ACCESSIBILITY CHECKLIST FOR HOTEL ACCOMMODATION

Accessibility is not standardized in the hospitality industry and can be easily interpreted in different ways by hotel employees.

Rather than looking for "wheelchair-friendly" hotels in the forums, prepare your criteria and needs and deal directly with the hotel. 

Often times, hotel websites show that they have accessible rooms, but their definitions can differ significantly and they may not be designed to meet your needs. 

At this point, you need to call your hotel directly.

Common areas:

1. Designated disabled parking with a priority location in the parking lot.

2. Step-free access (level or ramp) and / or elevator access to the main entrance.

3. Automated door opening.

4. Accessible bathroom on the ground floor / hall level.

5. Elevator for accessible accommodation above ground.

6. Level or ramp access to public spaces.

Rooms:

1. Wider entrance and bathroom doors - exterior 80 cm, interior 75 cm. Easy opening

2. Emergency button in the bathroom and bedroom

3. Light switches and mid-height sockets

4. Lever type door handles

5. Maneuvering space on each side of the bed - 90 cm

6. Rolling shower

7. Shower chair with casters and / or wall mounted shower seat

8. Grab bars in the bathroom

9. Raised toilet

10. Lower hanging space in the closet

District:

1. Close to markets, pubs, restaurants ... up to 500 m away.

2. Proximity to health services.

Advice:

1. Call the hotel directly.

2. Keep notes: names, dates, times, subjects, what is agreed and confirmation numbers. Take these notes and printouts with you while on vacation.

3. Ask to speak to someone who is familiar with disabled rooms because they have been there before.

4. Ask questions that will elicit information rather than a yes or no.

5. Verify that you have a credit card GUARANTEE for an accessible room and a confirmation number. Not just a REQUEST for an accessible room if available at time of check-in.

6. Confirm your reservation for a guaranteed accessible room a few days in advance.

7. Upon arrival, check the room before checking in.

8. Again, take your notes and paperwork with you while on vacation.

Be prepared, in the unlikely event that:

1. The hotel does not have an accessible room on your arrival. The hotel will have to find you an accessible room, even in another hotel.

2. The free hotel shuttle may not be available. The hotel will have to adapt the service in another way. "How are you going to provide us with an alternative shuttle service?"

Be cool, persevere, use humor and your vacation will be more of a pleasure than a nightmare.