Hotel Rooms Remain Inaccessible for People Who Use Wheelchairs, Despite Federal Law
September 11, 2025
Despite the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requiring hotels to provide accessible rooms for people who use wheelchairs, many travelers continue to face difficulties when checking into hotel rooms. According to a recent investigation by NPR, hotel rooms remain inaccessible for individuals with mobility impairments.
NPR's investigation found that many hotels fail to comply with ADA regulations, leaving guests without access to essential amenities such as roll-in showers and grab bars. In some cases, accessible rooms are not available at all, forcing travelers to book non-accessible rooms or even cancel their reservations altogether. "Traveling in a wheelchair inevitably has its difficulties," said Katherine DuNPR, a wheelchair user who shared her experiences with NPR. "But what happens when you get to your destination and check into your hotel? It's like hitting a brick wall."
According to the ADA, hotels are required to provide at least 5% of their guest rooms as accessible for people with mobility impairments. However, many hotels fail to meet this requirement, leaving guests without access to essential amenities such as roll-in showers and grab bars. In some cases, accessible rooms are not available at all, forcing travelers to book non-accessible rooms or even cancel their reservations altogether.
NPR's investigation found that the problem is widespread, with many major hotel chains failing to comply with ADA regulations. "We've written about problems traveling on planes and trains," said Chris Arnold, an NPR reporter who led the investigation. "But what we found was that hotels are just as bad, if not worse."
Experts say that the lack of accessible rooms is a result of inadequate training for hotel staff and a lack of enforcement by regulatory agencies. "Hotels need to be held accountable for providing accessible rooms," said Mark Smith, a disability rights advocate who has worked with the ADA since its inception. "It's not just about complying with regulations; it's about creating an inclusive environment for people with disabilities."
The consequences of inaccessible hotel rooms can be severe, with many travelers facing financial losses and emotional distress as a result of their experiences. "I've had to cancel reservations because I couldn't get an accessible room," said DuNPR. "It's frustrating and demoralizing."
In response to NPR's investigation, the U.S. Department of Justice has announced plans to increase enforcement of ADA regulations in the hotel industry. "We will be working closely with hotels to ensure that they are complying with ADA regulations," said a spokesperson for the Department of Justice.
For travelers who use wheelchairs, the situation remains uncertain. While some hotels have made efforts to improve accessibility, many others continue to fail to comply with ADA regulations. Until more is done to address this issue, travelers with mobility impairments will continue to face difficulties when checking into hotel rooms.
As NPR continues to investigate this issue, they are seeking stories from travelers who have experienced difficulties accessing hotel rooms. If you or someone you know has had a similar experience, please share your story with NPR by visiting their website.
The investigation is ongoing, and NPR will provide updates as more information becomes available.
This story was compiled from reports by NPR Politics and NPR News.
