Tips on Finding the Right
Wheel Chair Accessible Hotel

There are an increasing number of wheel chair accessible hotels around the world. With the variety of available lodging options and booking sources, travelers need to research and compare accommodations to ensure their mobility needs will be met.

The following trip planning suggestions by Blair Jensen of WhenWeTravel.com will help you find the best wheel chair accessible hotel in your chosen destination.

After all, the right accommodations and amenities can make the difference between an enjoyable trip or a regrettable getaway.

1. Research options and make a short list of hotel choices.

While wheel chair accessibility is the top priority, many travel agents and travel reservation sites focus on that alone. An individual with physical challenges has other interests and needs, as well.

In addition to good mobility access, travelers are also interested in amenities such as a swimming pool, restaurants in the hotel, pet accommodations, and internet access.

Therefore, look for reservations sites that offer advanced search capabilities that allow you to select the specific accommodations you need and amenities you desire. This will enable you to develop a list of viable lodging choices for your trip.

2. Call the hotel directly and ask questions.

Calling each wheel chair accessible hotel and asking the following questions can quickly determine if the hotel is disability-friendly and right for you.

"Do you provide special disability services?" This should be the first question you ask. The answer you receive will immediately indicate the property’s experience and desire in assisting disabled travelers.
"Which floors are the disabled rooms located?" It is important to be on or near the ground floor in case of an emergency, especially when elevators are not in service.
"Are the disabled rooms ADA compliant?” If the answer is yes (and it should be), ask for specifics on how the room is equipped to accommodate ADA guidelines.
"Can the beds and other furniture be moved in order to make the room more comfortable and accessible?" Depending on the room size and configuration, you may not need to make any adjustments. Yet, it is a good question to ask particularly if you are unfamiliar with the hotel brand.

"How high is the bed and is it easily accessible from a standard wheelchair?" Some hotel beds rise 30 inches or more from the floor. While, wheelchair seats may be under 18 inches. Be sure to confirm that the bed height will enable you to easily get into bed without assistance.
"Does the hotel provide a wheel chair accessible shuttle to nearby tourist attractions and public transportation?"
"Is disabled or handicap parking available?" You may want to follow-up by asking how many spaces are allocated per wheelchair accessible room.

3. Listen "between the lines."

A disabled traveler should be listening for clues that indicate the hotel has a good understanding of the difficulties faced by an individual with a disability.

If the reservation desk at the wheel chair accessible hotel is knowledgeable about ADA requirements such as passages, counter heights, door hardware, bathroom fixtures, and roll-in showers, there is a good chance the property frequently serves disabled guests.

However, be wary of a hotel representative that appear to promise too much. If the hotel seems too good to be true... it probably is.