Accessible Hotels

Do hotels have to be accessible?

In the UK, hotels generally have to take reasonable steps to ensure their spaces are accessible for all. While newer properties are typically more wheelchair friendly, many hotels in historic properties have been carefully adapted, providing things like ground-floor rooms and ramp access. Remember, laws and regulations often vary by country so be sure to double-check before travelling if you're jetting off overseas.

What accessible features do hotels offer?

From roll-in showers to sign language-capable staff, hotels have all kinds of ways to help travellers enjoy a stay that meets their needs. Find a home from home that works for you with Hotels.com's handy accessibility filters. Choose from 8 options, from lifts to wheelchair-accessible parking, to identify properties with the features you need and book your accessible hotel room in a few quick steps.

What does it mean when a hotel is wheelchair accessible?

A wheelchair-accessible hotel has features like step-free entrances, lifts and adapted rooms with wider doorways and turning space. You may find wet rooms or roll-in showers, lowered fixtures and grab rails, too. Exact amenities vary by property, so it's always a good idea to double-check before reserving your room. Luckily, the hotel descriptions on Hotels.com often detail this information, so you can book with confidence.

What does “in-room accessibility” entail?

In-room accessibility refers to hotel rooms that have been specifically designed for ease of navigation by those with limited mobility or other needs. Think things like wider doorways, low-level beds and ample turning space, plus instructions in Braille or visual alert devices—so no matter what your restrictions are, you'll be able to enjoy your room to the fullest.

What hotels have in-room accessibility? 

Some hotels, especially more modern properties or recently renovated ones, offer accessible rooms. That means you could expect things like spacious layouts so a wheelchair user can get around easily, auditory guidance to assist guests with visual impairments or even bathroom cords for emergency assistance. If you'd benefit from this, simply use Hotels.com's “in-room accessibility” filter to see properties that offer rooms of this nature.

What does “roll-in shower” mean in a hotel?

A roll-in shower has no lip or step, allowing wheelchairs to enter directly. They're larger than standard showers with fold-down seats and handheld shower heads. “Accessible bathrooms” are similar but not quite the same: alongside a roll-in shower, you'd also expect to find accessible toilets and good turning space here. You can find properties with these features with just a click on Hotels.com. Simply select the “roll-in shower” or “accessible bathroom” filter to instantly see all available options in your destination for your dates.

Are service animals allowed in a hotel?  

In many countries, hotels have to permit service animals, such as guide dogs, by law: not doing so could be classed as discrimination. This isn't the case everywhere, though, so for safety's sake, Hotels.com offers a filter to help you home in on properties that do. Simply tick the “service animals allowed” box when searching to find hotels that welcome these four-legged helpers. 

Do hotels have sign language-capable staff?

Some hotels do have staff who speak at least a certain amount of sign language. This is particularly true in larger properties and resorts, but it's not something you can take for granted. If you're a sign-language user who'd appreciate this service, just use Hotels.com's filter for “sign language-capable staff” to make sure you're only seeing properties with at least one member of staff who'll be able to communicate with you.

Do hotels have a stair-free path to entrance?

Whether you use a wheelchair, are on crutches or have limited mobility for any other reason, a step-free hotel entrance can be absolutely vital. In some properties, the default entrance might be stair-free, while others might have a separate, dedicated accessible entrance. Either way, Hotels.com's “stair-free path to entrance” filter will help you narrow down your search to properties that work for your mobility needs.

Do hotels have wheelchair-accessible parking?

Wider spaces, conveniently positioned near the entrance: wheelchair-accessible parking can provide support for people with mobility issues. Not all hotels offer accessible parking spots (or any parking at all), so if this is something you'd benefit from, it's worth using Hotels.com's “wheelchair-accessible parking” filter to make sure you're only seeing properties that do offer this.

How can I confirm lift accessibility before booking?

With Hotels.com's handy “lift” filter, you can easily restrict your search to hotels that have a lift for getting from A to B. Whether you or one of your party can't climb the stairs or would prefer not to, selecting this filter means you'll only see properties that work for your mobility needs.

What is the best holiday for someone in a wheelchair?

Cities with accessible attractions and mobility-friendly public transport are ideal places to go on holiday for wheelchair users. These include destinations like London, Paris and Edinburgh. If it's a coastal escape you're craving, resorts such as Tenerife promise easy-to-access beach boardwalks and thoughtfully designed accessible hotels—perfect for unwinding by the pool or along the shore.