Ashling Hotel Dublin launches sensory family bedroom
Pictured at the launch of the Ashling Hotel’s new sensory space for families and children is (L-R) Ronan Walsh of the Ashling Hotel and Adam Harris of As I Am (Photo by: Maxwell Photography)
Dublin’s Ashling Hotel has unveiled their brand-new sensory family bedroom, specifically designed for children & their family staying at the hotel.
The provision of a sensory room for their guests in the D8 hotel makes them the first in the capital to offer this space.
The hotels’ proximity to St James’ Hospital and other neighbouring hospitals means that they frequently have families staying who are attending various medical appointments.
This, coupled with the fact that autism awareness charity As I Am is a long-standing designated charity partner, led to the idea to have a tailor-made family bedroom suite specifically aimed at offering a true sensory sensitive room for guests.
Ronan Walsh, managing director, the Ashling Hotel, said: “Many families who visit the hotel have Autism, Dementia or ADHD difficulties for one or more children and through our many years of engaging with them we determined that it would be beneficial for them to have this space at the hotel.
“We constantly strive to think outside the box, to offer our guests a little extra that will help to make their stay more enjoyable. Having a child with a sensory sensitive condition is always a huge challenge when a family chooses to stay in a Hotel.”
Parents of children who have a disability deserve a night away where they can have an enjoyable stay where they feel reassured their child will be relaxed.
The first family who overnighted in the new room were effusive in their praise.
The family of four said: “Wow wow wow ’ it was spacious, specifically allowing our autistic child to regulate to his new environment, crucial for his comfort when travelling. The sensory installations including interactive speakers, LED colour changing lights, laser projection and the diffuser were all intentionally included to soothe the senses.”
According to the family of four, the star of the show was the bubbling water tower with colour lights too, it provided a calm for all of them and focus for their child.
The Ashling Hotel’s sensory room includes:
- Extra-large LED Bubble Tube
- Acrylic Mirror Panels to illuminate the bubble tube
- Oversized Memory Foam Beanbags that conforms to your shape
- The Lappy – Weighted Lap Pad
- The Buzzy – Soft Vibrating Cushion
- LED Mood Cube with Bluetooth speaker
- Aroma Diffuser – LED Colour changing
- Organic Aroma Oils
- Fidget Box – 25 different sensory based
- 50” Chromecast TV, set up for streaming Netflix & Prime
Adam Harris, chief executive officer, As I Am, said: “I would like to congratulate the Ashling Hotel on the launch of their “sensory bedroom”. Autistic people, and our families, deserve the same chance to live, work and play in the community and accessible hotels are key to delivering this vision.
“Too often families lose out on holiday opportunities due to the lack of predictable, supportive environments – this is a much welcome development that I am sure will see many others follow.”
Those interested can find further information about the sensory rooms here.
