New York is one of those destinations that never fails to surprise you. Here, you’ll see fashionistas passionately window shopping on Fifth Avenue, street performers turning sidewalks into stages with impromptu shows, tourists and locals casually standing in line just to grab that famous New York cheesecake, and even a celebrity or two trying to blend in with the crowd.
If you want to experience all these vibrant vibes and then some, you must stay for a week or at least spend a weekend in the Big Apple. The question is, where can you find accessible lodging that ticks all the boxes of convenience, comfort, and accessibility without stretching your budget?
To help you, we’ve done the research, asked the hard questions, and found some of the best wheelchair-accessible hotels in New York City.
Criteria for Choosing Accessible Hotels
When selecting a wheelchair-accessible hotel, you must check whether it meets ADA compliance standards. Some of the main things to look out for include:
- If you’re road-tripping or have a rental van, look for a hotel that has accessible parking spaces with adjacent access aisles.
- Make sure the hotel has at least one accessible route without steep slopes, abrupt vertical level changes, or steps that may make it difficult to enter or exit the facility. It should have a 30-foot-long ramp with a 36” width for easy exit and entrance. Public areas, including lobbies and corridors, should be navigable without obstructions.
- If the hotel has accessible rooms on the 2nd or 3rd floor, make sure it has reliable elevators for a smooth ride up. The elevator should be spacious enough to fit you, your luggage, and your mobility aid with room to spare.
- As for the hotel room, make sure it has wide doors for easy entrance and exit, enough turnaround space for mobility devices, and a bathroom equipped with grab bars, a roll-in shower, and lowered sinks.
- Confirm that all amenities, including the gym, pool, and restaurants, are accessible. Bonus points for hotels offering services like accessible shuttles to explore what the city has to offer.
- Last but not least, the property should have clear signage, so you can head from the breakfast area to the lobby to the pool without getting lost.
Best Accessible Hotels in NYC
Below are some of the best wheelchair-accessible hotels in the Big Apple:
Ink 48 Hotel — Best Hotel in Midtown Manhattan
Ideally located in the heart of Manhattan, the Ink48 Hotel is an upscale property that effortlessly blends modern sophistication with uncompromising accessibility. This world-class hotel boasts accessible king rooms and accessible king premier rooms, each featuring wide doorways with lever-type door handles, lowered power outlets, platform beds, and bathrooms with roll-in showers, lowered vanity, handheld shower wands, and grab bars.
Depending on your preference, you can choose between a city or river view to enjoy the stunning vistas from the comfort of your room. Although this facility doesn’t have an onsite restaurant, The Jolly Goat Coffee Bar, Pure Thai Cookhouse, and Sullivan Street Bakery are just a stone’s throw away, where you can get your caffeine fix, try authentic Thai cuisines, or indulge in artisanal bread and pastries.
Thanks to Ink48 Hotel’s prime location in Midtown Manhattan, you can explore the bright lights of Times Square, check out the art collections at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and attend an event at Carnegie Hall, or catch a movie at Broadway Theatre all within a few blocks.
Courtyard New York Downtown Manhattan — Best Wheelchair Accessible Hotel in Lower Manhattan
Located in Lower Manhattan, the Courtyard New York Downtown Manhattan hotel checks all the boxes for accessibility while maintaining its cheeky charm. This boutique hotel has different accessible rooms and suites with features such as alarm clock telephone ringers, bathtub grab rails and roll-in showers, closed-caption TVs, electronic room keys, flashing door knockers, and self-closing doors.
Need to work or workout? There’s an accessible business and fitness center where you can flex your negotiation skills or your biceps. When hunger calls, visit the on-site restaurant YAO Modern Cantonese Cuisine. If you’re in the mood for something different, you can head over to Il Brigante, Harry’s Italian, and Bobby Van’s Steakhouse to satisfy cravings you didn’t even know you had.
The hotel is strategically located within walking distance to some of the city’s top attractions, including The Tenement Museum, Top of the Rock Rockefeller Center, South Street Seaport Museum, and The High Line Park.
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citizenM New York Times Square Hotel — Most Budget-Friendly Accessible Hotel
If you’re looking for affordable yet chic lodging, you can’t go wrong with citizenM New York Times Square Hotel. Conveniently located at a mere 42-minute drive from New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA), this hotel has disabled access rooms with king-sized beds, a widescreen smart TV for binge-watching your favorite series, sound-proof windows because who wants to hear “I’m walkin’ here!” outside at 3 am, superfast free Wi-Fi for uploading your amazing selfies, and blackout blinds so the sun doesn’t disrupt your peaceful sleep.
If you get the late-night munchies, head over to the 24-hour canteenM for delicious snacks and beverages. For those who fancy their drinks with a view, the rooftop bar, cloudM, has you covered.
When it’s time to explore the city, the 50th St. bus stop is just a 1-minute walk away. Once you’re out and about, visit Central Park for people-watching, catch a Broadway show, shop from an upscale store on Fifth Avenue, or head over to the MoMA and pretend you understand all the art.
Despite its prime location and an array of amenities, citizenM manages to keep rates surprisingly reasonable, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers who don’t want to skimp on style.
Lotte New York Palace — Most Luxurious Accessible Hotel
If you want to feel like royalty during your trip, consider staying at the Lotte New York Palace. Located on Madison Avenue at 50th Street, this iconic 5-star hotel exudes elegance from the moment you step into the grand lobby, adorned with marble floors and a stunning chandelier.
The accessible guest rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated, with high-end furnishings and top-notch amenities. The bathrooms are a true highlight, featuring roll-in showers with grab bars, lowered sinks, and ample turning space for wheelchairs.
Beyond the accommodations, the Lotte New York Palace boasts an impressive array of facilities and services, including ILA Only Spa to enjoy stress relieving treatments, a state-of-the-art Fitness Center to exercise, or the Cedric Salon to refresh your look and glam up for a night out in the city.
The hotel also serves various dining options; you can have breakfast at the Villard Restaurant, savor house-baked pastries and whimsical sweet treats at Pomme Palais, or go to Rarities to drink exclusive wines and champagnes.
Safe to say, whether you’re here for the eats, the treats, or the neat Instagram snaps, the Lotte New York Palace has everything you need to live it up New York style.
Explore New York City with Wheelchair Getaways
New York City is a great destination for solo travelers, family fun, and even romantic getaways. But if you don’t have a car, you might get frustrated hailing a cab during rush hour, squeezing onto a packed subway, or playing a risky game of “Will my chair fit?” while waiting for the bus. No need to stress, though – Wheelchair Getaways has you covered.
With availability in more than 200 locations nationwide and an impressive fleet of wheelchair-accessible vehicles equipped with ramps, lifts, secure tie-downs, and plenty of space for mobility devices, we make it easy to zip from Times Square to the Brooklyn Bridge comfortably. We offer both short-term and long-term rentals to match the duration of your stay. For booking details, contact us at (866) 224-1750 or fill out our form for a rental quote.