Disabled travelers have a special set of needs when it comes to selecting the right hotel when making foray away from home. And those special needs can vary tremendously. Luckily, most hotel and motel chains are now working hard to cater to the needs of disabled travelers.

Microtel for example has used focus groups to solicit improvements in the properties in its chain for special needs clients. When using any of the travel booking entities, look to see what kinds of information is listed that addresses things liked handicapped accessible rooms, equipment for the hearing impaired, etc. Usually this is listed.

If not, call the property directly to assess whether it's amenities match your needs.

In particular I recommend double checking on things like making sure elevators are available in smaller places,that parking is proximal to doors if you are traveling by car, and that rooms have tubs and not just showers. Most all properties that belong to the chains do have at least a couple of handicapped accessible rooms but if you are off the beaten track, this may not be the case. And the booking entity may not know what the motel actually has available.

Last year, a hotel in Alaska that I had been assured was handicapped accessible had all its rooms on upper floors, and no elevator. I was able to get up the stairs but it required a lot of assistance. If I was wheelchair bound this would have made for a major problem.

This experience taught me when in doubt, to call and double check. Since I began doing this I have not encountered another problem of this sort. If the place you are checking out is unable to meet your needs they can probably refer you to another hotel in the same area that can. But it is better to figure this out ahead of time.

Learn more about this author, Eileen Schweickert.
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