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There is a lot more to consider when booking accommodations as a wheelchair user. Everyone has unique needs when it comes to accessibility requirements. Keep in mind these may not be applicable to each individual. It can be useful to make a checklist suited to your specific needs or comfort levels. Here are some accessibility requirements to consider when booking a hotel room or accommodations when traveling:
Location/Transportation
How far from the airport?
Is there accessible transportation available to get there? (public transit/accessible taxis/modified car rentals)
Is it nearby attractions?
Is it nearby public transportation routes?
Is it in a safe neighbourhood to roll around?
Are there curb cuts and accessible sidewalks?
Are the sidewalks relatively well maintained so they are free of major cracks and holes?
What is the general topography of the area like? (Much easier to get around on flat terrain compared to hilly).
What is the cultural attitude towards people with disabilities?
Grounds
Is there a step free entrance?
Are there accessible parking spaces available?
Are the hotel/resort grounds fully step free and fully accessible?
Is there ramped access available to all common areas?
Are there elevators available (and working) to access all levels?
Is there 24 front desk service or security in case of an emergency?
Are there on-site laundry services available?
Is there an accessible bathroom available in public areas? (lobby/restaurants/pool/beach)
Is the pool wheelchair accessible? (step free, barrier-free, zero entry pool or lift available into the pool)
Is there a beach wheelchair or amphibious wheelchair available?
Is the beach wheelchair accessible? (boardwalk through sand, designated accessible loungers)
Are the hallways wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair?
Are the common areas carpeted or smooth tile/concrete for easy rolling?
Room
Is the room located on the ground floor in case of an emergency?
Is the balcony wheelchair accessible? Is the balcony and the inside floor at the same height without a lip or is there a threshold barrier?
What is the height of the bed?
Is there space around each side of the bed to accommodate a wheelchair?
Is there an electric socket nearby the bed to be able to charge electronics or a power chair?
Is there space under the bed to accommodate a lift if one is needed to transfer?
Is there a lowered peep hole or digital doorbell for safety?
How many accessible rooms are there? (It is nice to know there are options in case a room needs to be repaired or if it is double booked).
Bathroom
Are the bathroom doors wide enough to allow wheelchair access?
Is there adequate space to maneuver a wheelchair in the bathroom (with the door closed)?
Is there a roll in shower/ barrier free shower? Does it include a fold down shower bench or stand alone shower chair?
If there is a fold down shower bench, can the shower be operated from the seat or is it on the far side?
Are there grab bars present in the shower to help transfer and provide stability?
Can the shower controls be reached from a sitting height and from the shower seat?
What is the height of the toilet? Is it raised to help transfers, or standard height ?
Are there grab bars present to help transfer to the toilet?
Are the mirrors angled or lowered so you can see yourself?
Activities
Are there accessible activities available within rolling distance?
Can accessible transportation be arranged?
Can a local tour guide be arranged to help navigate accessibility concerns?
Are nearby restaurants accessible?
What are the standards for accessibility infrastructure in the area?
Get Photo Evidence
Accessibility standards can vary place to place, so it is best to request photos just to double check everything. I have come across places that tout themselves as accessible, but they have 2 steps in order to get into the building, thus rendering it inaccessible to a full time wheelchair user. Some things are lost in translation if you are travelling somewhere where English is not the primary language. In this case pictures are the best way to judge if the property will be suitable for you. It can help you get a better idea of the entrance, lobby, grounds, ramps, as well as pool and beach access. Most important is the size and set up of the room, primarily the bathroom, so be sure to get pictures to confirm accessibility standards of these areas. I prefer to use booking sites such as Airbnb or Vrbo since they provide detailed photos of accessibility features as standard for each listing. Other booking sites just use the general term “wheelchair accessible” without giving any indication of what these standards actually are.
Confirmation of Accessibility Requests
Once all the accessibly features are confirmed and you are convinced they will be sufficient for your needs, make sure you request an email confirming outlining all details discussed. It is also best to book directly with a hotel rather than through a third party site. This is another advantage to using Airbnb/Vrbo or other vacation rental sites since you are dealing directly with a person rather than an employee of a multi-national corporation. This way if there is any dispute over room requirements during check in you will have evidence and confirmation of the features that were promised.
Final Thoughts
It is best to book well in advance if you are able, this gives plenty of time to find accommodations that are suitable to your needs. Often times a hotel will only have a limited number of accessible rooms, so the further advance you can inquire and book the more options you will have available and the better chance you will have at finding something that suits your needs.
Knowing the size of your wheelchair and what size space you need to maneuver comfortably.
It may not be 100% up to your needs but if you can have some flexibility in your requirements for what you can make work, will give you more options. This being said it is your vacation so don’t make yourself uncomfortable or put yourself in a dangerous situation trying to make a room “work.” Accessibility may not be perfect, but you can choose which amenities you can live without, or work around with adaptive equipment (such as portable ramps, or suction grab bars). Don’t let fear and worry get the best of you, the reward of travel is worth the struggle!
