Hotel photos rarely show the details that decide whether a room is comfortable for an older traveller. Here is what to look at and what to ask before you book.
Six things to check
- Entrance and doorway width. Ask for the clear width in centimetres. Below roughly 80 cm it gets tight with a walking frame.
- Bathroom first. Look for a walk-in shower or a low step, a grab bar beside the toilet and in the shower, and a floor that does not get slippery.
- Bed height. A bed you can sit down on and stand up from without help matters more than the thread count.
- Lifts and floors. If there is no lift, ask which floor the room is on and whether there are steps at the entrance.
- Walking distance. Check how far it is to the nearest shop, bus stop or metro entrance — and whether the route is flat.
- Lighting. Ask whether there is a light switch within reach of the bed.
Questions worth sending in writing
- What is the clear width of the bathroom door?
- Is the shower walk-in, and is there a grab bar?
- Are there steps at the entrance, or between the lift and the room?
- Can a shower stool or a non-slip mat be provided?
- Is the room on a lower floor?
Asking by email before you book gives you an answer in writing — useful to have on arrival.
Closing the gaps yourself
Most shortfalls can be covered with a few small items that travel well: a portable grab bar for the bathroom, a non-slip mat, a lightweight shower stool or a bed rail. These are the kind of everyday living aids we sell, and they take very little room in a suitcase.
LifeAssistPro is a retailer of everyday living aids. We do not provide medical advice or treatment services.