Being There - Lodging

The first step to finding accessible lodging is knowing "how" to ask for it. Never just ask for an "accessible" room-always specify your needs (i.e., a roll-in shower, bed height, grab bars, etc.) If the person can't give you specific details about the room, calmly inquire if someone else there can. For example, a room is not accessible if you can't get into your bathroom, so ask if the doorway is wide enough to allow a wheelchair - your wheelchair-to pass through it. (Keep the dimensions handy.) Also ask if there's any construction going on in the area that might make wheelchair travel difficult.

Resources

Disabled Holiday Directory
Locate an accessible hotel or cottage in Europe or the U.S. on this handy Web site; lots of other useful information about travel. Go for it!

 

InnSeekers
For the charm of local culture you may not find at large hotels, consider a small family inn or bed and breakfast. Search the InnSeekers database for accessible inns and B&Bs.

 

Accessible Travel Center
Provides links to major US and international hotels with search engines to help search for the right accommodations. 

Access Victoria
If you're planning to visit Victoria, Canada, here's a good place to stay.  The site identifies barrier-free vacation rentals and offers information on touring the sites in Victoria and what tours are accessible.

 

From the ADA

Guide For Places Of Lodging
Serving Guests Who Are Blind Or Who Have Low Vision
 

A Guide for Hotel/Motel Managers
Communicating with Guests who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing in Hotels, Motels,
and Other Places of Transient Lodging—A Guide. This guide also provides information regarding the rights of guests with hearing loss.

 

Book

Resting Easy in the US: Unique Lodging Options for Wheelers and Slow Walkers includes access descriptions and photos of over 90 US properties from B&Bs, ranches, lakeside cottages to boutique hotels, rustic cabins and yurts.