What is an accessible hotel room?

An accessible hotel room is a room designed so that guests with disabilities and mobility difficulties can access, navigate, and use the space comfortably. 

Accessible rooms often include features like roll-in showers, grab bars, and wider doorways, making it easier for everyone to enjoy their stay. A mobility accessible room aims to ensure that all of your guests, regardless of their physical or mental abilities, can have a safe and pleasant experience at your hotel.

What is an ADA hotel room?

If your hotel is in the United States, you’ve probably heard of ADA rooms. These are rooms that meet the standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act. ADA rooms come with specific features like lower counters, accessible light switches, and alarms that cater to both hearing and vision impairments.

ADA hotel rooms are often required to be a mobility accessible room, in that they can accommodate wheelchair users or people with other mobility aids. Knowing these requirements is important because it helps you create spaces at your hotel that are not only legally compliant but also genuinely welcoming to all guests.

This blog will provide a full overview of what accessible hotel rooms entail and how you can appropriately accommodate guests who need accessible rooms.

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How many accessible rooms are required in a hotel?

The number of accessible rooms your hotel needs depends on its size. Even if you run a small property, it’s a good idea to have at least one accessible room. 

For example, the ADA requires a certain percentage of rooms to be accessible based on the total number of rooms you have. Similarly, in Australia the Disability Discrimination Act requires that hotels provide access to their services for people with disabilities.

Most countries around the world will have their own laws and regulations, since 16% of the world’s population experience disability.

This isn’t just about following the rules though – it’s about making sure you can welcome guests with different needs, which can lead to more bookings and happier customers.

Why is it important to have an accessible room at your hotel?

Are accessible rooms better? Well, for small properties, accessibility can make a big difference. It’s not only a case of being welcoming to more guests, or accessible rooms being “better” – by being accessible, you’re also growing your reputation among guests who don’t require accessible rooms. 

Here’s why making your rooms accessible is important:

  • Happy guests come back: When guests with disabilities have a comfortable stay, they’re more likely to return and recommend your hotel to others.
  • More repeat bookings: Offering accessible rooms can build loyalty among guests who may struggle to find accommodations that meet their needs.
  • Great reviews: When you go the extra mile to make your hotel accessible, it shows in your reviews, helping you attract even more guests.

Beyond the basics, accessible rooms help you stand out in a crowded market. They show that you care about all your guests, which can set you apart from other properties. Plus, accessibility isn’t just good for business – it’s the right thing to do.

accessible hotel rooms

What does accessible mean in a hotel? Types of accessible rooms in hotels

While we already talked about hearing accessible hotel rooms, it’s not the only type of room you might need to make available. Here are a few other accessible room types to be aware of.

What is a hearing accessible room?

A hearing accessible room accounts for guests who may have hearing disabilities. It may also be known as a communication accessible room. This type of room won’t be too dissimilar to a normal room but will have additional features which help the guests to enjoy their stay without inconvenience.

Communication accessible rooms also allows a hearing-impaired guest to stay safe throughout their time at the property.

What makes a hotel room hearing accessible?

A hotel room that is made hearing accessible typically includes visual cues that help the guest understand and communicate with staff as well as interact with the room itself.

A hearing accessible room may include features such as a visual alarm, visual door knock alert, visual telephone alert, closed-caption TVs, or teletypewriters. These aids allow the guest to have the same experience that a non hearing-impaired guest would have.

hearing accessible hotel room
Source: Krown Manufacturing, Inc

Mobility accessible room

Mobility accessible room meaning revolves around opening your rooms up to guests who have movement difficulties and can’t navigate standard entry ways and room layouts.

Typically, you might find these rooms referred to as wheelchair accessible hotel rooms.

They include:

  • Wider doorways: To allow easier wheelchair access.
  • Roll-in showers: With a shower seat and grab bars for safety.
  • Lowered countertops: For easier reach.
  • Raised toilet seats: For better positioning and transfer.
  • Grab bars: Near the toilet and in the shower for stability.
  • Adequate space: For maneuvering a wheelchair.

