Facilities for Physically Challenged Guests in Hotels

Hotel Classification Requirements
The following are requirements of the classification norms for providing facilities for physically challenged persons in hotels.

1. Guest vehicle arrives at hotel parking lot
Exclusively earmarked, clearly sign-posted and accessible parking space may be allocated nearest to the entrance.

2. Guest disembarks and enters hotel /restaurant
a. The entrance doors should have a minimum width of 32" to allow free access for wheelchairs.
b. Ramps with anti-slip floors and handrails are a necessary requirement for 4, 5 and 5 star D hotels and desirable for all others.

3. Guest Movement in the hotel
a. At least one telephone in the lounge or lobby or public areas seating area in the lobby should be placed at no higher than 24" from the floor.
This is necessary for 5-Star and 5-Star deluxe hotels, it would be desirable for all classified
hotels to have this facility.
b. The public rest rooms for ladies and gents should have facilities for physically challenged person's i.e. low height urinals as per international specifications.
This is a necessary requirement for all classified hotels. In 1&2 star hotels this may be unisex.
c. Facilities for visually handicapped.

4.Guest uses lift or elevator or stairs
Suitably equipped elevators i.e. minimum 32" width, handrails, audio-announcement of floors and accessible buttons for the physically challenged persons.

5. Guest checks into a room
At least one room should be equipped for physically challenged persons.
This is necessary for all 4, 5 and 5 -Deluxe category hotels and desirable for 1 to 4 star category hotels.

6. Guest goes to restaurant
a. Wheelchair access with suitable table in at least one multi-cuisine restaurant.
b. The entrance doors should have a minimum width of 32" to allow free access for wheelchairs.
c. Ramps with anti-slip floors and handrails are a necessary requirement for 4, 5 and 5 star D hotels and desirable for all others.

7. Guest faces emergency situation
Fire and emergency alarms should have visual and audible signals.

Reference Manual: Manual and Guidelines for providing facilities for physically challenged persons in Hotels & restaurants in India published by FHRAI.
Narendra Mohan Jha