There Are Only 16 Hotels with Ceiling Hoist Facilities for Full Disabled Access
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Going away on holiday can present extra challenges for disabled people, from travelling, to arranging suitable accommodation. Shockingly, disability rights campaigners say that there are just 16 hotels with ceiling hoist facilities in the UK so that they can provide full disabled access. This has led to disabled guests having to sleep in their chairs, or being unable to access the bathroom, despite paying a full fee.
Inews reports that although the law requires that hotels make ‘reasonable adjustments’ for disabled people, there are no clearly defined requirements, and many hotels offer the bare minimum. The crucial piece of equipment that is often lacking is a ceiling hoist, which enables the user to get in and out of bed, and use the bathroom.
Even major cities, such as Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow, were found to have just one hotel with a ceiling hoist each. London fared the best, with six hotels equipped with a ceiling hoist. However, this means that there are just 10 hotels around the rest of the country that offer full disabled access, which puts off many disabled people from travelling.
The Importance of Ceiling Hoists in Hotels
For many disabled travellers, a ceiling hoist is not a luxury but a necessity. While step-free access, ramps, and wider doorways are important, they don’t address the needs of guests who require physical assistance when moving from bed to chair or bathroom. Hotels with ceiling hoist facilities provide true independence and dignity, allowing visitors to travel with confidence. Unfortunately, with only a handful of UK hotels offering ceiling hoists for disabled access, many families find themselves excluded from holidays, business trips, and even short weekend breaks.
Why Are There So Few Hotels with Ceiling Hoist Facilities?
“The world is a draining place for somebody in a wheelchair. The UK actually leads the way, most countries rely on mobile hoists, but it’s a dismal lead. Lots of people would travel here, for domestic tourism and overseas tourism, but there just aren’t the facilities. Improving access is not just about benefitting disabled people in terms of the opportunity to move around, but it’s demonstrating that they want disabled people to come and stay.”
Steve pointed out: “Being disabled isn’t tragic – it’s an issue of social justice. For me as a disabled person, I’m completely happy with the way my body functions. What I’m not happy with is the way in which as a society we don’t offer routes for participation and inclusion.”
The problem is not just limited to hotels, of course. Every year, stories appear in the press about wheelchair users being stranded on train platforms without access to lifts that are in working order, if they have been installed at all. Disabled passengers can often have difficulty getting adequate assistance at airports as well.
Fazilet Hadi, head of policy at Disability Rights UK, commented: “Disabled people should be able to go on holiday just like everyone else but the barriers to making this happen can sometimes feel enormous.”
“Catching a train or getting on a plane may have to be planned in advance, to ensure that passenger assistance is in place. As we know from recent high profile media stories, this journey can go badly wrong for disabled customers.”
A Call for Change in the Hospitality Sector
The current figure – just 16 UK hotels with ceiling hoist access – is shockingly low. Campaigners are calling for a compulsory requirement for at least one ceiling hoist to be made available for every 100 hotel rooms in the UK. The government is currently reviewing the building regulations, but so far has not committed to any permanent changes. By investing in inclusiveinclusive(in-KLOO-siv)Made for everyone, including people with disabilities. facilities, hotels can take a big step toward improving equality in travel. Accessibility should not be an afterthought but a standard feature of modern hospitality. Adding ceiling hoists, profiling beds, and accessible bathrooms creates welcoming environments where everyone can enjoy the freedom to travel, regardless of their mobility needs.
Finding Hotels with Ceiling Hoists in the UK
At present, resources such as Euan’s Guide and specialist accessibility travel websites are often the best way to locate UK hotels with ceiling hoist facilities. However, information is limited, fragmented, and frequently out of date. A centralised national register of UK hotels with ceiling hoist facilities would help families plan with confidence. Until then, travellers are forced to make endless calls and email enquiries, adding stress to an already challenging process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hotels in the UK have ceiling hoists for disabled access?
Currently, research shows that there are only around 16 hotels in the UK with ceiling hoists installed for disabled guests. While some hotels may advertise themselves as “accessible,” very few provide this essential equipment, which is vital for travellers who require physical assistance.
Why are ceiling hoists important for disabled hotel guests?
A ceiling hoist allows safe and dignified transfers between beds, chairs, and bathrooms. For many disabled travellers, this equipment is a necessity, not a convenience. Without it, families may struggle to travel at all. Having more UK hotels with ceiling hoist facilities would greatly improve inclusivity and accessibility across the hospitality sector.
What other accessibility features should disabled access hotels provide?
Beyond ceiling hoists, hotels should consider features such as step-free access, wide doorways, accessible bathrooms with grab railsgrab rails(grab rayl)A strong bar that you can hold onto in the bathroom for support., profiling beds, visual fire alarms, and induction loops for hearing aid users. These adjustments ensure that disabled guests can enjoy their stay with comfort and independence.
