Important Note: Some resorts built before 1993, or international resorts, may be exempt from these requirements and might not provide complete accessibility. To ensure a seamless vacation, it’s essential to do your research and confirm accessibility details.
October 24, 2024
Accessible Adventures: Timeshare Rentals Tailored for Guests with Special Needs
Traveling should be an enjoyable experience for everyone, regardless of their accessibility needs. Whether you or someone in your party has mobility challenges, sensory impairments, or other considerations, finding the right resort and room can make all the difference in your vacation experience.
With spacious accommodations and home-like comforts, timeshare rentals offer great options that cater to travelers’ diverse needs. Timeshare resorts increasingly recognize the importance of accessibility, offering adapted units equipped with wider doorways, roll-in showers, and lower countertops that allow guests to avoid unnecessary stress or obstacles.
This article explores how to request an accessible unit, highlights the accessibility features of certain timeshare resorts, and provides tips for finding suitable accommodations. Let’s get started!
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), enacted in 1990 and implemented in 1992, was established to safeguard the rights of individuals with physical disabilities. US timeshare resorts built after January 1993 must comply with ADA regulations, providing accessible units, facilities, and amenities that accommodate guests with disabilities.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures that most US resorts offer comprehensive wheelchair access and have attentive staff ready to assist with any needs during your stay.
How to Request an Accessible Unit
When you plan to book a resort, it’s important to verify with both your booking agent and the resort itself that your needs can be met.
Securing an accessible unit at a timeshare resort requires a proactive approach. Once you receive your booking confirmation, you can call the resort directly to request a room with the specific accessibility features you’ll need.
By reaching out as soon as possible, you can discuss your needs with the resort staff and ensure an appropriate unit is reserved for your stay. Direct communication is key when confirming that the resort can accommodate your requirements and provide peace of mind before arrival.
Timeshare Resorts with Accessible Room Types
Let’s explore some of the most popular timeshare resorts and which accessibility features are available at these fabulous destinations. Keep in mind that these are just a few of the many timeshare resorts that offer accessible rooms and resort areas.
Photo Credit: Rich Brooks
Marriott’s Aruba Ocean Club
Accessible Resort Features
- The property is equipped with elevators for easy access
- Swimming pools feature a self-operating lift or sloped entry for accessibility
- Service animals are permitted on the premises
- A limited number of wheelchair-accessible palapas are available to be reserved
Room Accessibility
- Accessible Vanities
- Bathtub Grab Rails
- Deadbolts on Guest Room and Suites Doors
- Hearing Accessible Rooms and/or Kits
- Lever Handles on Guest Room Doors
- Lowered Deadbolts on Guest Room Doors
- Lowered Electrical Outlets
- Lowered Viewports in Guest Room Doors
- Non-slip Grab Rails in the Bathroom
- Roll-in Shower
- Safety Chains and/or Latches on Guest Doors
- Toilet Seat at Wheelchair Height – Toilet for Disabled
- Transfer Showers in Guest Rooms
- Viewports in Guest Room and Suites Doors
Photo Credit: Jeremy from Destination Timeshare
Westin Kierland Villas
Accessible Resort Features
- Swimming pools are equipped with a self-operating lift or sloped entry for ease of access
- Service animals are welcome on the property
- On-site parking is accessible and van-accessible parking is available on-site
Room Accessibility
- Accessible Vanities
- Adjustable Height Hand-Held Shower Wand
- Alarm Clock Telephone Ringers
- Bathtub Grab Rails
- Bathtub Seat
- Closed Caption TV
- Deadbolts on Guest Room and Suites Doors
- Electronic Room Key
- Flashing Door Knockers
- Guest Room and Suites Doors Self-Closing
- Lever Handles on Guest Room Doors
- Lowered Deadbolts on Guest Room Doors
- Lowered Electrical Outlets
- Lowered Night Guards on Guest Room Doors
