alp virgin, tips please

hi all, have decided to head to the alps next may/june with a few mates,where would you recommend as a base/area to explore, any tips would be useful, fave bits of road, good eats, prices and hotels ( particularly if anyone knows of any hotels that can accomodate a wheelchair bound mate who might like to cum in his car ) now don't be shy, each post will be a inspiration and drive me onwards to starting the organisation. ie ferries, now there s a point anyone used hull to zee b ferry? that looks are fave
thanks for any help cral

For a first time visit to the Alps I would concentrate on the French Alps. They offer spectacualr scenery and for a trip in May/June will offer better weather as they are not too far from the Med.

I'd pick a base hotel and stay there for 5 days or so. Annecy or Briancon would be good places as a base. An alternative, with a greater range of facilities, is the university city of Grenoble. It has a fantastic little Italy district with really nice restaurants, a seedy Arab quarter and a student cafe quarter with lots of totty to ogle at.

Have a look at http://www.alpineroads.com/ for a description of the different regions in the Alps.

Bearing in mind your disabled companion I would recommend the Accor group of hotels. Most of these are modern hotels with excellent disabled facilities. They have a number of brands. Formel1 is the cheapest and I would only use it for an overnight stop. Ibis are okay but I prefer the Mercure brand as a minimum for a stay of several days.
Check locations at http://www.accorhotels.com/accorhotels/index.html
Looks like they are opening 2 new hotels near Briancon for 2006.

Another excellent group of hotels is http://www.logis-de-france.fr/uk/index.htm
These are mainly family run places in older buildings. They have more character but some may not be suitable for wheelchair users.

go for it!

If you wnat to ride on roads like these do exactly what you're planning and enjoy it. these were taken in late May two years ago.

I went this year and stayed in a place called Andermatt. I camped there, but there were numerous hotels, I'm sure one would have disabled access.

Andermatt is a particularly good base, as it is close to four major passes and circular routes can be plotted taking in some fantastic roads. Do a search on electric t'internet for Andermatt and you'll find a load of information

and.....

The Hull ferry is, IMO, the best way to cross the Noth Sea. Go for the evening buffet and as liberate some fruit / yogurt etc. for your breakfast then all you need to buy is a coffee before disembarking in the morning.
If you don't like twisties don't go!!

Enjoy yourselves

Sherpa