Palmdale, California - Hotel (Holiday Inn)

These wheelchair access and travel notes refer to the Holiday Inn in Palmdale, CA, a mid-range, fairly decent hotel.

There is level access to the main lobby. The bar and restaurant are just off the lobby, easily accessible. Restaurant furniture is comfortably spaced, no trouble navigating with a wheelchair.

The reception desk has a low level surface at one end for easy check-in, which is a nice touch.

My room was medium sized, not large. The space between the end of the bed and the TV furniture was a bit tight - about 36" (900mm). Past that bottleneck though, there was plenty of room.

Good workdesk. Comfortable to sit at. Electric sockets in the desk lamp (2) were easy to reach. IN room wifi was very weak and effectively unusable. TV controls were left in easy reach. Coffeemaker was easy to reach also.

Air-conditioning unit was in the corner and, although low, the controls were difficult to reach because they were partially blocked by the workdesk.

The bed was very high and transfers in and out were difficult. Bedside light easy to reach from the bed, but the room lights could not be turned off from in bed (so remember to turn them off before getting out of your chair!). Closet was open (no door) and a comfortable height.

Bathroom was large with plenty of turning space. Toilet was of the raised ADA compliant type. The grab-rails were a little too high and far away for comfort. Sink was also high and set back making it a little awkward for washing. This room had a bath rather than a roll-in shower. There were two shower roses - one fixed to the wall and one hand-held. Unfortunately, the switch to direct water from one to the other is at the wall mounting and therefore out of reach for wheelies. Handheld on a wall bar and at a good height. Grab rails around bath too high for comfort. Towel rack was at a comfortable height and easily accessible.

All in all, this room would be perfect for an ambulant disabled but is not great for a wheelie unless travelling with a companion.