Accessible Accommodation

Many Vancouver hotels are equipped to meet the needs of travellers with disabilities. Some offer fully-accessible rooms, while others offer a mix of amenities that may include wider doorways, automatic door-openers, lower light switches and door peepholes, roll-in showers, bath benches, bathroom grab bars, raised-height toilets, lower desks and vanity units, accessible-height beds, visual alarms and notifications for those with impaired hearing, TDD/TTY communication systems, and/or braille signage and materials.

A good place to start is searching our Accommodation section. When viewing each hotel listing, click the “Amenities” menu and you can view the number of accessible rooms at that hotel.

Because needs can be very specific, it is recommended that visitors requiring accessible accommodation call ahead, both to ensure all needs can be met, and because in some cases, these rooms are not bookable online. Since accommodations and services will vary, you should be very clear about your specific needs and requirements, and document what accommodations have been agreed upon.

Some helpful questions to ask might include:

1. Is there designated handicap parking close to the entrance?

1. Is there a ramp or lift to the front entrance?

1. Do entrance doors open automatically?

1. Are elevators large enough to accommodate wheelchairs and scooters?

1. Are all public areas accessible?

1. Are rooms/suites totally accessible, with wide bathrooms, grab bars, raised toilets and roll-in showers, light fixtures at appropriate height, easy-to-open doors and cabinets, etc.

1. What visual notification systems does the property offer for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, for instance fire alarms, door bell, TV closed captioning, Hearing loops (induction loops) at reception counters, etc.?

1. Does the hotel have braille signage?

1. Is the hotel contact thoroughly familiar with the kind of room requested? If not, speak to someone who is to avoid any unwanted surprises.

When you arrive, check out the room before you check in, and let the hotel know of any discrepancies between what was discussed and what is in the room so that they can make sure that you enjoy your stay.

See our Accommodation section for details and contact information for Greater Vancouver hotels.