Accessible hotel rooms: 15 questions to ask before booking

An “accessible room” can mean anything from a standard bedroom near a lift to a properly adapted room with a roll-in shower and transfer space. The only useful definition is whether the whole route and room work for the particular guest.

1. Which entrance will we actually use?

Ask whether the step-free entrance is the main entrance, is open at all required times and can be used independently. If staff assistance or a platform lift is needed, establish operating hours and a failure plan.

2. What is the vehicle drop-off route?

Confirm kerbs, ramps, gradients, surface and distance between the transfer vehicle and reception. A level lobby does not solve an inaccessible approach.

3. What are the narrowest usable door widths?

Request clear opening widths for the entrance, bedroom and bathroom—not the nominal frame size. Compare them with the occupied width of the chair or scooter and allow for hands and turns.

4. Will the lift take the person and equipment?

Ask for lift-door width and internal width, depth and turning arrangement. Check whether routes to restaurants, pools or terraces require a different lift.

5. Is there usable space beside the bed?

Give the side used for transfer and ask for the clear floor space on that side. Confirm bed height to the top of the mattress and whether furniture can be moved before arrival.

6. Can a mobile hoist pass under the bed?

If a hoist is needed, confirm under-bed clearance, room turning space and that the exact hoist legs fit. Ask whether the hotel allows delivery and who can receive it. Clinical suitability, sling and competent operation must be agreed separately.

7. Is the shower genuinely step-free?

Ask about lips, channels, doors, screens and floor falls. Obtain a photograph including the full approach. Confirm whether the seat is fixed or portable, its height and safe working load.

8. Where are the shower controls and grab rails?

Position matters as much as presence. Ask for photographs from the user’s viewpoint and distances from the seat. Check whether a hand-held shower reaches the seated position.

9. What is the WC transfer arrangement?

Record pan height, clear side-transfer space, fixed and drop-down rails and the location of the flush and toilet paper. State which transfer side is required.

10. Is the basin usable while seated?

Check knee clearance, height, mirror and tap operation. Confirm whether the bathroom door opens outward or can be released in an emergency.

11. Can the guest reach all essential controls?

Ask about switches, sockets, thermostat, curtains, safe, wardrobe and telephone. A socket near the bed can be essential for medical equipment but should not be assumed.

12. Are dining and leisure facilities on continuous routes?

Trace the route to breakfast, bars, pool, terrace and accessible toilet. Ask about thresholds, ramps and alternative entrances. If a pool hoist matters, confirm its current operation, sling/seat arrangement and staff procedure.

13. Where can a scooter be stored and charged?

Obtain the current fire-safety policy. Identify a permitted secure area with a compatible socket and clarify access hours. Do not rely on a previous guest review.

14. Who will receive hired equipment?

Give the supplier and hotel each other’s contact details. Agree whether reception accepts delivery before the guest arrives, where it will be stored and what happens after a late flight.

15. What happens if the lift or room feature fails?

Ask who is responsible, whether another suitable room exists and how the hotel assists if an essential route becomes unavailable. Put critical assurances in writing.

Use a continuous access video

A short video from pavement to room often reveals more than a gallery of attractive photographs. Ask the hotel to walk the actual route without edits and include doorways, turns, lift, bed sides and bathroom.

See the full Mobility Abroad hotel-planning guide and the accessible accommodation section.