Of course, your entire hotel needs to be wheelchair accessible for the guest to reach the room in the first place, so keep this in mind.

mobility accessible room
Source: Genting Hotel

Visual impairment accessibility

Just as hearing-impaired guests need extra cues, so do visually-impaired guests. A room that is visually accessible might include:

  • Clear and contrasting signage
  • Tactile markings on elevators and in hallways
  • Adequate lighting
  • Larger fonts on information materials
  • Voice-operated amenities

Cognitive impairment accessibility

Guests with learning difficulties or cognitive disabilities should also be able to be accommodated at a hotel. This might mean including:

  • Simplified instructions and information
  • Clear and concise signage
  • Consistent room layouts
  • Arrangements for carers or support workers

Accessible hotel room requirements

So when it comes to accessible vs a non accessible hotel room, what are the key differences and what exactly does in-room accessibility look like?

Though we’ve already mentioned a few, here’s a list of examples:

  • Roll-in showers with seating: Provide easy access for guests with mobility challenges. Adding a fold-down seat ensures safety and comfort.
  • Adjustable beds: Offer flexibility for guests with specific health needs. These beds can improve comfort by allowing guests to adjust their sleeping position.
  • Wider doorways and hallways: Ensure smooth movement for guests using wheelchairs or walkers. If widening isn’t feasible, keep pathways clear by adjusting furniture placement.
  • Lowered countertops and amenities: Make everyday tasks easier by lowering sinks, counters, and light switches to a more accessible height.
  • Accessible closet and storage spaces: Install lower hanging rods and accessible shelves. Consider sliding doors to reduce the space needed for access.
  • Visual and audible alarms: Enhance safety with alarms that include both flashing lights and loud sounds, ensuring all guests are alerted in an emergency.
  • Accessible power outlets and charging stations: Position outlets and USB ports within easy reach, such as by the bed or desk, to accommodate guests with limited mobility.

Best practices to make hotel rooms more accessible

To make sure you can meet all necessary requirements and make guests feel comfortable, take note of these best practices:

Welcome message

The first impression is everything. When guests enter their room, the welcome message should be clear and accessible to everyone. Ensure that all signage, whether it’s on the door, within the room, or in the lobby, is easy to read. This might mean using larger fonts, clear contrasting colours, and simple language. 

Consider offering information in multiple formats—such as large print, braille, or even audio guides. This not only accommodates visually impaired guests but also shows a thoughtful approach to inclusivity from the moment they arrive.

House or community rules

Your hotel’s house rules should be easily understandable for all guests, regardless of their abilities. Use straightforward language, avoiding jargon or overly complex instructions. 

Adding pictograms or symbols can help communicate rules more effectively, especially for guests with disabilities related to understanding the written word. This is also good for those who may not speak the local language fluently.

For instance, simple icons can represent things like quiet hours, non-smoking areas, or pet-friendly zones. These visual aids ensure that all guests, including those with disabilities, can easily follow your hotel’s guidelines, creating a more inclusive environment.

Emergency information

Safety is a top priority, and ensuring that all guests can access and understand emergency procedures is crucial. Make sure your emergency instructions are clear and accessible. This includes having visual alarms for guests with hearing impairments and clearly marked, well-lit evacuation routes that are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs or mobility aids. 

It’s also important to provide emergency contact information that’s easily visible and reachable for all guests. Consider placing this information in multiple locations within the room, such as near the bed, on the desk, and in the bathroom, to ensure it’s accessible at all times.

Practical information

Small details can make a big difference in making your hotel room accessible. Ensure that essential information, like Wi-Fi passwords, dining options, and TV instructions, is easy to find and read.

You might place this information in an easy-to-access binder or on a laminated card near the bed or desk. Consider providing these details in a simple format with clear text and possibly in multiple languages. 

Offering this information through a digital assistant or voice-activated service can also be a great way to enhance accessibility, especially for guests with visual impairments.

Local recommendations

Many guests with disabilities appreciate knowing about accessible attractions and services in the area. Providing a list of local restaurants, parks, and activities that are wheelchair-friendly or offer special accommodations can greatly enhance their stay.

Be sure to include details about accessible transportation options, like local taxi services that cater to guests with mobility needs or public transport routes that are easy to navigate. This information not only helps your guests plan their visit more effectively but also shows that you care about their entire experience, not just their stay at your hotel.

So what other changes can you make you attract all kinds of guests and make more revenue at your hotel?

By Dean Elphick

Dean is the Senior Content Marketing Specialist of Little Hotelier, the all-in-one software solution purpose-built to make the lives of small accommodation providers easier. Dean has made writing and creating content his passion for the entirety of his professional life, which includes more than six years at Little Hotelier. Through content, Dean aims to provide education, inspiration, assistance, and, ultimately, value for small accommodation businesses looking to improve the way they run their operations (and live their life).