Booking an Accessible Hotel Room

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Tips on Booking an Accessible Hotel Room

When booking an accessible hotel room, consider the following:

• Be wise when booking accessible rooms online. It is preferable that you call the hotel directly to reserve the room. This will avoid uncomfortable inconveniences.
• Call more than one hotel to compare accessible services.
• If the hotel representative cannot answer your questions, you can ask to speak to someone who has been in the room.
• Be specific. Don't book a room just because it has been rated accessible. Ask detailed questions and identify your needs.

Here are some questions to get you started:

• Ask how many beds and what type of bed the room has. Most accessible rooms have a king or two double queen beds.
• Ask about the distance between walls if you travel with special equipment. Some hotels offer a 50-inch access for special equipment.
• If you have a hearing or vision impairment, ask for a hearing- or vision-impairment-equipped room.
• Ask for the height of the sink (a low-level sink is ideal for wheelchairs) and whether the sink has cabinets underneath.
• If you are in a wheelchair, ask about the height of the closet, A/C control panel, mini bar and any other relevant items.
• Ask whether the room has a roll-in shower. Is the hotel providing a folding shower seat or portable?
• Ask if the bathroom is equipped with grab bars by the toilet, tub, shower and sink.
• If you need special storage for medication or equipment, ask if the mini bar can be used for this purpose.
• Ask if accessible parking is available.
• Many hotels with two or more stories put their accessible rooms on upper floors. Ask where your room is. Remember, in case of fire, the elevators don't work.
• Make sure the bathroom door opens out. If it opens in, you might not be able to get all the way in and close the door.

Information courtesy of Florida Disabled Outdoors Association