, with an offer to try the cuisine at Estate at Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach we put our good clothes on and headed down for dinner. It was here we found the secret to keeping our on-the-go guy happy during a leisurely meal. At Estate he had a view of the kitchen and the hive of activity that happens to ensure diners are fed in a timely manner. As soon as he arrived Braeden caught the eye of the chef who returned his greeting and we were all set for a relaxed evening.
Estate specialises in tasting plates and shared meals which suits us as everyone can have a try of the various dishes. Braeden eagerly finished off his fish and absolutely inhaled dessert. If Braeden were to write this review he would tell you that you simply must leave room for dessert and to order sticky toffee (pictured below).
It was unusually cool for December during our stay so we were too chicken to take a dip in the inviting pool, even though it is heated.
Ramp access is provided to the pool deck but entry to the water does require the ability to use the pool stairs or scoot in off the side.
There’s no doubt the location of Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach makes it a drawcard for anyone looking for a wheelchair accessible coastal stay in Sydney. We love walking along the promenade and think the Coogee coastal walk is one of Sydney’s best.
Coogee is also a fantastic location for easy access to Sydney’s CBD, museums, galleries and shopping. During our stay we visited the White Rabbit Gallery and did a bit of Christmas shopping at Peter’s of Kensington. Being so close we arrived at opening and we were in and out in record time.
Hotels are often just a base for exploring and although we did a bit of this one day, it was also lovely to be able to lie on the bed with the balcony doors open and have the happy sounds of people at the beach and fresh sea air float up to us. It was interesting to see just how many people choose to relax on their balconies at various times of the day. Some reading, some in robes checking their phones and others just watching the world go by. We ordered room service and sat sharing a glass of champagne and a burger on our balcony. Although it’s lovely to explore, sometimes it’s even better to sit for long enough to take in your surrounds and just be. The location of the hotel certainly allowed us to do both.
Being a staycation we were also able to take advantage of using one of our regular support workers to take Braeden out for a few hours on the weekend so Hubby, Amelia and I could read our books and relax. Even with such a fab view our guy finds staying put too long a tad boring.
ACCESSIBLE PARKING
Undercover parking is offered below the hotel with two accessible parking bays located within easy reach of the lift. Car park clearance is 2 metres.
CROWNE PLAZA SYDNEY COOGEE BEACH – GENERAL ACCESSIBILITY
Coogee as a suburb is a bit like a rollercoaster with lots of hills so getting back up from the beach or the shops to the hotel is a steep push for manual wheelchair users. It’s definitely easier for those who have power-assist or a power wheelchair.
The hotel offers multiple accessible rooms including ocean view and street view accommodation.
Accessible rooms have lowered safe access, tea and coffee making facilities and a mini bar fridge. Wardrobe rails are at a regular height.
Double peep holes are available, though the wheelchair access viewing position is somewhat low.
The doorway to the accessible rooms is regular sized so guests with a larger wheelchair may find it a tight fit.
Lift access is available throughout the hotel and all main areas are accessible.
Ramp access is provided to Shutters where the breakfast buffet is available.
Step-free access to Estate (the restaurant where we dined in the evening) is available from outside of the hotel.
I can’t end my review without mentioning the welcoming and friendly staff at Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach. A hotel can be as fancy as it likes and have all the right accessible amenities but friendly staff, who go out of their way to assist and take an interest in guests, provide the heart to a stay. Crowne Coogee has plenty of heart.
We were hosted for our stay but as always our opinions are a reflection of our experience.
You can read more about the hotel on the Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach website.
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