- Lowered Viewports in Guest Room Doors
- Mobility-accessible rooms
- Non-slip Grab Rails in the Bathroom
- Roll-in Shower
- Room Windows Open
- Safety Chains and/or Latches on Guest Doors
- Secondary Locks on Room Windows
- TTY/TTD Compatible
- Toilet Seat at Wheelchair Height – Toilet for Disabled
- Viewports in Guest Room and Suites Doors
Marriott’s Grande Vista
Accessible Resort Features
- On-site parking is accessible for guests with disabilities
- The property is equipped with elevators for convenient access
- Swimming pools feature a self-operating lift or sloped entry for ease of use
- Service animals are welcome on the premises
Accessible Areas
- Accessible Entrance to On-Site Pool
- Entrance to On-Site Business Center is Accessible
- Entrance to On-Site Fitness Center is Accessible
- Main Entrance is Accessible
- Meeting Spaces are Accessible
- On-Site Restaurants are Accessible
Room Accessibility
- Accessible Vanities
- Bathtub Grab Rails
- Deadbolts on Guest Room and Suites Doors
- Hearing Accessible Rooms and/or Kits
- Lever Handles on Guest Room Doors
- Lowered Deadbolts on Guest Room Doors
- Lowered Electrical Outlets
- Lowered Viewports in Guest Room Doors
- Non-slip Grab Rails in the Bathroom
- Roll-in Shower
- Safety Chains and/or Latches on Guest Doors
- Toilet Seat at Wheelchair Height – Toilet for Disabled
- Transfer Showers in Guest Rooms
- Viewports in Guest Room and Suites Doors
Photo Credit: Kris Nelson
Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club
Accessible Resort Features
- Swimming pools are equipped with a self-operating lift or sloped entry for ease of access
- Service animals are welcome on the property
- On-site parking is accessible and van-accessible parking is available on-site
Accessible Areas
- Accessible Entrance to On-Site Pool
- Entrance to On-Site Business Center is Accessible
- Entrance to On-Site Fitness Center is Accessible
- Main Entrance is Accessible
- On-Site Restaurants are Accessible
- Room and Suites Access through the Interior Corridor
Room Accessibility
- Accessible Vanities
- Adjustable Height Hand-Held Shower Wand
- Alarm Clock Telephone Ringers
- Bathtub Grab Rails
- Bathtub Seat
- Closed Caption TV
- Deadbolts on Guest Room and Suites Doors
- Electronic Room Key
- Flashing Door Knockers
- Guest Room and Suites Doors Self-Closing
- Lever Handles on Guest Room Doors
- Lowered Deadbolts on Guest Room Doors
- Lowered Electrical Outlets
- Lowered Night Guards on Guest Room Doors
- Lowered Viewports in Guest Room Doors
- Mobility-accessible rooms
- Non-slip Grab Rails in the Bathroom
- Roll-in Shower
- Room Windows Open
- Safety Chains and/or Latches on Guest Doors
- Secondary Locks on Room Windows
- TTY/TTD Compatible
- Toilet Seat at Wheelchair Height – Toilet for Disabled
- Viewports in Guest Room and Suites Doors
Photo Credit: Robert Pittman
Marriott’s Ocean Pointe
Accessible Resort Features
- Swimming pools are equipped with a self-operating lift or sloped entry for ease of access
- Service animals are welcome on the property
- On-site parking is accessible and van-accessible parking is available on-site
Accessible Areas
- Accessible Entrance to On-Site Pool
- Entrance to On-Site Fitness Center is Accessible
- Main Entrance is Accessible
- On-Site Restaurants are Accessible
- Room and Suites Access through the Interior Corridor
Room Accessibility
- Closed Caption TV
- Deadbolts on Guest Room and Suites Doors
- Electronic Room Key
- Hearing Accessible Rooms and/or Kits
- Lowered Deadbolts on Guest Room Doors
- Lowered Viewports in Guest Room Doors
- Mobility-accessible rooms
- Non-slip Grab Rails in the Bathroom
- Roll-in Shower
- TTY/TTD Compatible
- Transfer Showers in Guest Rooms
Let’s Get You Traveling!
To wrap up, picking an accessible timeshare rental is key to ensuring everyone in your party can enjoy their vacation to the fullest. By knowing how to request an accessible timeshare unit, seeking the right resort, and confirming the room’s accessibility features, guests with accessibility needs can travel with confidence.
If you have any questions or need assistance planning your next getaway, please contact us; our staff would be happy to help! If you’d like to start looking for discounted timeshare rentals, browse our confirmed reservations to find the perfect fit for you and your family.
