Disabled access facilities in the hotel industry: everything you need to know.

Adaptation of accommodation for people with disabilities disability is a fundamental step in promoting effectively combating discrimination. In the hotel sector, offering adapted facilities and services is not just about complying with the law. It also represents a beneficial investment that broadens the potential customer base and improves the quality of service offered to all customers.

Understanding specific needs

To make facilities adapted for the disabledIn order to achieve this, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the various disabilities and the specific needs that each entails. Here are a few examples:

• Motor disabilities Accessibility: ramps, wide doors, accessible lifts, bedrooms and bathrooms with grab rails and threshold-free showers.
• Visual disability : Use of Braillelighting, tactile guides on the floor, software for reading thescreen.
• Hearing impairment Installation of light notification systems for fire alarms, telephones compatible with hearing aids, subtitles or sign language interpretation services.
• Cognitive disability Clear, simple signage, staff trained to assist customers with cognitive difficulties.

Legal and regulatory standards

In France, accessibility standards are governed by a number of laws and decrees. Establishments open to the public (ERP) must comply with specific criteria to guarantee the accessibility of their premises.comprehensive access different types of disability. The rules include:

1. The minimum width of passageways and doors to allow wheelchair access.
2. The presence of access ramps and/or lifts.
3. Audible and visual signalling and alarm systems.
4. Adapted sanitary facilities with grab rails and sufficient space to manoeuvre.
5. A minimum number of accessible rooms based on the total capacity of the hotel.

These standards are regularly updated to incorporate technological advances and identified best practices.

Essential architectural features

One of the most visible aspects of accommodation for people with disabilities is the structural modifications made to buildings. Here are some key points to consider:

Entrance and reception First impressions count for a lot. A well-positioned access ramp, combined with a sufficiently wide automatic door, ensures a dignified and respectful welcome. The reception desk should be designed with a lowered section for direct interaction with guests in wheelchairs.

Adapted bathrooms These areas should have walk-in showers, raised toilets, folding shower seats and securely fixed grab rails. There also needs to be a free turning space, which is useful for manoeuvring a wheelchair.

Technology and innovation

Technological innovations play a crucial role in improving the quality of life of our customers.accessibility hotel. A number of tools can be integrated to facilitate the experience of guests with disabilities:

Screen readers and adapted keyboards : For visually impaired customers, offer computers equipped with screen-reading and speech recognition software. Braille keyboards can make a huge difference. These technologies enable easy, independent navigation to access the internet or use various hotel services.

Mobile applications The development of applications offering audio guided tours or voice guidance is making it much easier to get around large structures such as hotels. Some applications even offer the functionality of activating room equipment such as lights or air conditioning by voice command.

Illuminated and vibrating alarms Installing multi-sensory alert systems (sound, light and vibration) ensures that every customer, regardless of disability, is warned in the event of an emergency.

Employee training

Having the right equipment is fundamental, but raising staff awareness and training them in how to welcome and assist customers with disabilities is just as important. A well-informed and prepared team makes a major contribution to customer comfort and satisfaction.

Training programmes Regular training sessions on how to deal with people with disabilities help to establish good practice among staff. These should include practical demonstrations, explanations of the correct use of specialist equipment, and instructions on how to offer assistance beforehand without encroaching on customers' independence.

Attitude and behaviour Empathy, respect and discretion are essential. A good welcome begins by actively listening to customers' specific needs and providing appropriate and sensitive assistance.

Château de Berne: a 5-star hotel accessible to people with reduced mobility (PRM)

Château de Berne, nestling in the heart of Provence, is not only a luxury destination with a 5-star rating, it is also accessible to people with reduced mobility (PRM). This prestigious establishment combines elegance, comfort and accessibility to offer an unforgettable experience to all its visitors.

1. Easy access : Access ramps and lifts are available to ensure easy movement throughout the hotel, from rooms to public areas.

2. 5-star rooms Adapted : Rooms specially designed to meet the needs of people with reduced mobility, with bathrooms equipped with grab rails and walk-in showers.

3. Accessible Common Spaces : All areas of the hotel, including the restaurants, lounges and spa, are designed to be easily accessible to all.

4. Quality Service : Staff are trained to offer personalised assistance, ensuring that every stay is as pleasant as possible.

Château de Berne is committed to offering an exceptional experience to all its guests, and makes it a point of honour to guarantee total accessibility and optimum comfort for people with reduced mobility. Coming to Château de Berne means choosing a luxury stay where every detail has been thought of with you in mind.

Economic and social outlook

Investing in accessible infrastructure has not only social benefits but also significant economic spin-offs. By making establishments accessible, the ability to attract a diverse clientele is broadened, including the elderly and people with disabilities. temporary limitations following an injury.

Increase in customer base Disabled customers account for a growing proportion of international tourism. Responding favourably to these expectations attracts a new market segment, ultimately increasing the occupancy rate of establishments.

Positive brand image Companies committed to combating discrimination benefit from a stronger, more positive brand image. This perception increases customer loyalty and reinforces the societal values conveyed.

Local partnerships Working hand in hand with local associations that support disabled people enriches the hotels' inclusive strategy, creating a synergy that is beneficial when it comes to implementing and testing innovative solutions.