NOTE: The focus of this blog is on mobility and accessibility considerations for those hotel guests in wheelchairs. To read about other disability accommodations that hotels can, and should, provide -- check out our previous post on ADA requirements.
Creating rooms with accessible hotel furniture is easy with value engineering, and an experienced custom furniture manufacturer.
Approximately 5.5 million people in the U.S. use wheelchairs. The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed, in part, to improve travel accommodations for those millions who need it.
Accessibility goes beyond compliance—spaces must also be attractive, comfortable, and intuitive. Increased travel among wheelchair users has highlighted persistent hotel issues, including:
- Single beds in accessible rooms.
- Weak or unstable shower seats.
- Inaccessible beds.
- Excessive furniture
Addressing these challenges requires working with manufacturers who focus on ADA guidelines, local codes, and the needs of guests. Accessible hotel furniture is key to solving these problems.
Improving Accessibility: ADA Guidelines, Local Codes, and Accessible Hotel Furniture
Hoteliers need to know the regulations for accommodating people with all disabilities. The guidelines were laid out in 2010 and effective as of March 15, 2012. The laws cover everything from parking lots and entrances to signage and electronics, as well as room features.
But knowing the ADA guidelines isn’t enough.
Local and state codes also come into play and must be coordinated with the ADA. These codes can vary widely, so it’s a mistake to rely only on the ADA and a one-size-fits-all approach.
Typical Challenges in Accessibility Design:
Many hotels (and their guests) share the need for certain kinds of furniture: beds, vanities, built-in wardrobes, and desks in each room.
Making these items accessible requires design that suits people in wheelchairs. This means placing accessible hotel furniture at the forefront of hotel design, rather than a secondary consideration.
A custom hotel furniture manufacturer can supply samples, prototypes, and detailed drawings that will illustrate ADA compliance issues, thereby saving you time and money.
4 Key Accessible Hotel Furniture and Features to Consider
While it is true that all state and local codes vary when it comes to ADA guidelines, there are some areas within guest rooms that commonly require special design. Here are four:
- Beds
- Vanities
- Desks
- Built-in Wardrobes
Beds
The ADA does not contain specific guidelines for bed design -- they have to be usable by people with disabilities and meet general non-discrimination rules.
Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund offers some ideas:
- The distance from the floor to the top of the mattress should be 20-23 inches.
- Frames should be easily removed, so the bed can be lowered.
- Adjustable legs or risers should be available.
- A ceiling transfer lift should be included in at least one accessible room.
Vanities
To be accessible, vanities require omitting some standard features and focusing carefully on measurements. For example:
- There should be no under-sink cabinet unless it allows room for knee space.
- The sink should be no more the 34 inches high at the rim and have 27 inches of clearance for knees if approached from the front.
- The vanity should be made of sturdy material to bear the weight of a person who leans on it.
- There should be storage space available for linens and personal items.
- Any drawers should be low and pull out all the way.
- The best, but more expensive, feature would be adjustable height to accommodate anyone.
Desks
Wheelchairs and the people who use them are not the same size, so desk specifications are mostly listed in minimums.
While it is impossible to pin down the perfect numbers for desks featured in hospitality spaces, the following figures mark a good place to start, according to Karman Healthcare:
- 30-inch-wide leg space
- 19-inch-deep leg space
- 27-inch-high clearance for knee space under the table
Built-in Wardrobes
These important room features can be “deep” or “shallow.”
Each offers challenges, but there are solutions. For instance:
- A shallow wardrobe (smaller than 48 inches wide by 30 inches deep) won’t allow a wheelchair to enter all the way. It has to be approached from the side. In this case, any obstruction that keeps the chair away from the wardrobe can be no deeper than 10 inches. Any rod or shelving can be no higher than 48 inches.
- Deep wardrobes (larger than 48 inches wide by 30 inches deep) do allow full entry by a wheelchair. These areas must allow for a five-foot turning space so wheelchair users don’t get trapped.
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What specific materials are recommended for making accessible hotel furniture both durable and aesthetically pleasing? When selecting materials for accessible hotel furniture, it’s important to balance durability with visual appeal. High-density wood and metal alloys are often recommended for their strength and longevity. Additionally, finishes such as laminate or high-quality paint can be used to enhance aesthetics while providing resistance to wear and tear. Upholstery materials should be both durable and easy to clean, such as synthetic leather or commercial-grade fabrics, which combine style with practicality. How can hotels evaluate whether their existing furniture and design meet both ADA guidelines and local codes? Hotels can evaluate their existing furniture and design by conducting a comprehensive accessibility audit. This process typically involves hiring a consultant or specialist who is knowledgeable about ADA guidelines and local building codes. They will review the layout, furniture, and overall design to ensure compliance. Additionally, hotels can use self-assessment tools provided by ADA resources or local disability advocacy groups to identify areas that may need improvement. Regular training for staff on accessibility standards can also help maintain compliance. What are some examples of successful hotel renovations that have effectively addressed accessibility issues? Examples of successful hotel renovations include the Marriott Hotels’ initiative to upgrade their accessible rooms, which featured enhanced bed designs and improved vanities. Another example is Hilton's implementation of accessible furniture that includes adjustable-height desks and roll-in showers. These renovations not only adhered to ADA guidelines but also received positive feedback from guests, showcasing a commitment to inclusivity and comfort. These examples illustrate how thoughtful design and adherence to standards can significantly improve accessibility in hospitality settings. |
Planning Ahead for Stylish Accessible Rooms
The best first step toward a better stay for people in wheelchairs is to talk to a custom hotel furniture manufacturer about accessible hotel furniture. Hotels can and should heed guests' calls for improvement when it comes to ADA design requirements and become known as a place that welcomes every guest.
This article was recently update to reflect current industry trends.
