karyn hirsch
Google
This is the most mixed up review ever. I stayed at FIBH - one of 2 wedding venues recommended in the wedding invitation The location is lovely with a minimalist room that was clean with comfortable beds When I booked, I noted one wedding bride cited how well they treated a guest with mobility issues which I have presently-torn knee and recently broken ankle. I explained to the person who booked me that I needed the least stairs for the room because I have a torn knee to be operated on in October and a recently broken ankle.
The room was fine, minimalist (strangely no luggage racks, chair or table inside) but that's ok. The shower was nice and the beds wonderfully comfortable if you like soft. People with broken ankles and knees like soft! It is 3 star. The grounds have a picnic table and easy beach access. The astroturf is a little weird but who cares?
The issue was that FiBH did not want to pick me up at the dock with luggage, told me that I could not go in the golf cart because someone sued them when they purposely fell out and could not help me make alternate arrangements. They were definitive that I should not ask in the future. Later, they would not let us even use a cart so my husband could pull me up the road. They claimed the tire was flat although it looked fine. Some of the very nice staff were terrified if they helped me that they would be fired. You might think they would have mentioned this issue at the time of booking so I could have made alternate arrangements with the wedding party ahead of time. Or just not been able to come.
This eventuality had not occurred to me when I booked so I missed all the activities the first night which required going back to the dock (they refused to get me back there) and then water taxi to Ocean Beach to the Mermaid. It was mean-spirited and inflexible not even to suggest anything. Ironically, the heavy door to the bathroom had no emergency stop on the slide mechanism and so fell on the bed. If you stay thee, slide that door very slowly!Had we been on the bed, it would have crushed us. Now that is a lawsuit waiting to happen. LOL
The following day I called the wedding venue (Flynns) who with the wedding planners kindly had me picked up and returned after the reception. They were surprised at FIBH.
This is a problem with the owners and management. Some of the staff wanted to be helpful but were clear they would be fired. It is also a problem with character because there were some staff who just flat out decided it was not their problem. Know that management doesn't give a hoot if guests have these problems.
It is sad I missed day1 of the festivities. After the first day, I managed to make arrangements to get places like to the wedding and then back to the dock to go home. It was surprising people turn their back on someone who needed assistance. Is this the new normal?
FIBH needs to advertise they are not friendly to those with mobility issues. If someone is having a wedding with guests with mobility issues, they should know they will not be assisted but he hotel-kinda crazy for $500/night although they told me that was very cheap for them-usually it is $1000/night. It created unnecessary stress and was humiliating.
FIBH-Just be clear- state on the website that those with mobility issues are not welcome and won't be accommodated.
Or FIBH-go figure something else out like a little chain to go across the passenger side of the cart or a paper you could sign relieving FIBH of responsibility. Of course, then they might get sued under the ADA. Or just be human, not assaholic.
I was glad I finally got to attend the lovely reception/wedding and many thanks to those who were sympathetic/helpful