Looking for a mobility device accessible hotel? Not sure where or how to start looking?
Fortunately, it’s not that hard to find, and we are going to make it really easy for you. Here, we will cover the simple chronological process for vetting a hotel that can accommodate your needs.
Research Online
First things first, you have to start using online services to your advantage. No matter the reason you are traveling for, sites like TripAdvisor, Expedia, Trivago, and more provide the user with the ability to filter our certain settings in the search.
Therefore, they are an excellent source for finding hotels in your desired location in a certain price range, and with the availability of specific amenities, mobility accessibility included.
At this point, you should create a list of all the potential options which you took to liking. However, don’t book your stay just yet, it’s better to be safe than sorry, so move on to the next step.
Initiate Correspondence
If you’re not sure if the hotel really does have mobility device accessibility, or just want to confirm with what you saw online, it’s important to initiate correspondence with the hotel and ask somebody who knows.
For instance, when you call, they might tell you that they are an accessible hotel, but after a few questions, you might realize that the only accessible feature is their elevator, or something else.
The word accessibility means many things to different people, so in order to discover if the hotel has the accessibility that you need, you’re going to have to make a couple of calls.
Get Specific
Even though each mobility device user has their own preferences and necessities, the questions below might help you determine if a hotel is appropriately structured to support your needs.
What Accessibility Features Does the Hotel Have?
If their website does not specify the features, you might as well figure out what they mean by accessible.
You can start by asking some specific questions about the amenities that you will require, but it’s always better to start off with the basics. Such as elevators, ramps, handicap parking, and anything else that is truly worth knowing about.
What Accessibility Features Do the Rooms Have?
If not specified online, you’re going to have to ask again. Figure out what kind of accessibility features come with the room you will be booking.
For instance, many hotels provide a different servicing package for each room, including accessibility. So, one room might not be accessible, but another is. Unfair, but that’s the truth of the matter.
Is There a Roll-In Shower?
Accessibility means many things, but to you, it probably comes with some pre-set expectancies. For instance, a roll-in shower or bathtub is a must for executing proper hygiene and function. So, if it’s not mentioned online, you might as well ask.
Are There Any Grab Bars?
Even though grab bars are often used as a standard accessible feature, it might not be so in another country. Especially, if they possess their own accessibility regulations and rules.
Always ask about grab bars, and make sure they are located near the shower and toilet.
Can a Shower Chair Be Provided?
Not all hotels have roll-in showers, and not all hotels that have roll-in showers have shower chairs. Even if they do, the type of chair might not be of your liking.
Therefore, this question is one of the most important ones, so you might as well make sure that they have a shower chair. After all, what’s the point of a roll-in shower and grab bars, if you’re not able to actually use it?
Is There Enough Space Under Bed for a Hoyer Lift?
Not everybody carries a Hoyer lift, and if you don’t, it might be a good idea to get one. In the case of using one, you have to know if the space under the bed can accommodate the metrics of the lift, as it has to be placed under the bed to work.
A precise measurement as an answer is your best bet.
Is the Accessible Room Located on the Ground Floor?
Any situation can come with grave consequences. Elevators are great, but an accessible room only goes so far if a fire starts.
A room all the way up in the building will prove to be an inconvenience for a mobility device user, as the only true fire escape is the one that involves little movement. If the rooms are on the ground floor, you don’t have to use the elevator or the stairs.
You never know when your device can break, so it’s best to be close to others.
Ask for Photos
The likelihood of a hotel not having photos online is very minimal, but you could find yourself going somewhere rural where they don’t have photos of their rooms on the website.
You should ask for photos of the room so that you can gauge how spacious and accommodating it is to your needs. Ensure your decision by covering all bases, and you will be glad that you did.
A Mobility Device Accessible Hotel
Now that you know how to find a mobility device accessible hotel, you are well on your way to having a splendid time in your desired location.
By covering all of the aspects of the accessibility experience, and making sure that you will be accommodated for, there really is nothing to worry about.
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