Inside Our Process: How We Vet Every Hotel We Recommend

When we say we've inspected over 250 properties, people sometimes ask: "What does that actually mean?" Fair question. Here's exactly what happens when we evaluate a hotel for our accessible travel recommendations.

Step 1: The Physical Walkthrough

We don't rely on the hotel's own accessibility claims. We show up with a measuring tape, a camera, and a checklist of over 40 specific criteria.

Room access: We measure every doorway — room entry, bathroom, closet, balcony. The ADA minimum is 32 inches clear width, but we note the exact measurement because some power chairs need 34+.

Bathroom details: Roll-in shower vs. tub with grab bars. Shower bench type (fixed or removable). Toilet height. Space for a lateral transfer. Whether the sink allows wheelchair approach. We photograph everything.

Common areas: Lobby, restaurant, pool, fitness center, business center. We check for ramps, elevator access, table heights in restaurants, and pool lift availability.

Step 2: Staff Assessment

Physical access is only half the equation. We evaluate whether staff are trained and responsive to accessibility needs.

We ask front desk staff specific questions: "If a guest with a power wheelchair arrives and the accessible room isn't ready, what's your protocol?" "Do you have a hearing-impaired kit available?" "Can you accommodate a service animal in any room?"

The answers — and the confidence with which they're given — tell us a lot about the hotel's actual commitment to accessibility vs. just checking a compliance box.

Step 3: The Information Package

After inspection, we create a plain-language accessibility profile for each property. No jargon, no vague "wheelchair accessible" labels. Instead:

• Exact door widths with photos
• Bathroom layout diagram
• Distance from parking to lobby (in feet, not "close")
• Specific room numbers that are best for different needs
• Staff responsiveness rating
• Nearby accessible restaurants and attractions

Why This Matters

A hotel can be "ADA compliant" and still be a terrible experience for a wheelchair user. Compliance is a legal minimum. We're looking for places that actually work — where you can move freely, eat comfortably, sleep well, and feel genuinely welcome.

Of the 250+ properties we've inspected, roughly 60% make our recommended list. The rest technically comply but fall short in practice. That gap is exactly why we do this work.