Accessibility in a hotel is crucial for anyone who needs it. If you or a traveling companion require accessible accommodations, you already know booking a room can inspire anxiety about what is truly available. Despite a more widespread understanding of travelers’ needs these days, accommodations can still fall short of the mark. So, our first and best piece of advice is one you almost certainly already know: since you are the best judge of what you need from a hotel, don’t hesitate to ask directly. This is the most effective way to ensure you have all the necessary information and that your stay will be comfortable. After all, you want to give your trip the best possible chance to be memorable—in a good way.
When you call, don’t settle for speaking with the front desk or a remote central reservationist. Instead, ask for one of the following on-site at the hotel: a rooms manager, operations manager or hotel manager. These individuals should have the knowledge you need, or they’ll be able to direct you to someone who does. If you call and find yourself connected to a central reservations system, request to connect with the specific property and speak to the appropriate employee. Remember, you are planning to pay for this experience, and the hotel will be fortunate to have you as a guest—it’s in everyone’s best interest that the hotel meet your needs.
For information about hotels in the five boroughs, visit NYC Tourism's Where to Stay page, which includes a grid of properties that you can filter by accessibility features.
Below are a few tips to keep in mind before your next stay in NYC.
What to Ask Before You Go
Do the hotel rooms have the particular features I require?
Are the main entrance, emergency exits and all public spaces accessible? (These include restaurants, fitness and business centers, as well as lounges and other common areas.)
Is there a step up or down into any public space?
Can entrances and exits be operated with a push button?
What are the emergency evacuation plans for guests with disabilities?
Check to Ensure the Hotel Has the Equipment You Might Need
Newer hotels or recently renovated ones should have accommodations and equipment that meet accessibility needs. Check social media for consumer reviews on accessibility and be cautious of websites that confuse “accessible” with “available.”
A key online resource is the hotel’s own website. It should have exterior and interior photos and descriptions of accessible rooms and public spaces to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Ensure the website is digitally accessible for people with print disabilities.
A few additional items especially for infrequent travelers or if you’re planning a trip for someone with a disability:
Wheelchair users and the mobility impaired: Ask about doorway widths, bathroom fixtures, Hoyer lifts or any other needed accommodations; ask if staff know where they store accessibility aids like shower benches and toilet-seat extenders
Deaf guests: Ask about rooms with strobe lighting for alarms, phones and doorbells, as well as TTY (teletypewriter) devices
Blind and low-vision guests: Request Braille/large print room-service and restaurant menus
Tactile thermostats: Ask if these are mounted low enough for wheelchair users
Other features: Door handles rather than knobs, sensitive-touch light fixtures and quiet rooms and public spaces for neurodivergent guests
Confirm Your Reservation
Even after booking an accessible room, your quest isn’t over until you check in. Hotels sometimes assign accessible rooms to those who don’t need them. Book your accessible room as far in advance as possible, and then call a few days before your arrival as well as the day before to ensure it is being held for you.
Getting Around
To make the most of your stay, learn about nearby public transportation. While most NYC subway stations lack elevators, all city buses have wheelchair lifts and seating. If you use Paratransit or Access-a-Ride outside of New York City, you can access the same system run by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Call +1 (877) 337-2017, choose your language, then select 4 for “Eligibility” to set it up. For more information about accessibility and the MTA, visit new.mta.info.
Practical Tips
Seasoned disabled travelers know that just because something is technically accessible doesn’t mean it is usable. For example, at some hotels, the elevator system requires you to enter your floor on a touchscreen and then find the designated elevator. This can be challenging if you use a wheelchair or are blind or have low vision, and may require a hotel staff member to assist.
Ensure any hotel shuttle service is accessible, with a wheelchair lift and trained drivers.
All hotels must have stair-free entries and public spaces, as well as a required number of wheelchair-accessible rooms, determined by hotel size.
Management should ensure their hotel is welcoming and inclusive, with staff trained to provide excellent service to guests with disabilities. Staff should understand accessibility accommodations and be able to quickly locate and install needed equipment.
Hotels are increasingly aware of disabled guests’ presence and rights. These accommodations are improvements that benefit all guests, making hotels better places for everyone. For more information on ADA regulations for accessibility in accommodations, visit adata.org. For more information on The Slatin Group, visit slatingroup.com.
