Where to start—it’s the question we get when asked about making hotels more accessible. Our suggestion: Start with the very first questions a traveler may have, even before they park their car. Think parking and elevators, signage and ramps.
The 20 questions, below, are adapted from a list on the ADA’s Checklist for Existing Facilities which was created by the New England ADA Center, a project of the Institute for Human-Centered Design.
Don’t stop reading here. Why? Because the intersection of design and hospitality is not nearly as eye-glazing as you might imagine. It gets pretty interesting, especially when you begin to get everyone on the same page when thinking about bigger concepts, such as universal design. Many DMO’s we’ve spoken to said they have created an Accessibility Committee, filling it with representatives from all departments to work across silos.
Accessing the Hotel & The Room
- How many accessible parking spaces are available?
- How Many Van Accessible Parking Spaces are Available
- Are there any steps to the entrance of the Hotel?
- Is there an alternative accessible entrance?
- Is there a manual door at the entrance?
- How wide is the entry door?
- Is there a low counter at reception?
- Is there a wheelchair accessible bathroom in the lobby?
- What is the door measurement in the accessible lobby bathroom?
- Is there an elevator? If so….
- What is the width of the elevator door?
- Is there a voice announcement in the elevator?
- Are there raised letters/numbers or braille on elevator buttons?
- How high is the highest floor button in the elevator?
- Are there signs directing people to the accessible entrance?
- What is the floor surface in the lobby? If it is carpet how thick is it?
- Does the accessible entrance provide direct access to the main floor and lobby
- Are guide dogs and support animals welcome?
- IS there level or ramped access to the hotel bar?
- IS there level or ramped access to hotel dining areas?
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