What makes an accessible

hotel?

A posh, spacious hotel waiting area with various white chairs and sofas overlooking a cityscape skyline.

Tourism and hotel services enable providers to cater to people who want nothing more than an enjoyable and relaxing overnight rest, some good food, and, perhaps, an evening swim while they are at it. Whether checking in to a hotel for work or pleasure, the experience is expected to be enjoyable and stress-free, which means hotels must consider the accessibility of their spaces to ensure disabled people can enjoy the same level of experience as a non-disabled guest.

It is not just the reception desk, bedrooms, swimming pools, restaurants, gyms, washrooms, beer gardens, smoking areas, spas, and retail areas that must all meet a similar standard of inclusive access; catering not only to a guest’s physical requirements but also their sensory and digital environment is just as vital.

Aside from the design of the building itself, the checking-in process and digital booking experience should be straightforward, without compromising any more time than the process should reasonably take.

Hotels can often be sprawling labyrinths, particularly for larger chain hotels – so signage should be implemented throughout to combat disorientation. As a best practice measure, installing signs embedded with braille will assist visually impaired guests to navigate the location.

However, it is not just about meeting accessibility standards, a big part of inclusion is ensuring an enjoyable experience. Hotels are expensive, and providing convenience should naturally be the top priority of facility owners rather than just meeting legal obligations.

In light of this approach, make sure there are disabled-friendly rooms somewhere in the hotel, but preferably on the first floor. These rooms should be designed to provide a safe and comfortable experience for guests with visual or hearing impairments, neurodiverse conditions, or restricted mobility.

Hotel managers should also consider features such as sensory lighting, soundproof walls, accessible maps, and designated quiet spaces. 

A photograph of the exterior of the Lake View Hotel, a long, white two story building situated on the edge of a road on an overcast day. Behind the site are some woods.
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