Will Hotels Really Reconfigure Inaccessible Beds?

Make no mistake about it, inaccessible beds are a critical issue for many travelers. To complicate matters, bed height is not covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act in the US (https://emerginghorizons.com/why-the-ada-doesnt-address-bed-height/). That’s because there’s really no consensus on what exactly makes a bed “accessible”. Generally speaking, wheelchair-users like beds to be the height of their wheelchairs (which varies from wheelchair to wheelchair), while slow walkers who can’t bend easily like higher beds. And you just can’t favor one group over another when crafting access regulations.

Some folks have suggested requiring electric beds that raise and lower in hotel rooms, but that’s pretty cost prohibitive. There’s also the maintenance issue. In my 40-plus years as travel journalist I’ve only seen one B&B that had an electric bed that raised and lowered in their accessible room. And unfortunately that broke and was not replaced.

The bottom line is, because of varied needs, “bed accessibility” usually requires individual configuration for each traveler. There really isn’t one solution for everyone. For example, a friend recently found a hotel that had two beds of different heights in the accessible room. This was purposely done by the hotel so they could accommodate those diverse bed height needs. The perfect solution, right? Not exactly, as then folks complained that they couldn’t get their lifts under those varied height closed platform beds.

But the big question is, how far will the average hotel go to accommodate requests for beds of a specific height? Will they actually reconfigure inaccessible beds for guests? The answer is a definite “maybe”.

Getting The Correct Information

The number one priority for guests in regards to bed height is actually getting the correct information about the property before making a reservation. So who do you rely on for this important information?

What about paid influencers? Some influencers swear by the services and the availability of the access information at certain properties. They elaborate on how they were given personalized attention, provided accurate information, and the room was transformed to meet their specific access needs. That may very well be true, but you are probably not going to get the same level of service as a paid influencer.

Influencers are paid by the property or marketing association to shine the bright light on their features. The best they can do is to omit things that are not accessible. Additionally, don’t rely on the same level of service that an influencer gets. I say this as a travel journalist, as I know that I got much better treatment on many hosted press trips than the average guest did. It’s just how the system works.

One place to get unbiased access information is from independent reviews. They key here is to make sure they are independent (not paid or hosted). Also check the date to make sure the information is relatively current.

Of course the best way to get accurate information is to call the property directly, and ask for specific access details like bed height. Try to personalize your request, by asking for the employee’s name, and using it in the conversation. Ask when the bed was measured last, as furniture is often changed out. And if they don’t know or it’s been a while, ask if they can go measure it for you.

The Right Bed Height

Once you figure out what the hotel actually has, you will know if it will work for you, or if some adjustments are needed. What can you do to adjust bed height?

Well if the bed is too high, you can always ask (in advance) if they can remove the bed frame and set the mattresses on the floor. Not all places will be willing to accommodate this request, but it’s worth a try. If they are unable to do that, then ask if you can have a roll away bed delivered to the room. Another option is to ask if they have a wheelchair-accessible room with a sleeper sofa, as these are usually lower.

On the other hand, many slow walkers who have back issues and use canes actually prefer those high beds. So what do you do if the bed is too low for you? The top solution is to travel with furniture risers. Although difficult for one person, it’s usually doable for two people to put them under the bed to raise it a few inches. And I also know some folks who ask for help from the hotel staff. Of course, the level of assistance available sometimes varies, and you’ll usually be accommodated more at higher-end properties. .

If you just need the mattress raised a bit, some folks also travel with an egg crate mattress topper. It’s easy to put on, and most times one person can do it alone. Of course another solution to make the bed higher is to add another mattress, and this is something you can ask – but not totally expect – the hotel to do.

Room for a Hoyer Lift?

Some folks need a ceiling track lift to transfer them into bed. Many people have this medical equipment at home, but what if you need it while you are on the road? Hotels are not required to have ceiling track lifts installed in their accessible rooms. That said, a few properties go above and beyond what’s required.

For example, many Las Vegas properties have accessible rooms that include ceiling track lifts. These lifts not only help folks get into bed, but the tracks run into the bathroom, so guests can use the facilities without a wheelchair. The Las Vegas properties that have ceiling track lifts include the Aria, the Bellagio, the MGM Grand, the Mirage and the Wynn Encore.

Of course the ceiling lifts are only available in a few accessible rooms, so it pays to double check and make sure you have reserved an accessible room with a ceiling lift. And it always pays to have a backup lined up – like a rental lift – just in case of equipment failure. Many medical supply companies will deliver portable lifts to hotels.

Last but certainly not least, it’s also possible to travel with your own portable track lift. I have a number of friends that do that. It’s much easier to do when you travel by car, but flying with a portable lift is also possible. It’s treated as medical equipment, but make sure and notify the airline in advance if you go that route. And of course, if you opt for a portable track lift, pack along some furniture risers in case you need to raise the bed.

Plan ahead when it comes to inaccessible beds; and don’t hesitate to ask for hotel assistance. That’s ultimately the best way to get the access – and the bed — you need.