Traveling as a person with a disability can be challenging. With frequent reports of travelers’ wheelchairs being lost or delayed in transit, it can be hard for power wheelchair users to vacation with confidence.

You can help make sure that your trip is as comfortable as possible by booking an accessible room. These rooms are built with the needs of the disabled community in mind, so you won’t be left high and dry in your hotel room.

But if you aren’t already familiar with a hotel, it can be tricky to find the right accessible room, when bringing your Charlotte Rehab Chair.

Do Your Research

Once you know where you’re going and how long you’ll be staying, look into local hotels as soon as possible. Research their accessible room options, so you know what you can expect from each one.

You will usually have better luck with larger hotel chains, which have the resources to keep their accessible rooms up to date and legally compliant. Newer hotels are also more likely to have newer features and technologies designed to make your stay more comfortable.

If you are on a budget, you can then balance your needs against the amount you are able to pay. You can narrow down a list of hotels and find a place that will suit you.

Location, Location, Location

Once you have identified the hotels with accessible rooms, it’s time to think about what else you need. This is a great time to plan your trip in depth, as you will need to have contingencies in place to help you get around.

If you’re hoping to be out and about on your trip, you may want to look for a hotel in a central location. That way, you won’t have to look for accessible transit every time you want to go sightseeing! You may also want to look for a hotel that’s close to the airport, so you can get there quickly and painlessly after your arrival.

You should also check whether the hotel has its accessible rooms on the ground floor. In the event of a fire or other emergency which could remove your access to an elevator, you won’t want to be stuck up a flight of stairs!

Speak to the Manager

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, hotels have to maintain a room booking system which is accessible to people with disabilities. In theory, you should be able to book an accessible room online without any problems.

But this doesn’t always guarantee that the room you’ve requested will be held for you. Once you’ve placed a booking, make sure to call the hotel and speak to the hotel manager. Ask them to make a note on the system holding the specific room you have booked.

It’s also worth making a note of the manager’s name when you speak to them. That way, if you arrive at your hotel and you don’t have the room you need, you’ll know where and how to follow up.

Ask Questions in Advance

Calling the hotel can also be a great opportunity to make sure that the hotel has the features you need – even beyond the room you’ve requested.

Is the pool accessible? What about the restaurant? These amenities may not be necessary, but access to them is included in the cost of your room, and they can really make a difference to your vacation.

You should also take this moment to ask about any specific features you need in your room. Not all accessible rooms are created equal! If you need a roll-in shower or a lift under your bed, this is the time to check that your room has what you need.

Look Online

There are two main reasons to research hotels online: pictures and reviews.

It’s an unfortunate fact that hotel photos can sometimes be misleading. Previous guests will sometimes take pictures of their hotel rooms to give future travelers a more informed idea of what they’re buying. A quick search of reviewing platforms will usually deliver some photos that can help you decide whether a room is right for you.

It’s also never been easier for guests to speak up about the treatment they received at a hotel. Look for reviews that mention the accessibility of the hotel rooms or facilities, and you will quickly get a sense of how accessible a hotel really is.

Leave a Review

You can usually trust other people with disabilities to be forthcoming about their experiences, to help other people in similar situations. After your stay, why not pay it forward?

Leave an honest review of your hotel online. Take photos if you can, and make a note of any problems you encountered with your accessible room. You can also point out any particularly good experiences you had, so that other people can support the hotel!

This isn’t just about helping other people with disabilities find the right accessible room. Your honest review can also help the hotel to improve for future guests.

Finding Your Accessible Room in Charlotte

An accessible room can make all the difference when you travel with a Charlotte rehab wheelchair. By ensuring that you have the space, support and comfort you need on your vacation, you can give yourself the gift of a real break. And if you can access the hot tub or the pool, so much the better!

If you are looking for a wheelchair that can get you where you want to go, we have you covered! Freedom Mobility Center, Inc. serves North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and West Virginia, and we’re dedicated to offering you the active lifestyle you deserve. Contact us today to learn more.