A Trio of Wheelchair-Accessible Romantic Retreats
Romantic retreats come in all shapes and sizes, from secluded mountain cottages, to posh oceanside suites, and everything in between. And although everyone’s idea of romance is different, the one thing that these cozy getaway spots have in common is ambiance. With that in mind here are three top picks for an absolutely amorous — and accessible — romantic rendezvous.
Theme Rooms and More
Dubbed “Kansas City’s most romantic luxury hotel”, Chateau Avalon (www.chateauavalonhotel.com) tops the romance list with their fantasy-filled theme rooms. And their accessible Roman Dynasty Suite is clearly fit for an Emperor. A 20-foot mural of ancient Rome adorns one wall, while the royal bed is framed by stately columns and graceful arches. And of course a bronze bust of Caesar looks down on it all from a cozy nook.
There’s good pathway access throughout the suite, which is furnished with an oversized dining table with two red and gold brocade chairs, and a luxurious 30-inch high king-sized bed with wheelchair access on one side. The spacious bathroom features a full five-foot turning radius and is equipped with a roll-in shower with grab bars and a hand-held showerhead. The toilet grab bars are located on the back and right walls (as seated), and there is also a roll-under sink in the bathroom.
It’s a very luxurious and accessible room, with room enough for even the largest wheelchair or scooter. Top it off, with a made-to-order breakfast that’s delivered in the morning, and you have a picture-perfect romantic getaway.
There is also good access to the d’Nile wine bar on the first floor, where you can steal away for a glass or two of wine. Additionally, the third-floor spa features barrier-free access; and their hot stone massage will magically melt away your troubles. After all, there’s just no better way to set the mood than with a couples massage!
A Grand Old Dame
If, on the other hand, you’d prefer an escape to a kinder and gentler time, then check out the historic West Baden Springs Hotel (www.frenchlick.com/hotels/westbaden). Located two hours south of Indianapolis in French Lick, this 234-room National Historic Landmark was patterned after the grand spas of Europe. Constructed in 1902, this opulent property features a magnificent 200-foot dome, with six tiers of rooms towering over the atrium lobby below.
The equally elegant guest rooms are filled to the brim with top-drawer amenities. Room 4231 is a typical accessible room, which is furnished with a 27-inch high queen-sized bed with wheelchair access on both sides. Other access features include lever handles, a lowered peephole, wide doorways and good pathway access. The bathroom is equipped with a transfer-type low-step shower with a fold-down shower seat, grab bars and a hand-held showerhead. Although the shower has a six-inch lip, because of its design, it’s possible to transfer directly to the fold-down bench. The bathroom also includes a toilet with grab bars on the back and left walls (as seated), and a roll-under sink.
The public areas of the hotel are equally accessible, including the spa and pools. And if you’d fancy a spa treatment, the massage tables can be lowered for easier transfers. There’s also barrier-free access to Sinclair’s, which is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner for two. Stop by the equally accessible atrium bar for a nightcap — it’s the perfect finale to an incredibly romantic escape.
Cabin in the Woods
And finally, if you just want to get away from it all, then whisk your sweetie off to the Ahwahnee (https://www.travelyosemite.com/lodging/the-ahwahnee/) in California’s most popular national park. Designed by Gilbert Stanley Underwood, this luxurious lodge has been visited by presidents, dignitaries and heads of state from around the world. And although the lodge boasts several accessible guest rooms, the nearby cottages are the best choice when romance is in the air.
Accessible cottage 703 is located a short level walk from the main lodge, along a pleasant dogwood-lined path. There’s good pathway access throughout this duplex cottage, which is furnished with two 27-inch high double beds, a table and two chairs, a chest of drawers, a desk with a chair, and a mini refrigerator. The bathroom is equipped with a roll-in shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a fold-down shower bench. The toilet grab bars are located on the back and right walls (as seated), and there’s a roll-under sink in the bathroom. It’s a very quiet, romantic and accessible cottage.
Make plans to have dinner at the Ahwahnee Dining Room, which is located in the main lodge building. This elegant restaurant simply oozes romance, but make reservations early as it’s an extremely popular dining choice. Save some time to snuggle up in front of the massive fireplace in the lobby, and enjoy the eclectic mix of Art Deco, Native American and Middle Eastern styles that meld together to create a distinctly mountain ambiance. Even if you don’t manage to work in any sightseeing while you’re in the park, the Ahwahnee is a destination in itself.