What I Wish Hotels Knew About Accessibility

By Rick Chapman — September 2025

Let me start by saying—I love travel. I love the freedom of it, the sense of discovery, and the joy of seeing new places with my family. But if there’s one thing that can turn an exciting trip into a frustrating one fast, it’s arriving at a hotel and discovering that “accessible” was just a checkbox—not a promise.

The Word Doesn’t Always Mean What You Think

Accessible should mean more than just “has a ramp.” But in my experience, it’s often a catch-all term that covers the bare minimum. Here are some of the things I’ve personally run into:

Wheelchair-accessible rooms located at the far end of long hallways.
Heavy doors that aren’t automatic—even into rooms marked as accessible.
Bathrooms with grab bars, but no space to turn or safely transfer.
Low beds that make it harder to get in or out without help.
Showers labelled “roll-in” that still have a lip or step to get over.

Each of these things might not seem like a dealbreaker on their own. But when you're dealing with multiple barriers every day, it starts to feel like the deck is stacked against you.

Little Things Make a Big Difference

It’s not about special treatment—it’s about equal access. What I wish hotel designers, owners, and managers knew is this: accessibility isn’t about just checking a legal box. It’s about real-world usability.

Some of the best experiences I’ve had came from hotels that took time to really think about how someone moves through a space. For example:

Rooms with wide, clear floor paths.
Accessible parking located near the entrance—not around the back.
Shower chairs that aren’t flimsy or broken.
Staff trained to respectfully ask if help is needed, not assume.

These may seem like small things, but together they create an environment where I feel welcomed—not just accommodated.

What Hotels Can Do Better

Here are a few ways I think hotels could improve accessibility for guests with mobility impairments:

Provide detailed accessibility info — Not just “ADA compliant.” Give photos, measurements, and clear descriptions. Let people decide if your space works for them.
Make accessibility part of staff training — So that the team knows how to assist, offer options, or escalate when something isn’t working.
Design with input from the disabled community — Ask us. Include us. We’re the experts in our own needs.
Maintain accessible rooms with care — A grab bar that’s loose or a shower seat that wobbles isn’t just frustrating—it’s dangerous.
Celebrate accessibility — Don’t hide your accessible options in fine print. Make them easy to find and book.

Final Thoughts

I want to see the world. I want to support businesses that make that easier, not harder. So to the hotels out there—if you're willing to listen, to learn, and to make changes—you’ve already won my loyalty. Because travel should be for everyone.

Have you had a hotel experience—good or bad—that stuck with you? Let me know in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation going and help raise the standard, one stay at a time.