Hotel Room Accessibility Design: What to Do

When it comes to designing a perfect hotel experience for guests who use manual or power wheelchairs, accessibility, comfort, and independence are key considerations. A well-designed room should accommodate the unique mobility needs of each guest, but accessibility should also extend throughout the entire hotel property. Here’s a detailed look at the features that make a hotel room, and the overall hotel experience, perfect for wheelchair users.

1. General Features

• Entrance and Hallways
• Zero-Step Entry: A zero-step entry with no raised thresholds ensures seamless access for wheelchair users.
• Wider Doors: Doors should be at least 36 inches wide, with offset hinges to maximize space.
• Lowered Peephole: Install a peephole at an accessible height (42-48 inches) to allow guests in wheelchairs to safely view outside.
• Accessible Key Cards: Keycard access systems at a reachable height (42-48 inches).
• Light Switches: Closed-fist, rocker-style switches placed at 48 inches or lower for easy operation.

2. Bedroom

• Bed Height: Beds positioned at 20-23 inches from the floor to allow easy transfers, with adjustable beds for flexibility.
• Clearance for Hoyer Lift: Space under the bed (5-7 inches) to accommodate a hoyer lift for smooth transfers.
• Spacious Layout: 36 inches of clearance around the bed and room for easy navigation.
• Lowered Closet Rods: Closet rods and shelves no higher than 48 inches with pull-down mechanisms for upper shelves.
• Remote-Controlled Blinds: Motorized blinds that allow guests to adjust lighting and privacy.
• Full-Length Mirror: A full-length mirror placed at an accessible height.
• Accessible Charging Outlets: Charging outlets and USB ports within easy reach of the bed.
• Voice-Activated Devices: Voice-activated lights, alarms, and thermostats for increased independence.

3. Bathroom

• Wider Doorways: Doors at least 32-36 inches wide for easy access.
• Roll-In Shower: Curbless showers with fold-down benches and handheld showerheads.
• Shower Controls and Shelving: Shower controls, nozzles, and shelving within reach of the shower bench.
• Grab Bars: Installed near the toilet and shower at 33-36 inches in height.
• Roll-Under Sink: 27 inches of clearance under the sink for comfortable use.
• Accessible Toilet: Toilets 17-19 inches high with grab bars.
• Emergency Features: Pull cords in case of emergencies.
• Tilt-Adjustable Mirrors: Mirrors that can be tilted or are mounted at an accessible height.

4. Living or Seating Area

• Spacious Layout: 36 inches of clear space between furniture for easy wheelchair navigation.
• Accessible Seating: Firm seating with armrests for easier transfers.
• Accessible Entertainment Controls: Large-button TV remotes or voice-activated systems.
• Grabber Tool: A grabber tool for accessing hard-to-reach items.

5. Kitchenette (If Applicable)

• Lowered Counters: Counters lowered to 30-34 inches.
• Roll-Under Sinks: 27 inches of clearance under the sink.
• Drop-Down Shelving: Drop-down shelves for accessing high storage.
• Accessible Appliances: Appliances installed at a height of 15-48 inches.
• Accessible Trash Cans: Hand-operated or automatic trash cans.

6. Features Beyond the Room

Accessible Entrance and Lobby

• Zero-Step Entry: A zero-step entry with automatic or easy-to-open doors.
• Accessible Front Desk: Lowered front desk section at 36 inches for wheelchair users.
• Wide Hallways: Hallways at least 36 inches wide with non-slip surfaces.
• Accessible Seating in the Lobby: Firm seating with armrests for transfers.
• Clear Signage: Easy-to-read signage with tactile or braille options.
• Accessible Concierge Services: Lowered concierge desks and trained staff.

Elevators

• Spacious Elevators: Large enough for power wheelchairs, with a 5-foot turning radius.
• Accessible Buttons: Elevator buttons no higher than 48 inches, with tactile or braille markings.
• Auditory and Visual Signals: Announce floors with visual and auditory cues.

Public Restrooms

• Wide Doors: Doors at least 36 inches wide with spacious layouts.
• Accessible Stalls: Grab bars and ample space for navigation.
• Lowered Sinks: Roll-under sinks and lever-operated or touchless faucets.
• Emergency Call Buttons: Installed in accessible restrooms.

Dining and Restaurants

• Accessible Seating: Tables with 27 inches of knee clearance and accessible pathways.
• Accessible Menus: Menus in braille, large print, or accessible via QR codes.
• Buffet and Self-Service Stations: Counters no higher than 36 inches for easy access.
• Room Service: Accessible room service with delivery to rooms.

Parking and Transportation

• Accessible Parking Spaces: Parking spaces close to the entrance, with an 8-foot width and 5-foot access aisle.
• Van-Accessible Parking: Additional clearance for side-entry wheelchair vans.
• Valet and Shuttle Services: Accessible valet parking and shuttle services with lifts or ramps.
• Charging Stations for Mobility Devices: Charging stations in parking lots.

Pool and/or Spa

• Pool Lifts: Pool lifts for safe access to the water.
• Spa Lifts: Available for hot tubs and spas.
• Non-Slip Surfaces: Pool areas with non-slip flooring.

Fitness Center

• Accessible Equipment: Wheelchair-accessible exercise equipment and adjustable-height benches.
• Wide Pathways: Spaced equipment to allow wheelchair navigation.
• Accessible Locker Rooms: Roll-in showers and accessible lockers.

Meeting Rooms and Conference Facilities

• Spacious Layouts: Wide doors and ample space between furniture.
• Adjustable Podiums: Podiums that can be lowered for wheelchair users.
• Accessible Audiovisual Equipment: Easy-to-operate audiovisual equipment.
• Assistive Listening Devices: Available for guests with hearing impairments.
• Emergency Procedures and Safety
• Accessible Emergency Exits: Clearly marked accessible exits.
• Emergency Communication Devices: Flashing alarms or vibrating alerts.
• Staff Training: Staff trained in assisting guests with disabilities during emergencies.

Technology and Communication

• Accessible Wi-Fi: Easy access and technical support for accessible Wi-Fi.
• Accessible Booking Platforms: Accessible websites with screen reader compatibility.
• Visual Doorbells: Flashing doorbells or vibrating alerts for guests with hearing impairments.

Staff Support and Training

• Disability Awareness Training: Staff trained in assisting guests with disabilities.
• Concierge Assistance: Concierge services to assist with mobility rentals, accessible transportation, and local recommendations.