Learning from experience

I once stayed at a hotel attached to a hospital, and upon making the reservation, I informed them I was disabled. I asked if no ground floor rooms were available, was there a lift? as I have difficulty in walking and use a crutch. They assured me they had a lift and a suitable room had been earmarked for our stay. Upon arriving, we found there was a large lift taking us up to the 2nd floor to our room. However, one look at the bathroom, it was clear that the lady who had taken our reservation did not fully understand the meaning of a "disabled friendly" room. There was no shower cubical, only a slippery porcelain bath tub  (with no rubber bathmat) which was so high, I could not lift my leg over to get in. The shower was fixed to the wall at one end of the bath, but there were no bars to hold on to, just a flimsy shower curtain that surrounded the bath. Not only was this bath/shower dangerous but highly unsuitable for a disabled person. I learnt one has to be very specific when booking a hotel room, even if you think you've made yourself clear, the reservation clerk might have no idea what being "disabled" really involves. One learns from experience!