What is an Accessible Room?

In the U.S., 26% of adults live with some type of disability. Almost 14% of those have a physical disability, while nearly 11% have visual or hearing disabilities.

These people don't stay at home 24/7. They travel for business and pleasure, like everyone else. And when they stay overnight at a hotel, they should expect to stay in an accessible room.

Now you may be asking yourself what is an accessible room? Keep on reading to find out.

What is an Accessible Hotel Room?

So, what is an accessible hotel room? An accessible hotel room has features that differ from a standard room. These special features can make a room functional for people with physical, visual, and hearing disabilities.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) states that public buildings be should be accessible. What that means can differ from building to building, including hotels.

Let's take a closer look at what ideal features would make a hotel room accessible for all.

For Those With Physical Disabilities

The first obstacle a person with a physical disability might encounter in a hotel may be getting in the door. An accessible room should have a longer wait time on a key card and a door that is not too heavy; if the door opens automatically, this is a big plus. Of course, the doorway should be wide enough for a wheelchair to get through.

A room without clutter can make it easier for those using mobility devices to get around. Area rugs or a carpeted floor can be difficult to negotiate, too. Hardwood floors can eliminate this problem.

In the bathroom, a roll-in shower and grab bars for the shower and toilet can prevent a nasty accident. A toilet that is at a comfort level—17 to 19 inches from the floor—can further make the bathroom more accessible.

Once a guest is in bed, it can be a production to get out again. Labeled switches near the bed can make turning off the lights a breeze.

For Those With Visual Disabilities

A simple room layout can assist those with visual impairments; there should not be lots of furniture low to the floor. All signage both outside the room (room number) and inside should come with a braille label. An accessible room should also be welcoming for those who make use of a service dog.

TV controls should be accessible. A voice-operated remote and easy-to-access visual descriptions can make for a much more enjoyable stay for a visually-impaired guest.

For Those With Hearing Disabilities

In an accessible room, there should be a buzzer outside the room that flashes a light inside the room so a deaf or hard-of-hearing guest knows when someone is at the door. A flashing alarm should also be inside the room to alert a hearing-impaired guest to an emergency.

While visual descriptions on a TV should be easy to find for the visually impaired, closed captions should be easy to access for the hearing impaired. There should also be made available a TTY device for the phone and a vibrating alarm clock to wake up to.

An Accessible Room for All

Everyone who stays at a hotel—be it for business or pleasure—has the right to an accessible room.

Every hotel should have rooms that will accommodate any guest who makes a reservation, regardless of their disability. And if you have a disability, be sure to do your research to make sure you find a hotel that will readily cater to your needs.

Take a look at our offers next for additional help in managing your disability both on and off the road.

Other Frequently Asked Accessible Room Questions

How to book an accessible room?

1. Pick the city you want to stay in.
2. Make a list of your specif needs because not all ADA compliant rooms will meet all of your specific needs.
3. Make sure you read the reviews online.
4. Call the hotel directly; speak to them and book your stay.
5. After your stay make sure you leave a review online to help the next person who needs an ADA-compliant accessible room. 

How much should an accessible room cost? Can a hotel charge more for an accessible room?

• In the United States, an Accessible Room should be the same price as a standard hotel room. If it is not the same price be sure to call the hotel directly and ask why the price is higher. 

Can anyone stay in an accessible room?

• In the United States, anyone can book an accessible hotel room, but by law, handicapped rooms are supposed to be the last rooms that are booked and be held for someone who is handicapped. 

What does an accessible place mean?

• An accessible place is a building or place that is easy to get into or reach.

What does accessible access mean?

• Ability to access. Accessibility can be looked at as the ability to access or benefit from a particular system.

What does accessible bedroom mean?

• An accessible bedroom is an accessible room that is easy for a person with a disability to enter and leave. Typically these accessible rooms are on the first floor or have a stairlift or elevator to get to the room if it is not on the first floor. These accessible rooms will have a wider doorway so that a wheelchair can easily navigate the accessible room.

What does accessible hearing room mean?

• An accessible hear room has visual notification features to help the person who is hearing impaired. It will also have light-like signals if someone is knocking on the door, calling the phone, and more. These rooms will also sometimes have a doorbell.

What does accessible accommodation mean?

• Accessible accommodations are adjustments or modifications that are made for an individual with a disability on an as-needed basis. These accessible accommodations give access to whoever is there at that moment. 

What does the word accessible mean?

• The word accessible means that is able to be reached or entered.