By Melissa Wynn

[/media-credit] Art Bigelow at the door

As an in-home care provider I often find myself searching for accommodations for clients that are wheelchair friendly because even the best electric wheelchairs don’t have a way to go up steps yet. On a recent trip for a client’s doctor visits, I had the pleasure of staying at the Best Western Plus Hilltop Inn at 2300 Hilltop Dr. in Redding.

Assistant Manager Cheryl Olkowski was very helpful from the very beginning when she arranged for Art and I to have adjoining rooms. His room was totally ADA approved and so easy for him to maneuver his power wheelchair around in. His room provided chair access to the shower, equipped with flip-down bench and hand-held sprayer. Getting Art to his room from our handicap parking spot was a breeze, no bumps or curbs in the way and every sidewalk had a ramp style end. What a relief!   These conveniences, that may seem small, cut our evening routine time in half and we had plenty of time to curl up in deep arm chairs and relax with a complimentary DVD from the front desk along with the day’s paper.

Rooms are beautifully adorned with rustic charm and modern conveniences like the in-room iron, blow dryer and coffee… aaahh! The place is centrally located near shopping with easy freeway access to dozens of local attractions. A guest laundry seemed to prove a good choice for long distance travelers. The hotel is beautiful and the staff is excellent.

We each turned in early to our cloud soft, king size beds. I slept like a baby snuggled in amongst the five fluffy pillows. Best Western Plus Hilltop Inn and the courteous staff truly provide top-notch hospitality for the disabled. Art easily navigated the entire property in his power chair, allowing him to independently explore the immaculate grounds while I spent some time visiting with another guest in the stunning pool area. The heated outdoor pool was located with hot tub, wading pool, lovely gardens and gazebos just outside our rooms. Every inch of the Best Western Plus Hilltop Inn is spotless and fully stocked with quality amenities including an in-room mini fridge, wireless internet and complimentary toiletries if you happen to forget your what-nots. Even the alarm clock doubles as a CD and MP3 playing radio. Complimentary breakfast buffet at the on-sight restaurant was delicious and got us on our way bright and early.

Thank you to Cherly and her staff for making my job easier and my client’s stay as effortless as being right in his own home. We had a great time and next time you visit Redding, you can too.  Rates and reservations are available online at thehilltopinn.com or by telephone at 530-221-6100. Tell them Mountain Valley Living sent you!