Finding the Right Hotel Bed (CMT travelers)

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Finding the Right Hotel Bed

http://www.disaboom.com/accessible-lodging/accessible-travel-finding-the-right-b\

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Just like Goldilocks, many travelers have difficulty finding a bed that's just

right. After all, a bed that's too hard or too soft can cause a painful back

ache, and that's a surefire way to ruin any vacation. But for wheelchair users

and slow walkers, bed choice is a more essential issue; because bed height and

frame design can be critical components of accessibility.

What is an Accessible Bed?

So what's the definition of the perfect bed? While many wheelchair users prefer

lower beds for easier transfers, slow walkers favor higher models so they don't

have to bend. Likewise, people who travel with a portable lift need an open

frame bed, so their equipment can fit under it.

To further complicate the matter, beds are not covered in the Americans with

Disabilities Act. And although New Jersey and Florida have state laws that

require open frame beds, not all accessible rooms have them.

In short, hotel beds are a huge source of confusion, and there's really no

consistency from one property to the next. In the end, you just have to find the

bed that works best for you; so it pays to know what to look for, and where

problems may arise.

Asking the Right Questions

Like any other access feature, finding the right bed takes some legwork. The

current trend in the industry istowards high pillow top beds, which usually

measure 28 inches or higher. As for bed frames, most hotel managers prefer

platform beds.

If bed height or an open frame is important to you, make sure and ask about it

when you make your reservation. If the reservation clerk can't answer your

questions, ask to speak to someone in the housekeeping or engineering

department.

If you want to avoid high beds, stay away from properties that advertise

luxurious or specialty bedding. n properties and historic hotels also

usually boast higher models. And if you want to be on the safe side, book a room

with a sofa bed, as they are usually lower.

When Things Go Wrong

Even when you do all the right things, and ask all the right questions,

sometimes things still go wrong. That's just they way it goes with accessible

travel, so you have to learn to mitigate damages.

If you arrive and discover the bed is too high ask if can be taken off the

frame. If not, then request a roll-away bed or ask to be moved to a room with a

sofa bed. The engineering department can usually convert a platform bed to an

open frame model, by placing it on blocks; however roll aways and sofa beds are

another open frame option.

And if you'd like to travel with a little extra insurance, then purchase a pair

of portable furniture risers. Theses stackable rubber cups can raise beds up to

six inches and they stow nicely inside one another. They're the perfect travel

accessory for folks who travel with portable lifts, as they're the only way to

absolutely guarantee an open frame bed.