Choosing an accessible hotel

“Accessible” is not a complete specification. The right hotel is one whose room, bathroom, routes and services match the individual traveller’s actual requirements.

Write a personal requirements list first

Separate essentials from preferences before comparing hotels. Essentials might include a step-free entrance, a particular doorway width, a wheel-in shower, space beside the bed, a hoist-compatible bed or a reliable lift. Preferences might include a sea view, entertainment or a short route to the pool. This prevents an attractive description from obscuring a practical deal-breaker.

Ask for measurements, not labels

Request the exact room category and, where possible, the room number or location. Ask the hotel to confirm:

• The narrowest clear doorway width on the route into the room and bathroom.
• The clear floor space beside and at the foot of the bed.
• Bed height, mattress type and whether the bed can be moved.
• Toilet height, transfer space, grab-rail position and whether rails are fixed or folding.
• Shower entrance, lip or threshold, seat dimensions, controls and drainage.
• Washbasin clearance and mirror, socket, wardrobe and switch heights.

Ask for recent photographs or a short video showing the full route and the room from several angles. A close-up photograph of a grab rail does not reveal whether a wheelchair can approach it.

Follow the whole route

A suitable bedroom can still be unusable if the route to it includes a step, steep ramp, heavy door, narrow lift or deep-pile carpet. Check the journey from the drop-off point to reception, the room, restaurant, bar, pool, accessible toilet and emergency exit. Ask whether any platform lift requires a staff key and whether an alternative route is available outside reception hours.

For larger scooters and powerchairs, request lift-door and internal-car dimensions plus the stated weight limit. Confirm where equipment may be parked and charged without blocking an escape route.

Location beyond the hotel

Map distance is not enough. Ask about gradients, kerbs, crossing points, pavement condition and the surface of promenades or beach approaches. A hotel described as 300 metres from the seafront may sit above it on a steep road. Satellite and street-level imagery can help, but recent local confirmation is stronger.

Equipment, care and personal assistance

If hiring a hoist, profiling bed, shower chair or other equipment, check delivery access, storage and compatibility with the room. A mobile hoist needs enough under-bed clearance and turning space; a shower chair needs to fit through the bathroom doorway and into the shower area.

Hotels and equipment companies do not automatically provide personal care. If the traveller needs help with transfers, washing, medication or overnight support, arrange an appropriate companion or care provider separately and confirm any hotel access rules.

Food, sensory and communication needs

Accessibility also includes hearing, vision, cognitive and dietary requirements. Ask about visual alarms, vibrating alert devices, induction loops, quiet rooms, lighting, signage, menu formats and the hotel’s process for managing allergens. Obtain the answer from the department responsible rather than assuming a booking note guarantees delivery.

Get the commitment in writing

Record the name and role of the person who confirmed the details. Keep emails, measurements and photographs with the booking reference. Ask what happens if the promised room becomes unavailable and whether the booking can be cancelled without charge if an essential requirement cannot be met.

Hotel enquiry checklist

• Exact accessible room type confirmed in writing.
• Door, bed, bathroom and lift measurements checked.
• Step-free routes to every facility the traveller plans to use.
• Resort gradients and surrounding pavements considered.
• Equipment delivery, charging and storage agreed.
• Emergency evacuation arrangements discussed.