We know Sydney has much to offer leisure travellers but we also understand many people visit for specialist appointments, therapy and surgery. When visiting for one of these reasons it’s essential to stay in accommodation with a location handy to these services. It’s also important to ensure you have facilities which will provide a home away from home. For this reason, serviced apartments provide a comfortable option.
Recently I popped into Quest North Ryde to review the accessible accommodation for families doing intensive blocks of therapy at the NAPA Centre. The apartment accommodation includes self-catering facilities and it’s location provides easy access to Chatswood, Lane Cove, several hospitals and the city.
Ivy from Quest was my guide and she was extremely helpful. From the comments she made it was obvious she is quite familiar with the varying needs of guests with a disability. Ivy advised furniture can be moved in the room, or even removed if more space is needed.
ACCESSIBLE APARTMENT ACCOMMODATION
Quest North Ryde has 4 accessible one bedroom apartments which are located on various levels of the building, but all are in the same orientation.
Although I love nothing more than a break from the kitchen, it can be easier, and cheaper, to self-cater when travelling. The kitchen has a full size fridge, single drawer dishwasher, 2 burner stove top, microwave and kettle.
A king size bed in the bedroom is separated from the lounge room by a sliding door. The bed can be split if individual beds are required but this would limit the circulation space within the room. I’d recommend asking for the desk to be removed if you opt for this.
The apartment is equipped with a television both in the bedroom and lounge room so there should be no arguments over the remote. Ivy has said a DVD player can be hired from reception if you need one to entertain any little ones travelling with you.
As my inspection was only confirmed last minute I didn’t have a tape measure with me to double-check the space under the bed but there is clearance for a hoist.
A rollaway bed can be provided (at additional cost) in the lounge room.
ACCESSIBLE BATHROOM
The accessible bathroom is spacious with plenty of circulation space.
A flip-down shower bench is located in the shower and includes a height adjustable hand-held shower head and lever taps.
Grab rails are fitted throughout but as is often the case, there’s a lack of storage space for a toiletries bag.
The bathroom sink is wheelchair accessible with lever taps and the laundry is discreetly hidden behind cupboard doors.
It’s wonderful to have access to an internal laundry including a washing machine and dryer within the apartment. This is especially important when you are doing a long term stay.
FACILITIES
An outdoor heated swimming pool is available for guest use. Although there is access through the gym there is one step out to the pool area. For step-free access to the pool guests need to exit reception and access it via the driveway which runs down the side of the apartments.
And if you don’t want to break your fitness routine while you’re travelling, there’s a gym with an accessible bathroom at Quest.
DINING
An outdoor barbecue is available for guest use, or you can dine at one of the two restaurants right outside the door. We have eaten several times at Fourno and can recommend the casual menu, especially the pasta. The Atlantis Bar & Dining restaurant looks a little more upmarket but also has a menu which sounds delicious.
PARKING
The undercover parking area at Quest North Ryde has a restriction of 2.2metres. Four open air accessible parking spaces are available out the front of Quest. These are free on a first come basis.
LOCATION
Quest North Ryde is located –
4.1kms from NAPA Centre
7.8Kms from Royal North Shore Hospital
3.7kms from Macquarie Shopping Centre
2kms from Macquarie Park railway station
14.8kms from Sydney CBD
22.4kms from Westmead Childrens Hospital
NEARBY
ACCESSIBLE PLAYGROUND
Only 3.8kms from Quest North Ryde is the wonderful Livvi’s Playground at Yamble Reserve. With an accessible wheelchair carousel, a supportive seat on the flying fox and access throughout, this is a fabulous place to enjoy a sunny day.
You can see photos of the play equipment here.
SHOPPING
If you enjoy shopping, Quest is a short drive from Westfield Chatswood and Macquarie Centre. Practical, or even non-practical, items can be bought at these centres. If you don’t want to tackle a big shopping centre for groceries, Woolworths at Marsfield is only a short drive away.
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