RYDGES SYDNEY AIRPORT HOTEL – WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE ACCOMMODATION SYDNEY AIRPORT

A hot shower, a comfortable bed and room service are often pleasures I associate with a reward at the end of a flight. But, these were luxuries which helped start our recent holiday to Cairns. We had a busy time in the lead up to our departure and with a 6am flight it was a relief to stay close to the airport at Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel. It was a great chance to review the wheelchair accessible accommodation and get a good night’s sleep before take-off.

If you’re not a plane spotter you may think an airport hotel seems like an uninspiring location but there’s nothing bland about staying somewhere which makes travelling easier at either end of your stay.

ACCESSIBLE ACCOMMODATION

Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel has a total of 12 Superior Queen Accessible rooms. The wheelchair accessible accommodation is modern, fresh and spacious, making wheelchair circulation in the room easy. Even if you are travelling with lots of luggage, you won’t be falling over it.

The room can be made up as a twin-bedded room or as a queen bedded room. Be warned, the beds are plush and I found it difficult to emerge when the alarm went off. You best set a second alarm, just in case you are enticed to snooze just a little longer in the super comfy bed.

ACCESSIBLE BATHROOM

Not all accessible hotel bathrooms are created equal and this one is a joy. Plenty of space to move around, a large roll-in shower with a flip-down shower bench, height adjustable shower, grab rail and lever taps.

Extensive grab rails surround the toilet, there’s a wheelchair accessible sink with lever tap and all amenities are at a lowered height.

The room includes a desk and lounge but the clever choices in furniture ensure the room doesn’t feel cluttered.

The coffee and tea making facilities are contained in a drawer which is at a good height for wheelchair users.

SUITE ACCOMMODATION (NON-ACCESSIBLE)

We know our readers have varied needs and therefore I wanted to also show you one of the suites which isn’t accessible, but ideal for plane lovers who don’t need an accessible bathroom. The suite has unbelievable views of the airport but the rooms are so well sound-proofed you can enjoy the airport action with none of the aircraft noise.

The suite is spacious with good circulation space.

Although the shower is step-free the bathroom is tight on space. I’m standing in the shower to take the above photo.

FACILITIES

Rydges is opposite Sydney International Terminal. A short wheel, or stroll, across the road and you’re there. This is fantastic for passengers arriving on a late flight wanting to overnight before heading off somewhere else in Australia.

AJ and I caught the train to the airport and walked to Rydges from the station which is also opposite.

For guests arriving from the domestic terminal there’s a wheelchair accessible shuttle which delivers guests to a bus stop opposite Rydges. The bus has a ramp which flips out to accommodate wheelchairs and there’s wheelchair accessible reserved spaces on the bus. A free voucher is available to guests of Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel for this service.

The hotel offers free shuttle transfers to the domestic and international airport as follows –

Between 5am and 6am – Rydges Hotel Shuttle bus, departing every half hour

Between 6am and 9pm – Sydney Airport TBus, departing every 15 minutes

Between 9pm and 10:45pm – Rydges Hotel Shuttle bus, departing every half hour

Please note the hotel shuttle bus is not wheelchair accessible but the Sydney Airport TBus is accessible.

You can read more about these services and pick up points here.

HOTEL FACILITIES

Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel caters well to their guest’s varying needs. Understanding the location means many travelers have early or late flights the restaurant’s open accordingly.

We arrived at the Blackwattle Grill for breakfast at 4.20am and there was a full buffet breakfast available to guests. Not surprisingly, we were the only two people in the restaurant at that time of the morning. We were grateful to be able to have breakfast before our flight as our budget airfare didn’t include any food for the 3.5 hour flight.

In the evening the Touchdown Bar was bopping with live music and a casual menu including pasta, burgers and fish.

Travelling with kids has many challenges and keeping them entertained without their home comforts can be tricky. Parents will welcome the entertainment this simple children’s activity area will provide with a selection of books and TV shows on offer to young guests.

Rydges has a small range of products available to purchase in the lobby, including pharmacy needs, chocolate craving satisfiers and a variety of magazines.

If you love nostalgia, make sure you check out the vintage display of flight safety briefing cards from throughout different aviation eras.

You can certainly see how passengers choice of attire has changed over the years.

We’ve stayed at airport hotels overseas before but this was our first time doing so in Sydney. We really enjoyed the ease it offered us. If I’d been at home I’d have still been tidying up, packing and organising until the last minute. It was an ideal way to start our holiday.

You can read more about Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel Mascot here.

We were hosted by Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel for the purposes of reviewing the accessibility of the hotel. As always, our opinions are our own.