Hosts using Lake as an online vacation rental platform must create a welcoming environment for all guests. Ensuring your space is accessible will not only help guests with disabilities but will also make your property more attractive to a broader audience.

So, how can you improve your space’s accessibility?

Anticipating Guests’ Needs

First, you’ll want to anticipate and address potential guests’ needs in your property listing. 

Communicate all accessible features you offer, such as step-free paths to entrances, wheelchair-friendly spaces, and adaptations in bedrooms and bathrooms. 

Selecting Accessibility Features

These are the features you add to your listing on Lake:

• Step-free guest entrance
• Step-free route to guest entrance
• Guest entrance wider than 32 inches
• Accessible parking spot
• Step-free bedroom access
• Bedroom entryway wider than 32 inches
• Step-free bathroom access
• Bathroom entryway wider than 32 inches
• Shower or bath chair
• Step-free shower
• Toilet grab bars
• Shower grab bars
• Ceiling or mobile hoist

In addition, highlighting these features may help your property qualify for special accessibility categories.

Offering Contactless Check-in 

Offering self-check-in and contactless check-in options can be invaluable to guests with accessibility needs, allowing them to enter your property with ease and minimal assistance. Simple changes, like installing a key lockbox or smart lock, can provide autonomy for guests and help them feel more comfortable during their stay.

To further enhance your space’s accessibility, consider these additions:

• Ergonomic support: A laptop stand, ergonomic office chair, and adjustable footrest can help make long stays more comfortable for guests working remotely or using assistive devices.
• Good lighting: Proper lighting is vital, especially for visually impaired guests. Natural light from windows is ideal, but well-placed desk lamps or adjustable lights work too.
• Accessible parking and transportation: Communicate any alternative options or transportation arrangements if your property doesn’t offer parking. If you provide parking, check if expanding the space to accommodate handicap-accessible vehicles is possible.

Inform potential guests about your space’s features, and once they book, address any concerns they may have. Always be open to feedback on improving accessibility. 

Following these recommendations benefits your guests and enhances your reputation as an accommodating and thoughtful host.