TravelAbility Insider

The Intersection of Travel and Disability

Hotels

Vrbo Wakes Up to the $60B Accessibility Market

by Leave a Comment

Vrbo has partnered with Becoming rentABLE, the only platform dedicated to listing accessible short-term rentals, to boost their bookings and get a slice of the disability market. 

The partnership launched officially on May 2, building on a relationship that began in 2022 when Becoming rentABLE joined the Expedia Open World™ Accelerator Program.

Currently, fewer than 0.1% of short-term rental properties in the U.S. are truly accessible. Becoming rentABLE champions a broader definition of accessibility—one that extends beyond wheelchair use to include mobility, cognitive, hearing, and vision needs, as well as accommodations for the growing aging population. In alignment with this vision, Vrbo has added search filters for eight new accessibility attributes to its booking platform, recognizing that inclusive design isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s good business. 

Vrbo’s Reimagine Inclusive Travel initiative showcases how small upgrades can have a major impact. Becoming rentABLE created a 10-minute online course offering practical guidance for short term rental hosts, covering inclusive design, overlooked opportunities, and the importance of providing accurate, detailed accessibility descriptions.

With Vrbo’s average group size being five, the likelihood of someone in each party requiring accessible accommodations is significant. Yet the STR industry has failed to keep up. That’s changing now.

About Becoming rentABLE

Becoming rentABLE is the only U.S.-based platform exclusively focused on listing short-term rental properties with verified accessibility features. Its mission is to make travel possible for everyone—regardless of ability. Read more about their partnership with Vrbo here.

About Expedia Group

Expedia Group powers travel for everyone, everywhere through its global platform, featuring leading brands like Expedia, Vrbo, Hotels.com, and more. Check out Vrbo’s accessibility initiative here.

Accessible Hotel Spotlight: The Hilton Mclean Tyson’s Corner

by Leave a Comment

By Jennifer Allen

I have to agree with my eight-year-old that The Hilton Mclean Tyson’s Corner is one of the most accessible hotels we’ve ever stayed in.

As a family, we often have a hard time finding hotel rooms that meet our needs. An accessible King is the only option at many hotels – which isn’t great for families with kids or for disabled adults traveling with a caregiver. Hilton Mclean Tyson’s Corner had several room options across both bed types and shower types. We opted for an accessible tub and low bed heights – perfect for our family with young kids, including one who can’t stand up to get into bed.

We had pretty high expectations when our key card automatically opened the room door, and we weren’t disappointed. Other features included:

  • ROll under sinks
  • Lower room controls
  • Accessible swimming pool
  • Accessible on-site restaurant
  • Assistive listening devices for meetings upon request
  • Audible alarms
  • Doorbell w/Audio/Strobe Alert
  • Lower or Adjustable Closet Rod
  • Phone Audio/Vibrate/Strobe
  • Raised toilet seat
  • Roll-in Shower
  • Service Animals Welcome
  • Teletypewriter for guest use
Two children sit back-to-back on a hotel bed, smiling broadly with their arms crossed playfully. In front of them is a wheelchair.

How the Industry can Make Travel More Inviting to Blind and Low Vision Travelers

by

Each year, the TravelAbility Summit brings together travel professionals, entrepreneurs, and disability advocates to explore how to make travel more accessible for everyone. Last year’s summit included a panel of blind travelers who shared the challenges they’ve encountered and offered insights on how destinations can eliminate barriers to blind travel.

Check out the panel’s key takeaways below and click the YouTube link to rewatch the session. Want to learn more? Don’t miss the 2025 TravelAbility Summit at Sunriver Resort in Central Oregon, October 13-15, 2025, where you can connect with industry experts and disability advocates dedicated to making travel more inclusive for all.

Summary

  • 🏨 Accessible Hotel Experience: Hilton integrates “Be My Eyes”, allowing blind guests to receive assistance in navigating their rooms and amenities.
  • 🚖 Ride-Share Challenges: Blind travelers face cancellation issues with Uber/Lyft due to guide dogs. Some drivers refuse to pick them up, causing major inconvenience.
  • 🌎 Consistency in Accessibility: Industry experts emphasize the need for standardized Braille signage placement, so blind individuals can easily locate information.
  • 🗺️ Navigation Solutions: GPS apps, breadcrumb tracking, and NaviLens QR codes are proposed to enhance navigation in hotels, parks, and public venues.
  • 🏕️ Accessible Outdoor Travel: Blind hikers prefer better trail markings and audio guidance over excessive infrastructure changes.
  • 🏛️ Inclusive Museums & Attractions: Museums should provide tactile maps, high-contrast signs, and digital audio guides for blind visitors.
  • 🐕 Service Dog Challenges: Despite legal protections, hotels and ride services often misunderstand service dog policies, leading to unnecessary restrictions.
  • 🔊 Elevator Accessibility: Adding audio announcements to elevators improves accessibility, making travel easier for blind and visually impaired guests.
  • 🌍 Advocacy & Industry Standards: Experts encourage travel organizations to advocate for more accessible experiences, including better training for staff and public awareness initiatives.

