Hythe imperial Health Club & Spa — Local services in Folkestone and Hythe District

Disabled Access limited in pool and spa area.

Firstly, i have NOT visited the health club. However, i rang to make enquiries, as i was thinking of staying at the hotel that the health club is based in, and was interested in using its spa/pool facilities.

Therefore this review is purely on the pool and spa facilities.

When I rang the hotel itself, the receptionist told me that there is lift access all the way into the spa and pool area. When I then asked them to put me through to the spa/pool area as I had further questions, i found out that the lift only goes so far...

Ok, for those who solely rely on a wheelchair, I was told over the phone, that there is a lift that goes down to the changing rooms level, (there is a separate disabled changing room, that has it's own toilet and shower, which is good.)

BUT, here is where the problem is, from changing rooms level, there are 4 steps up to the swimming pool level, and though stairs has handrails they DO NOT PROVIDE a ramp nor have permanent ramp access. The pool itself doesn't have a chair hoist. It does have gradual steps that go down into it, and a handrail.

I was told there are 2 steps to navigate, to enter the SPA area sauna/steam, from the pool level.

The hot tub itself is set into the ground, and has a deep step into it. I think I was told there is a handrail.

Therefore depending on mobility levels, and how much physical assistance one could get, would depend on whether this area is accessible to an individual.

The staff in the spa do seem friendly and helpful, but something does need to be done to make it far...

I had 3 treatments over 2 days, with 2 different staff members.

The full body massage was so relaxing. She asked if the pressure was OK, and kept me updated with enough information of what she was doing or what she required of me. The whole environment was perfect for the relaxation I needed.

Straight after that, I had the lifting eye treatment, with the same staff member. We chatted some more during this, and she was lovely. The eye treatment was amazing and I could definitely see a difference to the dark circles under my eyes afterwards. She used some lovely smelling products, and I had the choice of a head massage or hand massage whilst the eye mask was left on. I chose the head massage which was amazing. Oils are used in this process, so not recommended if you're concerned about the greasy hair look, but I wasn't!

I'd had a tint skin test before all of this, and the next morning, I had an eyebrow tint and wax. I had another staff member, who was equally as lovely as the first. As I have very fair hair, she said she would do the tint in stages, so I could decide the level of tint I wanted. She would wipe it off after a few minutes to let me decide if I wanted it reapplied for longer to make the brows darker. She found the perfect shade for me the first time....she knew exactly what I wanted. She then did the wax, which was great, I've come out looking like I've got more brows than I did when I started, I was so happy!

There was not one downside to any of my treatments, it was all positive, the staff were all friendly and helpful, and the spa area was...

A friendly place with character to improve your health and fitness. I am now updating this review due to having some issues regarding the facilities for disabled, specifically the state of the disabled changing room. I have reported the problems to the reception and really do hope they repair/renew things. The issues being the tap to the basin is stiff so if like me part of your disability relates to your hands then you can't turn the tap on. Then the shower head will not stay in place on the riser rail meaning you have to hold it. Not great when you are disabled! The folding hand rails are so rusty and really look like they are overdue for replacing. The water doesn't drain properly from the shower leaving a pool of water in the middle. This is a safety issue as someone could slip and fall asleep well as it making life difficult when you are trying to get dry and dressed. I am disappointed but thought I should update my review as other people with disabilities may...