Romantic retreats come in all shapes and sizes, From a secluded cabin in the woods to a lakeside lodge, or even a Moroccan retreat, there’s something out there for just about everyone. And today slow walkers and wheelchair-users don’t have to be left out, as many of these choices are now accessible. So with Valentines Day just around the corner, here are some wheelchair-accessible romantic retreats to share with your sweetheart.
Skamania Cabin
Cabin 744 at Skamania Lodge
emerginghorizons.com/relax-in-a-skamania-lodge-wheelchair-accessible-cabin Located on the fringe of Skamania Lodge in Southwestern Washington, this cozy cabin is perfect for a romantic getaway. It’s got a nice fireplace in the living room, a compact kitchen, a large bedroom, and a bathroom with a roll-in shower. And you can even order room service and enjoy it on the private deck.
Mendocino Retreat
Sunset View from Room 166 at the Little River Inn
emerginghorizons.com/a-wheelchair-accessible-mendocino-coast-retreat Next up on our list of wheelchair-accessible romantic retreats is The Little River Inn on California’s Mendocino Coast. This wheelchair-accessible room overlooks the ocean and has a luxurious bathroom with a roll-in shower. And if you get a little chilly, there’s also a cozy fireplace in the front room. A great choice for folks who love the coast.
Tenaya Lodge Cabin
Cabin 9 at Tenya Lodge
emerginghorizons.com/wheelchair-accessible-explorer-cabins-at-tenaya-lodge If you prefer the mountains, then head up to Yosemite and spend a few nights in this accessible Explorer Cabin at Tenaya Lodge. The cabin is located on a remote slice of the lodge property, which is just a short drive from the national park. And it has two bedrooms, a compact kitchen and a living area with a fireplace. The bathroom is nicely accessible with a roll-in shower, and there’s also a cozy private deck off the master bedroom.
Historic Harvey House
Room 204 at the Castaneda Hotel
emerginghorizons.com/the-castaneda-hotel-a-wheelchair-accessible-harvey-house History buffs with love this former Harvey House property, which is located in Las Vegas, New Mexico. The Castaneda Hotel, which was originally opened in 1898, was restored and reopened in 2019. And although access wasn’t really a thing back in the days of the Harvey Girls, the new rendition has a nice accessible room with a roll-in shower. It’s a fun property in a historic town.
Crater Lake Lodge
Crater Lake Lodge
emerginghorizons.com/spend-the-night-at-wheelchair-accessible-crater-lake-lodge Next up on our list of wheelchair-accessible romantic retreats is a rustic lodge that sits on the shore of a mountain lake – Crater Lake to be more specific. The historic lodge is a great place to spend a romantic weekend. The spacious wheelchair-accessible room is located on the ground floor, just steps from the lobby, dining room and terrace. After a day of exploring the lake, settle in for a nice dinner and top it off with drink on the terrace. You just can’t beat the lake view. It’s also a great spot to enjoy a romantic sunset.
A Desert Oasis
Spa Garden at the El Morocco Inn
emerginghorizons.com/the-el-morocco-inn-a-wheelchair-accessible-oasis-in-the-california-desert For a taste of Morocco without leaving the US, check out the El Morocco Inn in the California desert. Located in Desert Hot Springs, this accessible oasis includes a nice wheelchair-accessible room with a roll-in shower. There’s also good access to the public areas, including the swimming pool and the spa. And if you’d just like to chill, you can kick back in the library and enjoy a book or DVD. Truly there’s something for everyone at this relaxing retreat.
Santa Fe Suite
Suite 102 at the Chimayo Hotel
emerginghorizons.com/a-wheelchair-accessible-santa-fe-lodging-choice This Santa Fe Hotel offers a nice wheelchair-accessible suite, just steps from the historic Plaza. The Hotel Chimayo features a spacious accessible suite with a large bathroom and a roll-in shower. And there’s also a cozy fireplace in the living room to snuggle up with your sweetheart. Don’t forget to stop in at the Low n’ Slow Bar while you are there. Not only do they have a wide selection of beverages and snacks, but you just can’t beat the retro low rider décor.
Red Canyon Cabin
Cabin 12 at Red Canyon Village
emerginghorizons.com/spend-the-night-in-red-canyon-village Last but not least on the list of wheelchair-accessible romantic retreats is this Bryce Canyon cabin at Red Canyon Village. Located just a few miles from the national park entrance along scenic Highway 12, this log cabin is just a short walk from the office. It includes a king-sized bed, a compact kitchen and a large bathroom with a roll-in shower. And if you’d like to dine al fresco there’s a picnic table outside and a few chairs on the front porch. A perfect Red Canyon getaway.
