Crystalbrook Kingsley – accessible accommodation Newcastle

Crystalbrook Kingsley is a five-star luxury hotel located in the heart of Newcastle’s CBD. Offering seven accessible rooms, four with the option of an interconnecting room, this hotel is ideal for a business or leisure stay. I was visiting Newcastle to speak at the Australian Regional Tourism Convention which was held next door to the hotel at the Newcastle Town Hall. For those looking for accessible Newcastle accommodation that also has a sustainability focus, this could be just what you are looking for. The hotel is plastic-free which is reflected everywhere from the room key to the restaurant’s condiments.

Crystalbrook Kingsley – accessible accommodation Newcastle

Hubby and I managed a mid-week getaway together to Newcastle (a rare occasion these days) and as always, I was looking to add to my accessible hotel reviews. I’ve previously stayed at, and reviewed, Crystalbrook Riley in Cairns so I’m familiar with the brand and its high level of service and sustainable mantra.

Walking into the reception of the Crystalbrook Kingsley a luxe scent greeted me at the door offering day spa vibes but there was to be no time for relaxing with only a short overnight stay planned.

Our room for the night (room 716) was comfortable but somewhat unusual in layout with the wash basin being located just inside the doorway as soon as we walked into the room, followed by the bathroom and a bedroom further into the room.

The room is snug in size with a king-size bed dominating the room. A flat-screen television with chromecast, a kettle, coffee machine and mini-bar are all provided.

Bedroom facts – Entry clearance to the bedroom 91cm, bed height 75cm, clearance under bed 14cm.

I always like to see variation in the design of accessible accommodation and I did like the less clinical feel with the furnishings and finishes in the room at Crystalbrook Kingsley.

Two sliding doors offer privacy in the bathroom and are easy to slide. Grab rails, a shower seat, height-adjustable shower head and a backrest on the toilet is provided in the accessible bathroom. Drainage is good but without a shower curtain the water did spray around a bit. Perhaps this isn’t the case if using the shower bench.

Towel rails are located at a lower height and the washbasin has space for a toiletries bag on the side! A rarity as many of you know.

Bathroom facts – bathroom door clearance 92cm, toilet height to seat 47.5cm, toilet height to pan 44cm and shower bench height 47cm.

A safe and a hanging rail is located at a lowered height.

Entry door to the room 93cm clearance.

The accessible room we stayed in offered park views and I’ve been advised that there are some accessible rooms with harbour views.

You can take a tour of our accessible room at Crystalbrook Kingsley below –

Roundhouse Restaurant – Crystalbrook Kingsley

The Roundhouse restaurant on level nine of Crystalbrook Kingsley offers accessible dining with a view. It was the perfect spot to be at sunset but be warned the food is delicious (like melt in your mouth delicious) but it is also pricey.

Tables are at a good height for a wheelchair user and chairs can easily be removed. Circulation space throughout is good.

The Roundhouse is also the location for Crystalbrook Kingsley’s buffet breakfast. The buffet offers a good range of options including made-to-order eggs, a range of hot foods, cereals, pastries, yoghurts and more.

There is no bad table when it comes to seating at Roundhouse restaurant with everyone getting a good view.

Accessibility at Crystalbrook Kingsley – Newcastle

General accessibility at Crystalbrook Kingsley is good. We were dining and moving around the hotel with a wheelchair user friend so I was keen to get his feedback. He commented the bed height was too high for him to transfer easily and the room didn’t have as much circulation space as he would like.

There is a pull in bay at the front of the property to unload luggage and a ramp which leads to reception. Two entry doors are offered, a revolving door and an automatic door.

Stand-alone unisex bathrooms are offered in the dining and bar areas of the hotel.

Some items in the hotel are located at an elevated height which would be difficult for a wheelchair including the pastry and condiment table in the restaurant.

The hotel provides small round wooden disc room keys (remember the hotel is plastic-free) which my friend found a challenge to use to enter his room. These would be difficult for anyone with fine-motor challenges.

The hotel is well located for exploring Newcastle with level access to Honeysuckle Wharf and local restaurants and shopping.

I’ve travelled to Newcastle numerous times for work and leisure and believe the area offers a great range of accessible accommodation and activities. I feel it’s a destination that’s often underestimated.

If you’re keen to learn what you can do in the area you can check out our previous reviews below –

Accessible activities Newcastle

If you need a hotel with a bit more circulation space then Novotel Newcastle might suit you. You can read our review here.