Top 11 Features for Accessible Accommodation

People who are physically challenged can use still go on holiday if they use lodges and hotels that have accessible accommodation. These hotels and cottages can cater to people who have different disabilities. They have rooms that are customized to accommodate a wheelchair and other equipment that the differently-abled customers may need. These days hotels and holiday accommodation owners are advised to publish an accessibility guide to show exactly what features they have for differently-abled people. Details of such features are generally published on the accommodation’s website, although you may need to request this information before your visit.

Accessible accommodation means a room that can be used by people with different abilities as there can be no room just for the hearing impaired or have vision loss or wheelchair-bound customers. Although most hotels have only a few rooms that are specially made for these requirements, the standard of equipping these rooms may not be the same for all hotels. The good news is, is that most establishments are improving their standards and adding many more accessibility features during their renovations.

From the viewpoint of most disabled customers, here are some requirements they need to comfortably stay in a hotel room:

1. Buzzer/Light

An outside buzzer that corresponds to a flashing light inside the room can signal a deaf client that someone is outside their room trying to get their attention.

2. Automatic Door Opening Button

Wheelchair-bound guests may find it hard to open and close the door and may injure themselves or their wheelchairs in the process. An automatic door opener can make it easier for them to get in and out of the room.

3. Hardwood Floors

Customers in a wheelchair will not appreciate having carpeted floors. A wooden floor can provide better traction and can also help other people with diverse disabilities.

4. Simple Room Layout

People with disabilities need a room less furniture to be able move around without difficulty. If there are rugs on the floor, they should have a non-slip backing and low edge so as not to hinder wheelchairs from getting over them and not get stuck.

5. Adjustable bed heights

Beds should be adjustable to accommodate the customer’s preferences. Some want a lower or higher bed in response to their disability as their knees can be the issue. Hotels can help differently-abled people by adjusting the height of the bed in the accessible room according to their indication before their arrival.

6. Temperature

The excessive temperature in the accessible room may not be comfortable for the differently-abled customers. Some may have problems in their joints that cannot withstand high temperatures.

7. Refrigerator

People with disabilities normally have to bring medicines that need to be stored in a cool dry place. Having a fridge in the room can serve its purpose to store these meds together with other food or drinks.

8. Sound Proof Room

There are persons with disabilities that are sensitive to sudden noise which can trigger their anxiety. Having a good soundproofing room can reduce these unintentional wakeups in the middle of the night.

9. Adjacent room or Connecting Room for Caregiver

Unrelated caregivers sleeping in the same room may not be a comfortable option for differently-abled people, and having an adjacent or connecting room can be a huge relief to everyone.

10. Toilet and Shower Grab Bars

Falls in the bathroom can be avoided if there are available grab bars that they can balance their body with. Showers should also have a roll-in that is grade level to the floor. Having two shower heads is helpful and can be used by someone standing up or sitting in while showering.

11. Accessible Website

Hotels with accessible rooms should also take into consideration their booking process. Their websites should have easy booking procedures which can easily be accessed by all. Having these accessible hotel rooms with bigger doorways and bathrooms located on the first floor can become the haven for differently-abled persons away from home.