Barrier-Free Travel California National Parks Road Trips Travel Ideas for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
Fred Harvey is a bit of a legend in the hospitality industry. Back in 1876, long before railroad dining cars were part of the rolling stock, he realized the need for restaurants along the major rail routes. To remedy the situation, he negotiated a contract with the Santa Fe Railroad, and opened the first of many Harvey Houses in Topeka, Kansas along the rail line. These restaurants were known for their generous portions and quality furnishings, and of course the Harvey Girls, who fed hungry passengers in the time it took to service the trains and change the crews. As time went on, Harvey expanded his empire to include hotels and resorts, and at the time of his death he operated 47 restaurants and 15 hotels.
And although many of these historic properties have faded into oblivion, you can still find remnants of the Harvey empire throughout the Southwestern US. Some buildings are in ruins, while others have been renovated; and there are even a select few where you can spend the night. And although access wasn’t a consideration during Fred Harvey’s lifetime, thanks to some access upgrades, today wheelchair-users and slow walkers can enjoy some of the remaining properties. So check out these historic Harvey Houses on your next road trip through the Southwestern US.
Casa Del Desierto Barstow, CA
Casa Del Desierto in Barstow, California
Located in Southern California, Casa Del Desierto was considered the crown jewel of the Harvey House chain. It opened its doors in 1911, and not only did it house a restaurant, but it also provided comfortable overnight accommodations for passengers on the the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. The building was renovated in 1999, and today it houses the local visitor center as well as the excellent Western America Railroad Museum (emerginghorizons.com/western-america-railroad-museum/) – both of which have good wheelchair access. And if you’d just like to stop by and glance at the exterior of the historic structure, you can do that too.
Kelso Depot Kelso, CA
Kelso Depot in Mojave National Preserve, California
Located in the Mojave National Preserve, Kelso Depot (nps.gov/moja/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm wasn’t a Harvey House, but it’s definitely worth a mention. It was constructed in 1924 by the Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad as competition for the popular Harvey Houses operated by the Santa Fe Railroad. Today it houses the visitor center for the Mojave National Preserve. It also has several restored rooms that are open to the public. These include the baggage room, ticket office and two dormitory rooms. Accessible parking is available in the parking lot, with level access to the depot buildings. And even if the building isn’t open, you can still get a gander at the lunch counter, vintage desks and old equipment through the large front windows. Additionally, the restrooms are always open, so it’s a good spot to take a rest break.
El Garces Needles, CA
El Garces Intermodal Transportation Facility in Needles, California
Named for Father Francisco Garces — the first European to cross the Mojave Desert — El Garces (nps.gov/places/el-garces.htm) was once said to resemble a Greek temple. This Southern California train depot housed a hotel and restaurant. After the depot was closed, it fell into disrepair and was subsequently shuttered. Fortunately the City of Needles came to the rescue in 1999, and purchased the building; which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. In 2014 the city embarked on an ambitious $5 million renovation project to restore this Needles landmark to its former glory. Today the finished project transports visitors back to the golden age of rail travel, and makes a nice stop on an Route 66 road trip.
There’s accessible parking on the side with level access over to the front of the depot, which is surrounded by tall palms and flanked by stately white columns. Although the building is only sporadically open, visitors can still get a look at the restored interior through the large glass windows. There’s also barrier-free access around to the back — track side — of the building, and level access to the back door. A majestic fountain dominates the courtyard near the back door, and it’s a pleasant spot to rest and admire the building. And like the front, large windows line the back of the building, so it’s easy to get a peek inside.
Santa Fe Depot Kingman, AZ
Santa Fe Depot in Kingman, Arizona
The beautifully restored Santa Fe Depot is located on the corner of 4th Street and Andy Divine Avenue in downtown Kingman. Unfortunately the Santa Fe Eating House, which was staffed by Harvey Girls, has been demolished. It once sat across from the Santa Fe Depot, but today all that’s left of it are a few remnants of the foundation. Still it’s worth a stop to see the depot.
