At The Schoolhouse Hotel, accessibility is more than just a footnote, it’s at the heart of everything the property does. Created with help from The Disability Opportunity Fund, a community development financial institution dedicated to helping communities spark economic growth, this unique hotel aims to ensure every guest enjoys a comfortable stay — especially those with disabilities and limited mobility. From final touches in the hotel’s interior like paint colors, lighting and decor to spaces designed to accommodate wheelchairs and more, The Schoolhouse Hotel has prioritized it all making the property a standout option in a hospitality world that, unfortunately, doesn’t always hit the mark when it comes to accessibility.
Dating to 1912, The Schoolhouse Hotel is in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, and occupies the historic White Sulphur Springs schoolhouse. With over 100 years under its belt, the building and its iconic classrooms have since been transformed into 28 beautiful guest rooms and two outstanding suites, an upscale restaurant and grill, a rooftop bar, an elegant ballroom space and more. According to the hotel, the property is a hub for the local White Sulphur Springs community and visitors alike, showcasing the best of West Virginian hospitality thanks to its totally inclusive atmosphere.
“Here at The Schoolhouse Hotel we are dedicated to providing excellent service to all of our guests, especially our guests with disabilities,” said The Schoolhouse Hotel on its website. “During the design phase of our hotel, we took great strides in making sure all persons will have access to the hotel and its restaurants and amenities.”
The Schoolhouse Hotel is truly special, and in 2024, the property was recognized for its efforts at the TravelAbility Summit, an event dedicated to furthering accessibility in all aspects of the travel industry, in San Francisco, California.
Accessible Features at The Schoolhouse Hotel
These are some of The Schoolhouse Hotel’s most notable accessibility features:
General
- Use of cool colors (blue, green, brown and black) on interior surfaces
- Limited graphics on wallpaper, flooring and ceilings
- Fire alarms equipped with horns and strobes
- Lens lighting to limit view of lighted bulbs
Entryway
- Service animal relief area
- Covered doorway with direct access to hotel entrance
Lobby
- Automatic sliding doors
- Low pile walk-off mat
- Hard walking surfaces
- High/low roll-in counter at service desk with front roll-up
- ASL Jeenie availability
- Wheelchair and scooter storage
Restaurant and Bar
- High/low bar top with front rollup access
- Wheelchair and scooter storage
- Accessible tables
- Low windows for enhanced viewing
- Accessible bathrooms
Ballroom and Stage
- AV screens on every wall for a 360-degree view
- Wheelchair and scooter storage
- Stage with electric lift access
- Accessible bathrooms
Guest Rooms
- Key fob and phone apps to access rooms
- Limited obstructions in rooms
- Accessible outlets
- Touchpad-controlled toilets
- Roll in/transfer shower
- Bathtub with hydronic body lift
- Low counters with front roll-up access
- Easy-to-reach/accessible linens and toiletries
Suite Rooms
- Key fob and phone apps to access rooms
- Limited obstructions in rooms
- Accessible outlets
- Touchpad-controlled toilets
- Roll in/transfer shower
- Bathtub with hydronic body lift
- Low counters with front roll-up access
- Easy-to-reach/accessible linens and toiletries
- Sound insulation for reduced noise transfer
- Wheelchair and scooter storage
Fitness Room
- Additional space around equipment to promote accessibility
- Lighting control to promote calming and visual aid
To learn more about The Schoolhouse Hotel, visit the property’s website.
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