For a hotel to be accessible, it must meet basic requirements for access, circulation, communication, and use. But for this to be possible, hotel design plays a central role. This is because meeting accessibility requirements involves adhering to a series of design parameters and characteristics.
In this article, we will analyze all the hotel design parameters that must be followed to ensure accessibility. It is important to clarify that by “accessibility,” we refer to the moment when guests enter a space or service. Thus, by following the guidelines we will provide, hotels can ensure that anyone can access their facilities.
Table of Contents
1. Access must be level
In hotel design, it is preferable and desirable to ensure that access routes are level. Uneven surfaces (such as steps, curbs, or uneven ground) can significantly impact visitors’ access. This is especially true for those with physical limitations or reduced mobility.
Stairs pose an obstacle for people in wheelchairs, those using crutches, or those with mobility issues. The same is true for curbs and uneven surfaces such as cracks, potholes, or uneven ground. Not to mention that these hazards increase the risk of tripping and falling for all visitors.
Therefore, when considering hotel design, it is crucial to maintain uniform flooring that is in good condition. This helps ensure accessibility and safety for everyone. Similarly, if there are stairs, solutions such as ramps or elevators can also be considered.
2. Doors must meet certain criteria for good hotel design
In hotel design, the importance of doors meeting certain criteria cannot be underestimated. They are critical access points in any building. Therefore, they play a fundamental role in creating an environment that is accessible to all visitors.
That is why it is necessary to ensure that doors meet certain specifications. This applies not only to the front door, but also to elevator doors, bathroom doors, and bedroom doors. These specifications include:
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A minimum width of 90 centimeters
Doors with a minimum clear width of 90 cm or more are considered accessible. They provide sufficient space to allow people with different mobility needs to pass through comfortably.
When it comes to hotel design, this feature of the doors is essential. It ensures that people who use wheelchairs or other assistive devices can easily enter and exit the spaces.
For doors with two or more panels, at least one of them must be at least 90 cm wide. This ensures that, even on large doors, at least one panel will open wide enough to accommodate people with disabilities. This allows the hotel to comply with accessibility standards and provide equal opportunities to all its guests.
It is worth noting that incorporating this feature into hotel design makes it easier for all guests to move around. This includes families and people with strollers or bulky luggage, which enhances the experience.
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A minimum height of 2.10 meters
As with width, doors with a minimum clear opening height of 2.10 meters are more accessible. They provide generous vertical space that benefits a wide range of people, including those with mobility issues as well as those who are taller than average.
This feature ensures that there are no significant vertical restrictions when entering or exiting a room or area. Thus, incorporating it into hotel design eliminates any possibility of bumping into things or feeling restricted while moving through the space.
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Preferably hinged or sliding doors
It is important that the door be a hinged door—that is, one that can open to a minimum angle of 90 degrees. However, sliding doors may also be used. In either case, this aspect of hotel design provides a wide opening, avoiding unnecessary restrictions. However, revolving doors are strongly discouraged due to their limited accessibility.
In addition, there must be a clear space of at least 1.50 meters on both sides of the door. This makes it easier for people to move around and ensures that there are no obstacles that would make it difficult to open or close the door.
It is also important to note that the hinged doors of shower stalls should open outward. This not only makes closing them more convenient, but also facilitates evacuation in case of an emergency.
Finally, regardless of the type of door chosen for the hotel design, it is recommended to install a protective baseboard. This should be placed at the bottom of the doors and be at least 30 cm long. This prevents damage and ensures the doors’ durability.
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Opening and Closing Mechanisms
To ensure access to rooms, we recommend installing automatic doors equipped with photoelectric sensors that enable safe and efficient opening. In hotel design, this system is particularly beneficial, as it eliminates the need to touch the door.
Similarly, door-opening mechanisms must be easy to access and operate. Various devices can be used for this purpose, such as push buttons, card readers, or other electronic sensors. These devices must be located at a height between 85 and 105 cm to ensure they are accessible.
In addition, for doors equipped with locking mechanisms, such as latches, it is essential that they can be opened from the outside using an unlocking system. This is particularly important for ensuring safety in the event of an emergency.
3. Signage is essential for proper hotel design
Signage is essential in hotel design to ensure that guests can access the hotel’s various spaces. These visual guidance elements provide key information that makes it easier to navigate and identify different areas. This is particularly helpful for guests who are unfamiliar with the hotel’s layout, allowing them to find what they need.
In addition, signage is essential for indicating accessible routes and obstacle-free paths. This is important for people with limited mobility, as it allows them to navigate safely and efficiently. In this regard, signs in Braille and high-contrast lettering are especially important for those with visual impairments.
In addition, signage can provide information in multiple languages, which facilitates communication and improves accessibility. This undoubtedly contributes to a more inclusive and comfortable experience for all visitors.
4. Good lighting is essential in any hotel design
Finally, lighting is another important factor to consider in hotel design when ensuring accessibility for guests. In this regard, using photoelectric motion sensors to activate lighting is a key strategy. These sensors not only offer significant energy savings but also provide exceptional comfort.
However, in specific areas such as restroom stalls and shower stalls, it is important to avoid using timed lighting systems. These systems can be problematic, as the limited lighting time may cause difficulties. Therefore, ensuring adequate lighting in these areas is essential for the comfort and safety of all visitors.
Conclusion
Hotel design can ensure that all visitors have access to the facilities, regardless of their needs or abilities. Meeting specific accessibility requirements—such as eliminating steps, ensuring adequate door widths, maintaining minimum clearance heights, and choosing hinged or sliding doors— helps create an inclusive and comfortable environment.
There is no doubt that well-thought-out and adapted hotel design ensures that anyone can safely and easily access and enjoy the hotel. And this, in turn, contributes to a positive and memorable experience for all guests.