Accessible Entrance Near Parking
There’s accessible parking in the small lot, with ramp access up to the 1907 depot. The Kingman Railroad Museum (kingmanrailroadmuseum.com) is located on one side of the building, while the Amtrak waiting room is located on the other side. There’s level access to the depot and the museum, and there are accessible restrooms inside the depot. It’s definitely worth a stop for history buffs, as the building is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Fray Marcos Hotel Williams, AZ
Depot at the Fray Marcos Hotel in Williams, Arizona
The Fray Marcos Hotel, and the adjoining depot were opened in 1908. This Harvey House had 43 guest rooms at its peak. Today the depot is still in operation, while the former hotel houses the Grand Canyon Railway (thetrain.com) administrative offices. Accessible parking is located near the Williams Depot, with level access to the track side of the station. Take some time to admire the exterior, then pop inside for a look at the former Indian Building — you can’t miss it, as it’s the room with the massive fireplace.
The old hotel lobby is adjacent to the Indian Building, next to the stairs that lead up to the Grand Canyon Railway offices. There are some old photographs in the lobby, and the room exudes a definite historic vibe. Although the depot is deserted most of the day, traffic picks up when the daily Grand Canyon train arrives and departs. Still with a little advance planning, you’ll have the place to yourself.
El Tovar & Bright Angel Lodge Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
El Tovar
Grand Canyon National Park, which is located north of Williams, is home to two historic Harvey Houses. Perched on the south rim of the canyon, El Tovar and Bright Angel Lodge both feature Mary Colter’s signature southwestern touches.
El Tovar (grandcanyonlodges.com/lodging/el-tovar-hotel) first opened in 1905, and although it was considered a luxury hotel, guests still shared one bathroom at the end of the hall. Today the property boasts modern access features, including a ramped accessible entrance on the canyon side, and several wheelchair-accessible guest rooms.
Harvey House Exhibit in the Bright Angel History Room
Bright Angel Lodge (grandcanyonlodges.com/lodging/bright-angel-lodge-cabins) was constructed in 1935 as a budget alternative to the El Tovar. Although there are no accessible rooms at the Bright Angel Lodge, it’s still worth a visit to see the Harvey House exhibit in the Bright Angel History Room. There’s good wheelchair access throughout the Bright Angel History Room, which features artifacts from the two Harvey Houses, as well as old photos, an 1880 Harvey House dinner gong, and even a vintage Harvey Girl uniform. It also includes information and photos from a Harvey Indian Detours excursion, which took train passengers on overnight trips to nearby Native American sites.
La Posada Winslow, AZ
The La Posada Hotel in Winslow, Arizona
Over in Winslow, Arizona, La Posada (laposada.org) was added to the Harvey family in 1929. And although Mary Colter received wide recognition for her Grand Canyon buildings, she always considered La Posada her masterpiece. Access is good throughout this historic property, with accessible parking in front, and a level sidewalk to the front entrance.
Even if you don’t overnight there, make sure to stop and enjoy a short walking tour, as the property is filled with lots of nooks and crannies that contain historic photos and artifacts. Although the building lacks an elevator, the majority of the artifacts are located on the first floor. Out back, the Affeldt Mion Museum is housed in the 1930 depot, and contains exhibits about the history of the Las Posada, Fred Harvey and Mary Colter.
The Turquoise Room, which faces the railroad tracks, once served as the Harvey House lunch room. Today the menu offers a good selection of southwestern and traditional favorites. And for a real nostalgic feel, the waitresses are even dressed in in traditional Harvey House uniforms. Additionally, if you’d like to spend the night at the Las Posada, they also have a nice wheelchair-accessible guest room on the first floor.
Painted Desert Inn Petrified Desert National Park, AZ
Painted Desert Inn in Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
Located east of Winslow, the Painted Desert Inn (nps.gov/pefo/learn/historyculture/pdi.htm) officially opened in 1940 on the site of the former Stone Tree House, which once provided Route 66 travelers with food, souvenirs and lodging. Sadly the war brought an end to the boom days and the Painted Desert Inn was closed in 1942. Five years later the Fred Harvey Company took over management and hired Mary Colter to renovate the property; and the legendary Harvey Girls were brought to the Petrified Forest.
The property operated until 1963, but the inn was saved from the wrecking ball due to a massive public outcry. Finally in 1987 it was declared a National Historic Landmark, and the property was rehabilitated and returned to its former glory. Today you can see the old dining counter and lunch room, complete with vintage place settings. Access has also been improved over the years, with level access to most areas of the inn, and plenty of room for wheelchairs and scooters. After you’re done browsing through the inn, don’t miss the colorful desert view from the accessible viewpoint in back of the inn.
