Is My Hotel Really Wheelchair Accessible? 25 Questions to Ask Before You Book

“Wheelchair accessible” is a starting point, not a description of a room. Two hotels may use the same label while offering very different entrances, lifts, bathrooms and routes through the building.

Before paying for a hotel, apartment or holiday stay, ask for measurements, recent photographs and written answers. Compare them with the wheelchair, equipment and transfer method you actually use. You do not need every feature on this list, but you do need clear answers to the questions that matter to you.

Getting into the building

1. Where is the step-free entrance?

Is it the main entrance or a separate one? Can you use it whenever you need to, including late arrivals?

2. Is the route from the street, drop-off point or car park step-free?

Ask about kerbs, steps, uneven surfaces and changes of level. An accessible bedroom is little help if you cannot reach reception.

3. If there is a ramp, what are its measurements and surface like?

Is it permanent or brought out by staff? Are there steep sections or tight turns? Do not assume a ramp will suit your chair simply because one is available.

4. What are the clear opening widths of the entrance doors?

Ask for the unobstructed space with the door open, not the width of the door itself. Are the doors heavy or manually operated?

5. Is accessible parking available, and can it be reserved?

How far is it from the usable entrance, and is the route between them step-free? If travelling by taxi, ask about the drop-off point instead.

Reaching the room

6. Is there a step-free route from reception to the exact room I would book?

Ask the hotel to check the route for that room, not just its general accessibility information.

7. Will I need a lift? What are its door width and internal dimensions?

Compare the measurements with your wheelchair or scooter, including anything attached to it.

8. Does the lift have a weight limit or a raised threshold?

Can you enter and leave it comfortably? What happens if the lift is out of service?

9. Are there narrow corridors, sharp turns, heavy doors or thick carpets?

These can affect the route even when doorways and the lift seem wide enough.

10. What is the clear opening width of the bedroom door?

Check whether the door swing reduces the usable space inside.

Using the bedroom

11. Is there space to move around the bed?

Ask for photographs or a simple room layout showing the bed and furniture. Explain which side you need for transfers.

12. What is the bed height, and is there clearance underneath?

These measurements can matter if you use transfer equipment. An “accessible bed” label is not enough.

13. Can furniture be moved before I arrive?

Ask what can safely be moved and whether the hotel will confirm the arrangement for your booking.

14. Can I reach switches, sockets, the telephone and room controls?

Ask for heights and positions if these details affect you.

15. Is there space to store or charge my equipment?

If you use a powered wheelchair or scooter, ask about the property's charging arrangements and rules. Do not assume batteries can be charged or stored in any room.

Checking the bathroom

16. What is the clear opening width of the bathroom door?

Does it open inward, outward or slide, and does its swing block the space you need?

17. Is there space to enter, turn and position beside the toilet?

Tell the hotel which side you transfer from. Ask for measurements or a photograph rather than “spacious bathroom”.

18. Is the shower genuinely level-entry?

Ask specifically whether there is a step, lip, raised tray or threshold at its entrance.

19. Is a shower seat available, and what type is it?

Is it fixed or portable? Ask for its dimensions and stated load limit, and confirm it will be in the room when you arrive.

20. Where are the grab rails?

Ask for photographs showing their position relative to the toilet and shower. Rails in the wrong place may not meet your needs.

21. Can I use the sink, taps and mirror from my usual position?

Check the space below the sink and the height of controls if relevant.

Using the rest of the hotel

22. Can I reach the restaurant, breakfast room and other facilities without steps?

Check the places you actually plan to use. Ask separately about a pool, terrace or spa rather than assuming the whole property is accessible.

23. Are accessible entrances and facilities open when I need them?

A step-free side entrance is less useful if it is locked overnight or requires unavailable staff.

24. What happens if the room or lift is unavailable or differs from the description?

Ask who to contact and what alternative the property can offer. Do not assume staff can provide physical transfer assistance unless an appropriate service has been arranged.

25. Can you send recent photographs and confirm the answers in writing?

Request pictures of the entrance, route, bedroom and bathroom, plus the measurements that matter to you. Save the response with your booking confirmation and reconfirm key details shortly before travelling.

A message you can send before booking

Hello, I’m considering booking your property and need to check whether a particular room and the route to it will meet my access needs. Could you please confirm the clear opening widths of the entrance, bedroom and bathroom doors; any lift door and internal dimensions; whether the shower has a step or lip; and the space beside the bed and toilet? Please also send recent photographs of the entrance, route, bedroom and bathroom, and confirm which room these details apply to. Thank you.

Add your own requirements, such as transfer side, bed clearance, parking or equipment charging. The aim is to get useful details, not ask a hotel to decide whether a room is suitable for you.

Philability’s wheelchair-accessible hotel checklist

Save or print this page and tick off the answers that matter to your trip.

• ☐ Step-free entrance and opening hours confirmed
• ☐ Route from parking, drop-off or public transport checked
• ☐ Ramp or slope details checked, if relevant
• ☐ Entrance door clear width confirmed
• ☐ Route to the specific room confirmed
• ☐ Lift dimensions and weight limit confirmed
• ☐ Bedroom door width and space around bed confirmed
• ☐ Bed height and underneath clearance checked, if needed
• ☐ Bathroom door width and opening direction confirmed
• ☐ Toilet position and transfer space checked
• ☐ Shower entry and any lip or step confirmed
• ☐ Shower seat and grab rail details confirmed, if needed
• ☐ Planned facilities checked
• ☐ Storage or charging arrangements confirmed, if needed
• ☐ Recent photos, measurements and room details received in writing
• ☐ Key details reconfirmed before arrival

Accessibility is personal. A property can have useful features and still not suit your particular chair, equipment or way of moving. Specific answers help you make your own decision.

For more planning advice, read our Wheelchair Travel Guide, accessible hotel checklist and wheelchair-friendly car travel guide. Travelling with a wheelchair? Depending on your journey, a bag, suitable cushion or other travel aid may be worth considering. Browse Accessible Travel, checking each product’s dimensions and suitability for your equipment before buying.