Let’s face it, for travellers with disabilities, finding truly accessible hotel rooms can be the most important part of a relaxing vacation. But what makes this even more interesting, is that the word 'accessible' can mean different things to different people. This article will help you find that accessible hotel room that works best for you and let you know exactly what you need to be looking for to make sure that it will meet your needs.
What is an accessible room?
Following the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act of 1995 (DDA), all businesses, including tourist attractions and accommodation, are required to make reasonable adjustments to their services and premises to make it easier for disabled guests to use them. According to the DDA, hotels must equip one wheelchair-accessible room for every 20 standard bedrooms with enough room to manoeuvre, emergency assistance call signals, and accessible bathroom facilities. Accessible hotel bathrooms should feature grab rails around the toilet, a roll-in shower with a fold-down seat or a bath with a transfer seat, a floor that is slip-resistant when wet and dry, and a further emergency call signal. The hotel should also give thought to its interior design features to cater to visually impaired guests and consider providing aids to communication for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing.
What to look for when searching for hotels with accessible rooms
I use an electric wheelchair, so finding a mobility accessible room is what is needed for me to comfortably travel. I need plenty of space beside the bed, so I can have a safe and easy transfer. I also look for space underneath the bed that my hoyer lift’s legs can go under since I am unable to transfer myself. I also need a roll-in shower with a handheld shower sprayer. A fold-down seat is not necessary for me, as I always travel with my own rolling shower chair. I also love a pull-under sink and a toilet that is at a height that my commode chair can roll over. What is important to me may be different than others that use a wheelchair, but knowing what you need is very important in finding what will be most accommodating.
Why is it important for hotels to have accessible hotel rooms?
Not only is it the law, but it is also the right thing to do! Accommodating a variety of guests generates more money for the hotels and is certainly more pleasing to many families who are passing through the area. Most hotels do not have steps at the front entry because it is easier for luggage to roll inside, but the hotels who truly care and want to appeal to all guests offer a variety of accessible rooms and publicise this information on their websites, so that it can easily be found. If a hotel does not list information on their site about accessible rooms, I personally am reluctant to book a stay knowing that my needs were not considered in their advertising, and I then look at other outlets for hotel information.
How to find the perfect accessible hotel room
By accessing kayak.co.uk, you can find information about hotels with handicap rooms and book them on this site. By choosing 'stays' on the left, you would then type in the city that you are planning to visit and the dates you are planning to travel. You will next choose the 'Disabled access' filter and check the hotel's amenities, which may include 'entire unit is wheelchair accessible' or “'oll-in shower', etc. You can then determine which hotel and which type of room would best meet your needs and book it online.
5 accessible hotel room options on KAYAK
This selection of accessible hotel rooms has been made on a variety of destinations, and is a non-exhaustive list. To select these specific hotels, I’ve used the 'Disabled access' filter, sorted the results by 'review score' and checked the amenities of each hotel to find either 'Roll-in shower', 'shower chair' or 'lower sink'.
1. Artezen Hotel, New York City, New York
Artezen Hotel is located only 0.7 miles from the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York City and includes rooms that are wheelchair accessible with a roll-in shower. These rooms also have a toilet with grab bars and lots of other accessible amenities. Another great perk of this hotel is that check-out time isn’t until midday, so you can sleep in on the date of your departure!
2. Hotel Le Matissia, Paris, France
Hotel Le Matissia is located just 1.4 miles from the center of Paris and is a 4-star condo hotel. This hotel boasts with some wheelchair accessible rooms with a raised toilet with grab rails, visual aids, lowered sinks, a lift for upper floors, and sound proof rooms.
3. Iberostar Selection Miraflores, Lima, Peru
The Iberostar Selection Miraflores in Lima, Peru is a 5-star hotel. It is the first in Lima to be free of single-use plastic. Located only 500 meters from Playa Redondo, this hotel includes wheelchair accessible units and also has free private parking.
4. Komaneka at Bisma, Ubud, Bali
Located only 950 meters from Monkey Forest, Komaneka at Bisma in Ubud, Bali has clear views of the Campuhan River. Here, you will find some entire units with wheelchair accessibility that include an adapted bath and increased accessibility. The bathrooms are spacious, with tubs and separate glass-enclosed showers.
5. Little National Hotel, Sydney, Australia
The Little National Hotel in Sydney, Australia is in an excellent location, rising above Wynyard Walk. This modern hotel features wheelchair accessible rooms complete with lowered bathroom sinks, toilets with grab bars, and an emergency cord in the bathroom.
Conclusion
Now that you have all this useful information to find the accessible hotel room that meets your needs, the only thing left to do is decide which amazing destination you would like to explore. Next, think about what would make your stay the most relaxing and make sure to seek a hotel room that includes those amenities. Your next memorable holiday is just a click away!