Belen Harvey House Belen, NM
Belen Harvey House in Belen, New Mexico
This 1910 Belen Harvey House (harveyhousemuseum.org) once contained a large lunch room, a formal dining room, a newsstand and an upstairs Harvey Girls dormitory. Today it houses a museum and an adjacent restaurant. There’s good access throughout the museum which contains lots of Harvey House memorabilia, including old photos, dishes, uniforms and even menus. There’s also a number of exhibits about the history of the railroad, and even some old railroad equipment on display. There’s no elevator access to the second floor, but the bulk of the exhibits up there focus on Belen history, rather than the Harvey Houses. As an added bonus the museum is staffed by volunteers who love to talk about the Harvey House heyday.
The Whistle Stop Café is also worth a stop while you are there. This casual eatery includes home made treats like muffins, carrot cake, cobbler and a variety of soups. Everything is delicious, and all proceeds from the café go to help support the museum.
Puye Rest House Espanola, NM
Puye Rest House in Espanola, New Mexico
Located well off the main train line in the Santa Clara Pueblo, this Harvey House was part of the Indian Detours program. Built on tribal land in the 1920s, the Puye Rest House (puyecliffdwellings.com/tours/harvey-house) hosted guests who traveled on the “Chili Line”, and were then transferred to the Santa Clara Pueblo in covered wagons in the early years, and in Model Ts in later years. The tours operated from 1925 to 1939, and the big attraction of this location was the hilltop cliff dwellings in back of the hotel.
Today the two buildings that made up the Harvey House are now an interpretive center and a gift shop, and although the cliff dwellings aren’t accessible, the buildings are very doable for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. Most of the exhibits in the interpretive center are focused on the history of the Santa Clara Pueblo, and the excavation of the cliff dwellings in 1907. Still it’s a chance to go inside the historic Harvey House building. There’s also a nice view of the cliff dwellings from the back porch. And if you just want to look at the outside of this historic building, it’s definitely worth the drive.
Castaneda House Las Vegas, NM
The Castaneda Hotel In Las Vegas, New Mexico
Last but certainly not least on our Harvey Houses of the Southwest tour is the Castaneda House (emerginghorizons.com/the-castaneda-hotel-a-wheelchair-accessible-harvey-house/), which opened in 1898. It closed in 1948 and was shuttered until a local investor purchased it in 2019. Today the restored property has the ambience of yesteryear, with the access features of modern times.
The Mission Revival style building once housed 37 guestrooms, a 108-seat dining room a 51-seat lunch counter, and a cluster of railroad offices. Today the renovated property has 22 suites; and if you look carefully in the rooms, you can see vague outlines of the former room borders on the floors. The hallway doors to the original rooms were also left intact — some now go to storage rooms, while others are merely decorative. And there’s also a nice wheelchair-accessible guest room with a roll-in shower. All in all, the Castaneda Hotel features the charm of the yesteryear, and the comforts and access features of today.
Barrier-Free Travel the Grand Canyon for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi on the Santa Fe Pick-Up Shuttle Route
If a trip to Santa Fe is in your future, then check out the Santa Fe Pick-Up (santafenm.gov/public-works/transit/santa-fe-pick-up), the free Santa Fe accessible shuttle.. Funded in partnership with Tourism Santa Fe, the Santa Fe Transit Department and NCRTD, this free shuttle bus runs from the the railroad station to downtown, with stops at popular sites along the way. A complete schedule is available on the website. The buses are all equipped with wheelchair ramps and tie-downs, and the drivers are available to assist wheelchair-users. So check out this free Santa Fe accessible transportation option on your next visit. And once you get off the bus, here’s a wheelchair accessible route to explore the Plaza area (https://emerginghorizons.com/a-wheelchair-accessible-santa-fe-walking-tour/).
Barrier-Free Travel the Grand Canyon for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
Located just a block from the historic Santa Fe Plaza, the Hotel Chimayo (www.hotelchimayo.com) takes its name from a Northern New Mexican town that dates back to the 17th century. And although this upscale boutique hotel offers a bevy of modern creature comforts, it also celebrates the history and culture of its namesake village with traditional architecture, hand-crafted furnishings and original artwork. And the good news is, historic and accessible aren’t mutually exclusive at the Hotel Chimayo. So check out this wheelchair-accessible Santa Fe lodging pick on your next southwestern sojourn.
Historic Yet Accessible
The Hotel Chimayo features brick steps that grace the historic front entrance; however there’s easy access to a ramped entrance on the left side of the building. Alternatively, accessible parking is located in an underground garage, with elevator access up to the lobby.
