Even if a hotel is labeled as "accessible," it's often hard to determine if it can accommodate your wheelchair just from the official website's photos and facility information.
This is where calling the hotel can be helpful. Here, we introduce seven questions to ask before your stay, based on actual phone confirmations. Whether you're looking for accommodation for a big event or have already booked a room, there are things you can confirm now.
For specific articles introducing accessible hotels, please refer to the following.
First, Communicate Your Situation
Before asking questions to the hotel, first communicate your situation. To help the hotel determine the room and facilities you will use, it's important to convey:
What type of wheelchair you are using
What you can do on your own
What support you need to use the facilities
For example, specify whether your wheelchair is manual or electric, its approximate size and weight, the range you can move independently, and whether you can transfer yourself (e.g., from wheelchair to bed).
Instead of just saying "I need assistance," specify what you need, like "I can bathe independently if there is a shower chair," to help the hotel better accommodate your needs.
Electric wheelchairs, in particular, differ in dimensions and weight from standard wheelchairs and may not be foldable. Therefore, it's crucial to confirm whether there is enough space for maneuvering, such as hallway width and room space for turning.
Seven Things to Ask Over the Phone
When calling, try confirming the following seven points in order. This sequence aligns with the flow of a one-night stay, making it easier to follow during the call.
Can you reach the room from the parking lot or entrance without steps? How long does it take? [Okay after booking]
What is the height of the bed? [Before booking]
Is there space to place a wheelchair next to the bed? [Okay after booking]
Can the furniture arrangement be changed? [Okay after booking]
On which side are the grab bars in the bathroom and toilet? [Before booking]
What are the dimensions of the bathtub edge and washing area? [Before booking]
Can I bring my own assistance equipment, and do you have any available for loan? [Okay after booking]
From here, we will introduce what each question is meant to confirm, along with how to ask them over the phone.
1. Can you reach the room from the parking lot or entrance without steps? How long does it take?
"Can I move from the parking lot or entrance to the room without steps? If using an elevator, how long does it take?"
Ask this, and also confirm the size of the elevator for peace of mind.
The time provided by the hotel is only an estimate and can vary due to congestion or the situation on the day. This item can be confirmed even after booking.
2. What is the height of the bed?
The height of the bed affects how easily you can transfer from the wheelchair to the bed. Since it's difficult to change this in the room, confirm it before booking.
"What is the height from the floor to the mattress?"
Ask this question.
"Can the bed height be adjusted? Can the backrest and height be adjusted separately?"
Confirming this will give you a clearer understanding.
3. Is there space to place a wheelchair next to the bed?
"Is there enough space next to the bed to place a wheelchair and transfer?"
Ask this question.
Checking the space between the wall and the bed, and whether there is space on the opposite side, is also important. Even if space is limited, rearranging the furniture might help. If you've already booked, confirm early whether the necessary space can be secured.
4. Can the furniture arrangement be changed?
Even if space is limited in the room, rearranging the furniture can make it easier to move around in a wheelchair.
"Can the bed and furniture be rearranged to make it easier to move around in a wheelchair?"
Ask this question.
Even if possible, arranging staff may be necessary. It's reassuring to consult before your stay rather than requesting on the day. If you've already booked, early consultation is recommended if needed.
5. On which side are the grab bars in the bathroom and toilet?
Even if it says "with grab bars," it may not specify which side they are on. If they're only on one side, it may not be convenient for you.
"On which side are the grab bars in the bathroom and toilet? Are they only on one side?"
Ask this question.
Confirm whether the grab bars are on the side that makes it easier for you to transfer. Check this before booking.
6. What are the dimensions of the bathtub edge and washing area?
In the bathroom, check not only for grab bars but also the width of the bathtub edge and the washing area
