He’s perhaps best known for winning 10 Grand Slam titles, including the Golden Slam in 2021: all four tennis majors and a gold medal at the Paralympics over his career. But that’s just a slice of the Melbourne-born champ’s impressive achievements. He was Australian of the Year 2022 and is one of the most high-profile names on the current media and speaking circuit. He even started his own music festival, Ability Fest.
Now the 34-year-old is focusing on travel. Broadsheet catches up with Alcott as he heads to Los Angeles after a busy 2024 Australian Open. The frequent flyer is working with hotel rewards club Marriott Bonvoy to unlock travel experiences for everyone, including people with disability. It’s a welcome step from the international chain, which operates over 1.4 million hotel rooms in 139 countries and territories and is working towards being a more disability-inclusive organisation.
This month in LA he’s checking in to the flash The West Hollywood Edition hotel. “The disability tourism market is huge, and there’s a massive opportunity for the sector to invest in accessibility and be inclusive of all.”
Alcott says the Edition is his go-to for its location near Hollywood’s clubs, bars and live music spots. “The hotel itself is stunning. I really love the roof space for a bite to eat and a drink at night – the atmosphere is very cool. Also, brunch at [in-house restaurant] Ardor has become an absolute favourite of mine with their waffle fried chicken.”
Alcott says there are plenty of challenges facing disabled travellers other than the obvious physical and environment ones. “A lack of information on websites and communications can often be the biggest barrier,” he says, acknowledging that the Australian capital cities are doing better than most when it comes to accessible requirements. The main thing is that everyone has “a crack at doing better”, he says. “Don’t assume people with disabilities can’t travel. Ask us what we need to be supported and you’d be surprised how much easier it is and how much you can do.”
Alcott says Toyko and New York are among his favourite destinations. “I was lucky enough to travel to both several times to play tennis and I just really love the energy of both cities,” he says. “It doesn’t seem to matter what time of the day or night it is, there’s a real energy and bustle.”
He calls himself “a bit of a night owl”, so will head out for a drink or a slice of pizza late in the evening when in New York City. Top pick? Joe's Pizza in the West Village. “I also really enjoy the lounge-bar scene and atmosphere. And it’s full of really friendly people who are always up for a chat.”
In Tokyo, Alcott loves finding smaller spots off the tourist trail for the best local food, particularly delicious bowls of ramen. “I’ve had some of my most memorable food experiences in Tokyo. It feels like you could visit so many times and never need to go to the same place twice. It’s an incredible city.”
Next on his bucket list? Paris for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the Bora Bora islands in the South Pacific. “There’s a St Regis [in Bora Bora] that looks incredible, with boardwalks over the water to the bungalows, and they look super accessible. I’d love to rock up there, jump into the water, turn my phone off and relax.”