There’s barrier-free access throughout the lobby, which is adorned with Viga ceilings, hand woven-textiles and a collection of retablos — small religious paintings — that are incorporated into the design of the massive brick fireplace. Add in a large crucifix on the mantle, an adjacent hand-carved altar, and a collection of Spanish colonial wooden furniture, and you get a real feel for historic Chimayo.
A Comfy Accessible Suite
Living Room in Suite 102 at the Chimayo Hotel
Room 102 — an ADA junior fireplace suite — is located near the front lobby, just off a brick courtyard that’s accented with colorful bunches of hanging chilies. Access features in the spacious suite include wide doorways, lever handles, good pathway access, and low-pile carpet for easy rolling.
The large living room in this comfortable suite features a wood burning fireplace that comes complete with firewood. It’s surrounded by comfortable furniture, and it also include a refrigerator and a wet bar. A 28-inch high king-sized bed with wheelchair access on the right side (as you face it), is located in a separate alcove. Other furnishings include a chest of drawers and a TV. Top it off with a lowered closet rod and you have a very accessible suite.
Bedroom in Suite 102 at the Chimayo Hotel
There’s barrier-free access to the adjacent bathroom, which has a tile floor and a full five-foot turning radius. It’s equipped with a roll-in shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a fold-down shower bench. The tile shower is nicely designed for access and it includes shower controls that are located within easy reach of the shower bench. The toilet grab bars are located on the back and left walls (as seated), and the bathroom also has a roll-under sink and an angled mirror.
Bathroom in Suite 102 at the Chimayo Hotel
It’s a very accessible and comfortable suite; and as an added bonus it also includes some historic photos and custom artwork. In fact more than 70 Chimayo artists created the artwork and furniture that adorns this property; and that’s quite a tribute to the small town.
The Public Areas
There’s good access to the public areas of this wheelchair-accessible Santa Fe lodging choice as well. There’s level access to the Low ‘n Slow Bar, which is located on the second floor. And the decor is worth a visit by itself. True to the low rider theme, it’s decked out with diamond-tuck upholstered seats, chrome chain-link steering wheel tables, hubcaps, vintage photos and the odd piece of car memorabilia here and there. It’s a fun place to stop for a cocktail or grab one of their yummy “hawt” pizzas
Best of all, you just can’t beat the location of the Hotel Chimayo, as it’s within rolling distance of all the major attractions. You can park your car for the duration of your stay, and explore the historic district on foot. And if you want to take a break during the day, your comfortable room is just steps away. Good wheelchair access, comfortable rooms, and a prime location makes the Hotel Chimayo is an excellent wheelchair-accessible Santa Fe lodging choice.
Barrier-Free Travel the Grand Canyon for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
Built in 1924 Kelso Depot was more than just a train depot, as it also included employee sleeping quarters as well as a full-service restaurant. The Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad constructed the facility in order to compete with the popular Harvey Houses operated by the Santa Fe Railroad. Kelso Depot was upscale for the time, and it even had a billiard room and a library. The depot ceased functioning in 1962, although the restaurant remained open until 1985. Today it houses the visitor center for the Mojave National Preserve.
Kelso Depot is pretty easy to find — just take Kelebaker Road from Baker, and continue on through the desert for 34 miles until you reach the historic site. Accessible parking is located in front of the depot, with level access over to the visitor center and the nearby accessible restrooms. Inside there’s barrier-free access throughout the facility, which includes interpretive exhibits about the Mojave National Preserve. Additionally the baggage room, ticket office and two dormitory rooms are furnished as they would have been in the 1920s. Even if the visitor center is closed, you can still get a gander at the lunch counter, vintage desks and old equipment through the large front windows. It’s definitely worth a stop while exploring the Mojave National Preserve.
This life-size Brontosaurus Family can be found just outside of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Believed to be the work of the late Larry Wilson who made a name for himself by crafting dinosaurs out of polyurethane foam, this out-of-the-way roadside attraction is a bit tricky to find, but well worth the effort.
From Interstate 25, take exit 278, then go south on Highway 14. Turn left at the first light (Rancho Viejo Boulevard), then go left at the Bureau of Land Management sign on Dinosaur Way. The family is located about a mile down the road on the right, next to a green metal building at M&M Garage Door & Gates. The sculptures are located on private property but there is a level grassy pullout along the road where you can get a good look at them. There’s no accessible parking or pathway to the sculptures, but truly there’s a great windshield view from the pullout. As an added bonus, there’s also a T-rex busting out of the adjacent metal building, which made the news in 2001, when the sculptor put an Osama bin Laden dummy in its jaw. This roadside attraction is just a short detour off the highway, and a definite must-see on the drive between Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
