Welcome to the best guide to making your hotel accessible and ADA-compliant! Because, let’s face it, who doesn’t enjoy a little more work? If you think running a hotel is only about pouring cocktails by the pool and scheduling high-end guests, think again!

It turns out that accommodating everyone, including people with disabilities, is part of the agreement. Isn’t it shocking? Don’t worry, we’re here to help you negotiate the challenging world of accessibility.

So take a cup of coffee (you’ll need it) and let’s begin the exciting process of making your hotel into more than just a gorgeous facade, but also a friendly place for all!

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a significant statute enacted in 1990 to ensure that people with impairments have equal access to everything.

This includes work, transportation, and accommodations such as hotels and restaurants. The ADA ensures that everyone, regardless of ability, has equal access to opportunities and services.

The ADA defines a disability as:

• A physical or mental impairment that limits one or more primary life activities.
• A documented history of such an impairment indicates that they were previously categorized as disabled or misclassified.
• Being perceived to have an impairment, even if the impairment does not significantly restrict key life activities, yet others treat the individual as if it did.

The ADA’s broad definition of disability is intended to safeguard against discrimination in a variety of circumstances, including employment, public accommodations, and transportation.

There are several prerequisites for making hotels accessible, which is too much to cover in a single article. We’ll start with some fundamental hotel standards and then move on to what is necessary for ADA-compliant hotel rooms.

Parking

ADA regulations for parking require hotels to have a particular number of accessible parking places based on the total number of available spots.

This contains both specific places for accessible vans and standard accessible spots that are easily accessible, with curb ramps leading to the entry.

Entrances & Lobby

To make your hotel’s entrances and lobbies accessible, ensure there is step-free access or ADA-compliant ramps with a gentle 1:12 slope, along with automatic or easy-to-use doors that need less than 5 lbs of force to open.

Pathways should be at least 36 inches wide, and door thresholds no higher than ½ inch. Accessible entrances should have clear signage placed at 48-60 inches high.

Inside the lobby, provide a reception desk that’s no more than 36 inches high for wheelchair users, and maintain wide, easy-to-navigate pathways at least 36 inches wide.

Ensure that nearby restrooms are ADA-compliant, with doors at least 32 inches wide and enough room for a 60-inch wheelchair turning radius. Allow service animals and provide user-friendly technology such as hearing loops and check-in kiosks with heights ranging from 15 to 48 inches.

These elements will make your hotel more welcoming and inclusive for all guests.

Elevators

To make hotel lifts more accessible, make the controls 15-48 inches high and the doors at least 32 inches wide. The lift should be 51 inches deep and 68 inches wide, making it accessible to wheelchair users.

Make audible announcements and visual signals for each floor, and identify buttons in braille. Emergency systems should be simple to use for everyone, even those who are unable to communicate. These stairs make lifts accessible to all guests.

An ADA hotel room is a room that meets the accessibility standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These are designed to provide a comfortable and safe stay for individuals with disabilities.

ADA Compliant Bed

An ADA-compliant bed must be 17 to 19 inches tall and have at least 30 inches of clearance underneath to allow for wheelchair Movability.

The bed must be at least 36 inches wide, with choices for larger widths to satisfy various preferences. A firm mattress is required to permit simple transfers without undue sinking.

Ideally, the bed frame should not have side rails to allow easier transfers in and out of bed. Additionally, bedside tables should be wheelchair accessible and no taller than 30 inches.

For added safety, keep a bedside communication system, such as a phone or emergency call button, within easy reach.

Key Features Of An ADA Compliant Bathroom

Grab Bars:

Sturdy grab bars should be installed near the toilet and in the shower or tub area to assist with balance and stability.

Toilet Accessibility:

The toilet should be positioned with enough clearance on both sides (at least 60 inches) and have a seat height of 17 to 19 inches.

Roll-In Showers or Accessible Tubs:

Showers should have a level entry (no curb) for easy access and a shower seat for convenience, with hand-held showerheads and controls that are reachable from a seated position.

Lowered Sinks:

Sinks should be mounted no higher than 34 inches with knee clearance underneath for wheelchair access.

Non-Slip Flooring:

The flooring should be slip-resistant to prevent falls, especially when wet.

Emergency Call Button:

An emergency call button should be easily accessible in case of urgent needs, particularly in the shower area.

Staff Training

Effective staff training is essential for ADA compliance and maintaining a welcoming hotel environment for visitors with disabilities.

Training should cover issues including the Americans with Disabilities Act, respectful communication, and service animal policies. Staff should be aware of the hotel’s accessible services and prepared to handle emergency situations affecting disabled visitors.

Ongoing education and feedback are essential for long-term improvement. With QloApps Google Review Integration, you can quickly track visitor comments, making it easier to ensure your hotel remains accessible and friendly to everybody. Regular reviews assist you improve your services and stay current with what your guests require.

So, there you have it—the complete guide to making your hotel accessible and ADA-compliant! Why would you turn away guests who need a little extra help? Who would want to be known as a hotel that does not value inclusivity?

However, if you’re willing to put in the effort and want to attract more visitors, following these guidelines may be beneficial. Consider how surprised guests will be to discover a hotel where they can move freely and enjoy their stay uninterrupted!

QloApps can help you implement these accessibility features effectively, ensuring your hotel is welcoming to all guests while enhancing your operations.

It’s almost like discovering a new world! So, go ahead and add some ramps, train your personnel, and be a little friendlier; disregarding accessibility is simply not acceptable. Who knows, you might find guests sharing their pleasant experiences and returning for more.

If you have any questions about making your hotel accessible and ADA compliant, or if you are ready to start improving your facilities, please contact us.
With QloApps PMS and Channel Manager, you can simplify your hotel operations, easily handle bookings, and guarantee your business meets accessibility regulations.
Let us collaborate to create a welcoming environment for all visitors, making them feel at ease in your hotel. We look forward to connecting with you.