How do I make my hotel website accessible?
Short answer
An accessible hotel website works for people who use screen readers, keyboards, magnification, or captions, and gives guests with disabilities the detailed information they need to choose a room. Use the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) as your standard — the current version is WCAG 2.2, with success criteria at levels A, AA, and AAA; AA is the level most organizations aim for. Priorities for hotels are an accessible booking path, readable text with good contrast, keyboard-friendly navigation, descriptive alt text, and specific accessibility information about rooms and facilities.
By Lodging Engine Editorial Team· Reviewed by Eric Zwanenburg· Last reviewed
Two kinds of accessibility
- Website accessibility — can everyone use the site?
- Property accessibility information — can guests tell whether the hotel meets their needs?
Both matter, and both affect bookings.
Website basics
Based on WCAG principles (perceivable, operable, understandable, robust):
- Text alternatives: descriptive alt text for meaningful images; empty alt for decorative ones.
- Contrast: text readable against its background, including text on photos.
- Keyboard: every menu, date picker, and button usable without a mouse, with a visible focus indicator.
- Headings and structure: logical headings and landmarks.
- Forms: labels on every field, clear error messages.
- Media: captions for videos; no autoplaying sound.
- Resize: content works when zoomed.
The booking path
Test the date picker, room selection, and payment with a keyboard and a screen reader. Inaccessible booking widgets are a common barrier — ask your provider which WCAG level they meet.
Property accessibility information
Be specific instead of "accessible rooms available":
- Step-free entrance? Lift? Door widths?
- Bathroom: roll-in shower, grab rails, seat?
- Bed height, space beside the bed?
- Hearing loops, visual alarms?
- Accessible parking and distance to entrance?
- Photos of accessible rooms and bathrooms.
Only state what's true and measured.
Legal context
Accessibility requirements apply to some businesses in some countries — for example under EU or national law. Requirements and exemptions vary, so check with a legal adviser for your markets.
Testing
- Automated checkers catch some issues, not all.
- Manual keyboard and screen reader testing.
- Feedback from guests with disabilities, where possible.
Common mistakes
- Images of text for offers and menus.
- Date pickers that trap keyboard users.
- "Accessible" claims without details.
- Low-contrast text over hero photos.
Checklist
- WCAG 2.2 AA used as the target
- Booking path tested with keyboard and screen reader
- Alt text and contrast reviewed
- Detailed accessibility information per room type
- Accessible-room photos published
- Legal requirements checked for your markets
Sources
- WCAG 2 overview — W3C Web Accessibility Initiative
- Image SEO best practices — Google Search Central