Your comprehensive guide to accessible hotel accommodations

Let’s be honest: for travelers with disabilities, discovering genuinely accessible hotel rooms can be crucial for a relaxing getaway. Interestingly, the term “accessible” can have various interpretations for different individuals. This article will assist you in locating the accessible hotel room that best suits your needs and inform you of what to look for to ensure it meets your requirements.

What constitutes an accessible room?

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), hotels are obligated to provide a specific number of accessible rooms based on their total guest room count. These rooms should cater to a variety of disabilities, including wheelchair users and individuals with hearing and vision impairments. Features typically include grab bars near the toilet, a roll-in shower with a fold-down seat, and ample space around the bed to facilitate transfers for wheelchair users. Additionally, hotels should offer rooms designed for the visually impaired and hearing accessible rooms equipped with visual alarms for fire, doorbells, and phone calls that flash lights.

What to consider when looking for hotels with accessible rooms

As someone who uses an electric wheelchair, securing a mobility accessible room is essential for my comfort while traveling. I require ample space beside the bed for safe and straightforward transfers. Additionally, I seek enough clearance under the bed for my hoyer lift’s legs since I cannot transfer myself. A roll-in shower with a handheld sprayer is crucial, but I don’t need a fold-down seat as I always bring my own rolling shower chair. I appreciate a pull-under sink and a toilet that accommodates my commode chair. While my requirements might differ from others who use wheelchairs, understanding your own needs is key to finding the right accommodations.

Why is it essential for hotels to offer accessible rooms?

It’s not just a legal requirement; it’s also the right approach! Welcoming a diverse range of guests can enhance a hotel’s revenue and is certainly more inviting for families traveling through the area. Many hotels avoid steps at their entrances to facilitate luggage entry, but those that genuinely care and wish to attract all visitors provide a range of accessible rooms and make this information readily available on their websites. If a hotel fails to mention accessible room options online, I hesitate to book a stay knowing my needs weren't prioritized, prompting me to seek information elsewhere.

Tips for locating the ideal accessible hotel rooms

Visit Dinogo.com to discover hotels with accessible rooms and make reservations. Start by selecting “stays” on the left, enter your destination city and travel dates. Next, apply the “increased accessibility” filter and review the hotel's amenities, looking for options like “entire unit is wheelchair accessible” or “roll-in shower”. This will help you identify which hotel and ADA room best suit your requirements for online booking.

Five accessible hotel room choices on Dinogo

This collection of accessible hotel rooms spans various destinations and is not exhaustive. To curate these hotels, I applied the “increased accessibility” filter, organized the results by “review score,” and checked each hotel’s amenities for features like “roll-in shower,” “entire unit is wheelchair accessible,” or “lower sink.”

1. Artezen Hotel, New York City, New York

The Artezen Hotel is conveniently situated just 0.7 miles from the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York City, featuring wheelchair accessible rooms equipped with a roll-in shower. These accommodations also include a toilet with grab bars and various other accessible features. Additionally, a fantastic benefit of this hotel is that check-out time is at 12:00 PM, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely morning before departing!

2. Hotel Le Matissia, Paris, France

The Hotel Le Matissia is situated just 1.4 miles from the heart of Paris and is classified as a 4-star condo hotel. This establishment features wheelchair accessible rooms equipped with raised toilets that have grab rails, visual aids, lowered sinks, an elevator for upper floors, and soundproof accommodations.

3. Iberostar Selection Miraflores, Lima, Peru

The Iberostar Selection Miraflores in Lima, Peru, is a luxurious 5-star hotel, proudly the first in the city to eliminate single-use plastics. Situated just 500 meters from Playa Redondo, this hotel offers wheelchair accessible accommodations along with complimentary private parking.

4. Komaneka at Bisma, Ubud, Bali

Just 950 meters from Monkey Forest, Komaneka at Bisma in Ubud, Bali offers stunning views of the Campuhan River. This hotel features wheelchair accessible units that come equipped with adapted baths and enhanced accessibility. The bathrooms are roomy, featuring both tubs and separate glass-enclosed showers.

5. Little National Hotel, Sydney, Australia

The Little National Hotel in Sydney, Australia boasts a prime location above Wynyard Walk. This contemporary hotel offers wheelchair accessible rooms that feature lowered sinks, toilets with grab bars, and an emergency cord in the bathroom.

Conclusion

With all this valuable information at your fingertips, the next step is to choose the incredible destination you wish to visit. Consider what will make your stay the most enjoyable and look for hotel rooms that offer those amenities. Your next unforgettable adventure is just a click away!

How do I know what to include in this guide?

As a powered wheelchair user who has explored over 40 countries across all seven continents, I have stayed in countless accessible hotels. I understand the intricacies of traveling with a disability. While it can be challenging, I’ve discovered ways to enhance the experience, and I can assure you, it’s always worth the effort.