ADA Requirements for Hotels, Motels, Lodging Facilities: Standards and Compliance

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ADA Requirements for Hotels, Motels, Lodging Facilities: Standards and Compliance

Navigating the accessibility landscape can be a daunting task for any business, but it’s especially important for those in the hospitality industry.

Ensuring that hotels, motels, and other lodging facilities comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is not just about adhering to legal standards—it’s about fostering an inclusive environment where every guest feels welcome and accommodated.

Definitions According to the ADA

What is a Hotel?

According to the ADA, a hotel is a facility that provides lodging to the public with various services and amenities, such as room service, housekeeping, concierge, and recreational activities.

Hotels are typically larger establishments that offer a wide range of accommodations and are often part of larger chains or franchises.

What is a Motel?

A motel, as defined by the ADA, is similar to a hotel in that it provides lodging to the public. However, motels are generally characterized by their layout, where guest rooms are usually accessible directly from the parking area, making them more convenient for travelers looking for short-term stays.

What About Lodging Facilities?

Lodging facilities include both hotels and motels, along with other types of accommodations such as inns, bed and breakfasts, and extended-stay establishments.

Under the ADA, all lodging facilities are required to meet specific accessibility standards to accommodate guests with disabilities. 

Let’s go through the ADA requirements for lodging facilities to ensure you’re complying with the latest legal requirements.

You can also access a PDF checklist at the end of this guide for ease of reference.

What Are the ADA Requirements for Hotels?

Here are the ADA requirements you should be aware of that are specific to hotels, motels, and lodging facilities.

Doors

The ADA outlines specific requirements for doors in hotels to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

People who use wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids benefit from wider doorways and proper clearance to navigate through doorways easily.

Accessible doors also benefit people with limited hand strength and dexterity, visual impairments and even hearing difficulties.

Here are the requirements you need to know about:

  • Door Width: The clear width of door openings must be at least 32 inches (81.28 cm) when the door is open 90 degrees.
  • Door Hardware: Door handles, pulls, latches, and locks must be operable with one hand and not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting. They should be mounted no higher than 48 inches (121.92 cm) above the floor.
  • Door Clearance: For doors that swing in, a minimum of 18 inches (45.72 cm) of clear wall space is required on the latch side of the door. For doors that swing out, a minimum of 12 inches (30.48 cm) of clear wall space is required on the latch side of the door.
  • Thresholds: Thresholds at doorways should not exceed 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) in height.

ada requirements for hotel doors

Hallways

Hallways also factor into ADA requirements for hotels.

Wider hallways and adequate turning spaces are essential for people using wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, or other mobility devices.

Hallways with proper width and without protruding objects also help people with visual impairments avoid obstacles and navigate safely.

Let’s look at the specific requirements:

  • Minimum Width: Hallways must have a minimum clear width of 36 inches (91.44 cm).
  • Passing Spaces: If the hallway is less than 60 inches (152.4 cm) wide, passing spaces must be provided at reasonable intervals not exceeding 200 feet.
  • Turning Spaces: A space of at least 60 inches (152.4 cm) in diameter or a T-shaped space of 60 inches (152.4 cm) by 60 inches (152.4 cm) must be provided for wheelchair users to make a 180-degree turn.
  • Protruding Objects: Objects projecting from walls (such as light fixtures or signs) must not reduce the clear width of hallways to less than 36 inches (91.44 cm). Objects mounted on walls must not protrude more than 4 inches (10.16 cm) if their bottom edge is between 27 inches (68.58 cm) and 80 inches (203.2 cm) above the floor.

ada requirements for hotel hallways

Thresholds

Accessible thresholds help people with various disabilities, including people who rely on mobility aids, guests with limited strength or dexterity in their hands or arms, and those with visual impairments.

