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Considerations for Hotels

When conducting a site visit of a hotel, you will need to review its public spaces, lobby area and guest rooms to ensure that it is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

In addition to conducting a thorough site visit, you will also want to work closely with the hotel staff to ensure they interact appropriately with guests with disabilities and who are Deaf. We provide you with tips for working with the hotel staff.

On This Page

Public Spaces

  • Level front entrance or ramp?
  • Free of any obstacles – gravel, curbs or stairs?
  • Is the grade very steep?
  • Entrance doors have a clear width of 32”?
  • Elevator doors open a minimum of 36” wide and 48” deep?
  • Elevators have low buttons and Braille markings?
  • Elevators have auditory signals?
  • Elevators have an automatic safety reopening device?
  • Adapted restroom stall that opens outward?
  • Large bathroom stall with grab bar and side transfer – 42-48” wide?
  • Toilet set 19” from floor with clear space underneath of 30” wide by 45”deep?
  • Public restroom sinks no higher than 29” from floor?
  • Are all exposed piping under public restroom sinks wrapped?
  • Men’s bathroom urinal no higher than 17”?
  • Public telephones that are accessible?
  • Public telephone with coin slot 54” above floor?
  • Public telephone with volume control? where?
  • Public telephones with raised lettering instructions?
  • Hotel corridors a minimum of 36” wide?
  • Drinking fountains no higher than 35” from the floor?
  • Can you post larger signs that indicate the location of accessible washrooms, elevators and any other service?
  • How has the staff been trained to handle messages and wakeup calls for blind and hard of hearing/Deaf guests?
  • Is there a public TTY on property?  

Lobby Area

  • Condition of lobby (seating areas, etc.)?
  • How close is the front desk to the entrance?
  • Is the front desk well-staffed?
  • Do guests seem to be waiting in line for check in/check out?
  • Are a concierge and bellman readily available?
  • Are elevators easily accessible from lobby?
  • Is there a lowered registration counter accessible to those who utilize a wheelchair?

Guest Rooms

If you will be providing overnight accommodations, it is critical that you ensure that the hotel you select is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Conduct a thorough site visit of the hotel, reviewing at least two of each type of room (ADA Room with Tub with Double Beds, ADA Room with Tub with King Bed, ADA Room with Roll-In Shower with Double Beds, ADA Room with Roll-In Shower with King Bed, Deaf Accessible Rooms).

Questions to consider during your site visit:

  • How many total ADA rooms does the property have?
  • Are ADA rooms near elevators on each floor?
  • Have the bed packages in the ADA rooms been replaced in the last year and are they comparable to those in the standard guestrooms?
  • If not, how many years has it been since they were replaced?

  • Of the total ADA rooms:

    • How many have roll-in showers? _______
    • How many of these (roll-in shower rooms) have double beds? ____
    • How many of these (roll-in shower rooms) have king beds? _____
    • How many of these are suites? ____
    • How many of these are smoking? ____
    • How many have tubs? ______
    • How many of these (w/tubs) have double beds? ______
    • How many of these (w/tubs) have king beds? ______
    • How many are suites? _______

    • How many of these are smoking? ____

  • In all ADA rooms are the toilets between 17-19 inches from the floor to top of the seat?
  • Are restrooms equipped with grab bars and a clear turning space?
  • Is the telephone located close to the bed?
  • Are the accessible rooms near the elevators?
  • Are the light switches, peepholes and locks low enough?
  • Are the closet amenities low enough (including iron, hangers, etc.)?
  • Are the mini bar and safe low enough?
  • Is there a clear opening in rooms of 36” – hallways, around bed, etc.? <
  • Does the door to the bathroom opens outward?
  • Is the sink no higher than 29” from floor?

  • Showers:

    • Roll in?
    • Clear turnaround space outside?
    • Stall 3’ by 3’?
    • Are shower seats affixed in each ADA roll-in shower room?
  • Are tub seats always available in ADA tub rooms or must they be requested and brought up after check-in by housekeeping?
  • How many additional shower/tub seats does housekeeping have on hand?
  • Does the hotel have rooms SPECIFICALLY (not ADA also) adapted to accommodate persons that are Deaf or hard-of-hearing?
  • If no, are you able to install kits in standard guestrooms that make them accessible to guests that are Deaf?
  • If need be, could you obtain additional kits from other properties?