Insights Based on Numbers

  • 20-40% of guide dog users face rejection from ride-share services due to misinformation or discrimination.
  • Hilton’s partnership with “Be My Eyes” enables guests to receive real-time visual assistance from trained personnel.
  • 273 Oregon State Parks are working towards better accessibility through improved signage, GPS solutions, and advocacy.

Watch the full session on YouTube!

Hotel Spotlight: Omni Dallas

by

A social media follower raved about Omni Dallas as their top pick for an accessible hotel. What made it unforgettable? The stunning rooftop pool and hot tub—both equipped with lifts—plus a spa experience that was not only relaxing but also truly accessible, thanks to an exceptionally helpful staff.

The hotel’s accessible room page also mentions:

  • Accessible guest rooms with entry that provides 32″ of clear width
  • Lowered light switches, peephole, deadbolt, evacuation instructions and closet rods in guest rooms
  • Roll-in shower with adjustable height hand held shower head
  • Toilet and sink are no higher than 34′ from the floor
  • Grab bars near toilet
  • Visual notification for hotel alarm system, door and phone available
  • Audible alarm notification
  • The hotel has a TTY for guest use
  • Closed caption TV
  • Accessible business center entrance
  • Accessible fitness center entrance
  • Accessible restaurant entrance
  • Accessible main entrance
  • Accessible access to front desk and concierge desk
  • Accessible meeting space
  • Assistive listening devices for meetings available
  • Accessible route from public entrance to accessible guest rooms
  • Accessible route from public entrance to front desk
  • Accessible route from public entrance to restaurants
  • Accessible route from public entrance to meeting rooms
  • Accessible elevators
  • Braille elevator
  • Braille room numbers
  • Accessible pool area and pool lift
  • Hot tub lift
  • Accessible parking space for self-parking available
  • Accessible vehicles can be accommodated
  • Service animals allowed for guests with disabilities

How do Hotel Owners and Senior Leaders Really Feel about Accessibility?

by

Each year, the TravelAbility Summit brings together travel professionals, entrepreneurs, and disability advocates to explore emerging trends, challenges, and solutions in making travel more accessible for all. Last year’s summit included a panel of hotel leaders who discussed their experiences and perspectives on accessibility in hotels, emphasizing its importance and the industry’s challenges in implementing inclusive practices. 

Check out the panel’s key takeaways below and click the YouTube link to rewatch the session. Looking to learn more? Don’t miss the 2025 TravelAbility Summit, happening at the beautiful Sunriver Resort in Central Oregon, October 13-15, 2025. This is a unique opportunity to engage with key players from the hospitality industry, travel sector, and disability space—all focused on making travel more accessible for everyone.

Learn more and register today at travelability.net.

  • 💰 Business Impact & Litigation Concerns – Many hotel owners cite fear of litigation as a major barrier to improving accessibility, with examples of lawsuits impacting the industry financially and influencing decision-making.
  • 🌏 Global Accessibility Perspectives – Insights on accessibility from different regions, including Taiwan and Europe, highlight varying degrees of inclusivity, with some newer hotels being more accessible than older establishments.
  • 👥 Personal Experiences with Accessibility – Several panelists share personal stories about their connections to individuals with disabilities, reinforcing the importance of improving accessibility in hotels.
  • 📊 The Growing Market for Accessible Travel – Data shows that the demand for accessible travel is increasing, with baby boomers aging and requiring more accommodations, creating a business case for prioritizing accessibility.
  • 🔧 Affordable Solutions for Accessibility – Simple and cost-effective modifications, such as adding shower chairs and adjusting door mechanisms, can significantly improve the guest experience for individuals with disabilities.
  • 🎓 Staff Training & Hospitality Mindset – Proper training for hotel staff on accessibility issues is crucial in ensuring a welcoming environment, with examples of how small gestures and proactive communication can enhance guest experiences.

🔢 Insights Based on Numbers

  • 26% of the population has a disability, but the figure drops to 15% when excluding minor impairments.
  • In 2019, 12.7 million travelers with disabilities took 81 million trips, spending $58.7 billion.
  • Baby boomers are aging, with 40% identifying as having a disability by age 65, increasing demand for accessible accommodations.
  • Insurance costs have risen by 256% since 2019, adding financial pressure on hotel operations.

Watch the full video here.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

Your name and email will never be sold to third parties.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

Your name and email will never be sold to 3rd parties.