  • Maximum Height: The maximum height for thresholds at doorways should not exceed 1/2 inch (1.27 cm).
  • Beveled Edges: If thresholds are between 1/4 inch (0.64 cm) and 1/2 inch high (1.27 cm)., they must be beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2.
  •  Maximum Height Without Beveling: Thresholds that are 1/4 inch (0.64 cm) or less in height do not need to be beveled.

ada requirements for hotel thresholds

Beds

While the ADA does not specify exact height requirements for beds in hotels, it emphasizes the importance of accessibility for guests with disabilities.

The guidelines suggest that the height of a bed should allow for easy transfers from a wheelchair to the bed and vice versa. Based on general recommendations from accessibility experts and best practices, the top of the mattress should be between 17 (43.18 cm) to 23 inches (58.42 cm) from the floor. 

ada requirements for hotel beds

Desks

For lodging facilities that offer desks in rooms, there are certain ADA requirements that need to be met.

People using wheelchairs benefit from an appropriate desk height and adequate knee and toe clearance as it allows them to use the desk more comfortably.

When items on a desk are easier to reach, it also benefits people with limited hand and arm strength and dexterity.

  • Desk Height and Clearance: The top of the desk should be no higher than 34 inches (86.36 cm) above the floor.
  • Knee Clearance: A minimum of 27 inches (68.58 cm) in height, 30 inches (76.2 cm) in width, and 19 inches (48.26 cm) in depth must be provided for knee clearance.
  • Toe Clearance: A minimum of 9 inches (22.86 cm) in height and 17 inches (43.18 cm) in depth must be provided for toe clearance.

ada requirements for hotel desks

Furniture Placement

Even furniture layouts matter when it comes to hotels meeting the latest ADA requirements.

People with mobility, dexterity, visual, and balance impairments all benefit from a more accessible hotel room layout, ensuring they can enjoy a safe and unobstructed experience.

Here are some requirements to be aware of:

  • Clear Floor Space: A minimum clear floor space of 30 inches (76.2 cm) by 48 inches (121.92 cm) must be provided adjacent to accessible elements (e.g., desks, beds, tables) to allow for wheelchair access.
  • Furniture Arrangement: Furniture should be arranged to ensure that:
    • There are no obstructions blocking the accessible route within the room.
    • Access to electrical outlets, light switches, and environmental controls is unobstructed.

ada requirements for hotel furniture placements

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are an important amenity in any lodging facility, which is why stringent ADA requirements are in place.

People with mobility impairments need to use bathrooms that are easily accessible. This means that fixtures need to be at the right height and grab bars need to be installed for stability.

For guests with limited strength or dexterity in their hands or arms, lever handles, push-type faucets, and other accessible controls need to be in place.

Accessible bathrooms are even beneficial for elderly guests who have limited mobility and balance.

Let’s look at the specifics:

Toilets

  • Height: The top of the toilet seat must be 17 (43.18 cm) to 19 inches (48.26 cm) above the floor.
  • Grab Bars: Grab bars must be installed on the rear wall and the side wall closest to the toilet, with the rear grab bar at least 36 inches (91.44 cm) long and the side grab bar at least 42 inches (106.68 cm) long.

Sinks

  • Height: The rim or counter surface of the sink must be no higher than 34 inches (86.36 cm) above the floor.
  • Knee Clearance: At least 27 inches (68.58 cm) in height, 30 inches (76.2 cm) in width, and 19 inches (48.26 cm) in depth must be provided under the sink.

Showers and Bathtubs

  • Roll-in Showers: Roll-in showers must be at least 30 inches wide by 60 inches (91.44 cm) long.
  • Transfer Showers: Transfer showers must be at least 36 inches (76.2 cm) by 36 inches.
  • Bathtubs: Bathtubs must have an in-tub seat or a seat at the head end of the tub, and grab bars must be installed.

ada requirements for hotel bathrooms

Restaurants

For hotels and motels that offer dining facilities, there are a few ADA requirements to be aware of in order to provide a more inclusive experience for guests.

Entrance and Access Routes

  • Doorways: Doorways must have a minimum clear width of 32 inches (81.28 cm) when the door is open 90 degrees.
  • Accessible Routes: Accessible routes within the restaurant must have a minimum clear width of 36 inches (91.44 cm).

