Accessible Hotels and Transportation

Discover accessible hotels and transportation: tips for booking, verifying accessibility, and using reliable wheelchair-friendly transport worldwide.

When choosing a hotel, location is key. I prefer accommodations within a short, accessible distance of the places I plan to visit most. For example, during my European trips, I booked hotels within a 20-minute walk of major attractions and nearby dining options.

Being close to transportation hubs, like train stations, is also important, especially in Europe, to make getting around as easy as possible.

When booking a hotel, I have a few non-negotiable requirements to ensure a comfortable and accessible stay. The property must have an accessible entrance and a clear path to my room. A roll-in shower that can accommodate my travel shower chair is essential—even a small step can make it impossible for me to shower safely.

Equally important is having enough clearance under the bed to use a Hoyer lift for transferring in and out of bed. In situations where I can’t find a hotel that meets this requirement within my budget, I’ve booked rooms with a pull-out couch as an alternative. While it works for transfers, it’s never quite as comfortable as a proper bed.

I start by reviewing room types and any available photos on the hotel’s website. I also use accessible travel resources like WheelTheWorld to identify potential options. Once I’ve narrowed down a few hotels within my budget, I reach out directly via email to confirm that my accessibility needs are met. I also request photos of the bed and shower to double-check that everything will work for me.

There have been several occasions when a hotel or resort didn’t meet the accessibility standards I was promised. Unfortunately, this is something many people with disabilities encounter. My biggest recommendation is to advocate for yourself and insist on the accommodations you need.

For example, when Kathy and I arrived at our room in Playa Mujeres, I double-checked with the staff that it was accessible. However, we discovered a step in the shower that made it unusable for my travel shower chair. After several hours of discussing options with the staff, a maintenance team member built a temporary wooden ramp so I could safely use the shower. While it wasn’t ideal, it allowed me to move forward and enjoy the trip we had planned.

Ultimately, these situations come down to a choice: tackle the problem step by step and find a workable solution, or let it overshadow your experience. I always try to do the former, so I can still enjoy the moments I’ve worked hard to plan.

For most trips, I rely on taxis or wheelchair-accessible taxi services. Using local providers or app-based services helps me avoid the stress of navigating public transportation with my equipment. However, when feasible, I do try to use public transportation—it’s often cost-effective and convenient. For example, in Amsterdam, I used their tram system, which was quick, affordable, and worked well for my wheelchair setup.

• WheelTheWorld – An accessible travel platform that lets you filter hotels based on specific features, such as roll-in showers.
• Curb Free with Cory Lee – Cory Lee is an excellent resource who has visited many destinations. When planning a trip, I check his website to see if he has been to the city I’m visiting. If so, he often provides detailed blog posts highlighting accessible hotels he has personally used.

Here are some accessible transportation options I’ve personally used:

• Amsterdam, Netherlands – Taxi Brouwer
  Limited options in Amsterdam make this service more expensive, but it’s reliable for wheelchair users.
• Paris, France – G7 Taxi App
  This Uber-like app offers wheelchair-accessible taxis throughout the city, making it convenient for travelers.
• London, United Kingdom – Black Cabs
  Most black taxis are wheelchair accessible and widely available. A note: some older models have lower ceilings, which can be a tight fit for taller travelers like me.
• Miami, Florida – Accessible Yellow Taxis
  Easily found at the airport, these taxis are quick, convenient, and straightforward to use.

Even with careful research and planning, things don’t always go perfectly. Sometimes, a hotel or transportation provider may not deliver exactly what they promised. When this happens, advocate for yourself calmly but firmly.

For example, arriving at a hotel that claimed to be fully accessible but discovering a step in the shower can be frustrating. My approach is to work with staff to find a workable solution—like a temporary ramp or alternate room—so I can start enjoying my trip rather than dwelling on setbacks. Preparation and patience go a long way.

I always confirm all details ahead of time—hotel accessibility, equipment rentals, and transportation. Reaching out a week or two before travel ensures everyone knows what to expect and gives me time to troubleshoot any potential issues. This step has consistently prevented surprises and made my trips smoother, whether I’m navigating a new city or coordinating deliveries of mobility equipment.