The Traveling Wheelchair

141A Newbury Street
Boston, MA 02116
Phone: 617-391-0513
http://www.hotelchocolat.com/

During the past year my friends and I have traveled up and down Newbury Street only to be disappointed by the lack of wheelchair access to the many unique, shops restaurants and boutiques. Recently we read a Boston Globe article, ‘Newbury St. site of new British invasion’ By Jenn Abelson / Boston Globe / November 4, 2009 about three new British Shops that have set up shops in the struggling Newbury Street retail district.

Off in our van, Kellie, Kevin and I went to Newbury Street; we were curious to see if any of these new British shops are wheelchair accessible. The only British shop we had time to visit was the new Hotel Chocolat. We were delighted to find Hotel Chocolat wheelchair friendly and accessible! It is one of the very few accessible shops I’ve seen on Newbury Street.

The single entry door to Hotel Chocolat is at ground level. It is not automatic yet wide enough to fit my chair with ease. A very kind employee warmly greeted us and offered us samples of their delicious unique chocolates.  Hotel Chocolat has some of the best chocolate we’ve ever tasted. We were told Hotel Chocolat first started as a catalog in the UK; then they expanded and opened up shops throughout the UK. This Hotel Chocolat on Newbury Street is one of the first Hotel Chocolat shops to open in the U.S. Another Hotel Chocolat will be opening soon at The Mall at Chestnut Hill.

Inside is spacious with plenty of room to maneuver my chair. Delicious chocolates are displayed in jars placed on shelves along the walls. These chocolates as well as boxes of chocolates are all easy too view and within my reach. Located in the rear of the shop is a ‘Tasting Room’. The table here is of an accessible height. Here you can book an appointment for a more personal chocolate experience.

Kevin, Kellie and I purchased a delicious Rum Truffle; it is raisins soaked in rum and covered with mouth watering chocolate! The cashier counter is a little too high for me to make my purchase; yet the very nice employees here were very helpful and offered courteous and kind assistance.

I really enjoyed the experience and did not have a problem wheeling around this luxurious store full of delicious chocolate. The chocolates are pricey but worth the tasty experience and great for a holiday gift!

I give Hotel Chocolat FOUR STARS for wheelchair accessibility. In order to earn the Fifth Star they would need to install an automatic entry door so a person in a wheelchair can enter independently; and lower a section of the cashier counter to a wheelchair accessible height. All the employees deserve FIVE STARS for their sensitivity and kindness!