Seating

  • Clear Floor Space at Tables: A clear floor space of at least 30 inches (76.2 cm) by 48 inches (121.92 cm) must be provided at each accessible seating area.
  • Table Height: The tops of accessible tables should be between 28 inches (71.12 cm) and 34 inches (86.36 cm) above the floor.
  • Knee and Toe Clearance: At least 27 inches (68.58 cm) in height, 30 inches (76.2 cm) in width, and 19 inches (48.26 cm) in depth must be provided for knee clearance under tables.

Service Counters

  • Height of Service Counters: Service counters must have a portion that is no higher than 36 inches (91.44 cm) above the floor.
  • Clear Floor Space at Counters: A clear floor space of at least 30 inches (76.2 cm) by 48 inches (121.92 cm) must be provided at accessible portions of service counters.

Restrooms

  • Doorways: Doorways must have a minimum clear width of 32 inches (81.28 cm) when the door is open 90 degrees.
  • Turning Space: A circular turning space of at least 60 inches (152.4 cm) in diameter or a T-shaped turning space must be provided.
  • Clear Floor Space: A minimum clear floor space of 30 inches (76.2 cm) by 48 inches (121.92 cm) must be provided at accessible objects such as sinks, toilets, and urinals.
  • Toilet Height: The top of the toilet seat must be 17 (43.18 cm) to 19 inches (48.26 cm) above the finished floor.
  • Grab Bars: Grab bars must be installed on the rear wall and the side wall closest to the toilet, with the rear grab bar at least 36 inches (91.44 cm) long and the side grab bar at least 42 inches (106.68 cm) long.

ada requirements for hotel restaurants

Staff

As much as your facilities need to cater to your disabled guests, so do your staff.

Here are a few things to consider:

Basic ADA Training

Educate staff on the fundamental principles and purpose of the ADA and the requirements for different areas of the hotel, including guest rooms, bathrooms, restaurants, common areas, parking lots, and entrances.

Customer Service Training

Train staff on how to communicate effectively with guests with disabilities, including those with visual, hearing, and speech impairments.

Emphasize the importance of respectful and inclusive language.

It’s also important to educate staff on how to offer assistance without being intrusive, such as asking if a guest needs help rather than assuming.

Demonstrate techniques for assisting guests with mobility impairments, including guiding visually impaired guests and helping wheelchair users navigate the facility.

Equipment and Technology Training

Ensure staff are knowledgeable about the hotel’s accessibility features, such as accessible rooms, bathrooms, lifts, and assistive listening devices.

It also helps to train staff on how to operate and assist guests with using accessible

Specialized Training

Offer specialized training for roles that may have more frequent interactions with guests with disabilities, such as front desk staff, concierges, and housekeeping.

Final Thoughts

Your guests are how you generate an income at your hotel or motel, so their experience is everything.

Lodging facilities that prioritize the needs of disabled guests not only comply with all the legal ADA requirements, but show their commitment to providing a more inclusive experience too.

Click here to download our ADA Requirements for Lodging Facilities Checklist.

FAQs

The number of ADA-accessible rooms required in a hotel depends on the total number of rooms in the facility. 

 

Number of Hotel RoomsNumber of Accessible Rooms
1 – 251
26 – 502
51 – 753
76 – 1004
101 – 2005 – 6
201 – 5007 – 9
501 – 1000+2% of total rooms

Yes, hotel rooms are required to have wheelchair access according to the Americans with Disabilities Act. This ensures that people who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids can comfortably and safely access and use hotel rooms. The number of rooms that require wheelchair access depends on the total number of rooms in the facility.

It is not legally required for you to mention the ADA compliance status of your hotel on your website, but it can help you showcase your commitment to inclusivity. In terms of web accessibility, it’s highly recommended that you have an accessibility statement on your site that highlights the steps you have taken to make your website ADA compliant. 

How we reviewed this article
  1. Current version
  2. First Draft of the Article July 12, 2024

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