Step-free temporary housing: what to confirm in writing

Not in that situation? Start with the general version: Finding step-free temporary housing in Spain's older buildings.

For travellers with reduced mobility or dependency needs: a listing that says "accessible" proves nothing. This page explains why you should get measured figures and evidence in writing before you pay, and what to do if the host cannot give them.

Key rules

• Labels: A listing that says "accessible" is not verified, so ask for measured figures.
• Lift: The lift cabin should be at least 1.00 m wide.
• Doors: Doors and lift doors need a clear width of at least 80 cm.
• No confirmation: If the host cannot give measurements and evidence, don't book that place for a stay that depends on access.
• Cancellation: Choose a flexible-cancellation rate and keep every promise in writing.

Don't rely on the word "accessible"

A label such as "accessible" or "adapted" on a private listing is not checked by anyone. Before you book, get measured figures and evidence from the host, in writing. Older Spanish buildings often have steps at the entrance, tiny lifts and narrow bathrooms, so a short message now can save you a stay you cannot use.

What to ask the host to confirm

Ask for numbers, not adjectives. Compare each figure with your own wheelchair, walker or other aid.

• Route from street to door: no steps, or a ramp that is gentle (a gradient of about 6-10% at most).
• Lift: a cabin at least 1.00 m wide and about 1.25 m deep. The lift door should be at least 80 cm clear. Spanish accessibility design for wheelchair lifts assumes a larger cabin, about 1.10 x 1.40 m, so more room is better.
• Bathroom: space to turn a wheelchair (about 1.5 m), a shower with no lip or a very low tray, grab bars, and a fixed or folding seat.
• Bed and corridors: a bed about 45-50 cm high with room beside it, and corridors at least 1.10-1.20 m wide.

These are typical working figures, so adjust them to what you need.

Ask for proof beyond the listing

Ask for dated photos with a tape measure visible, and a video walk-through from the street to the bathroom. Ask for the measured figures in a message or email you can keep. Also keep in writing any promise the host makes about access or cancellation.

If the host cannot confirm

Treat the place as unconfirmed. Do not book it for a stay that depends on access. Then choose one of these:

• Ask the host to measure and send a video.
• Pick another listing that has documented measurements.
• Book a hotel or other place that publishes its own accessibility details. Larger chains and many paradores list adapted rooms. Spain's accessible-tourism organisations, such as Predif and ONCE-linked services, can also help you find verified places.

For a stay of more than a few days, book a short first stay somewhere verified, then look for adapted housing from there. Whatever you choose, pick a rate with flexible cancellation.

The decision, documents and checklist below put these steps in order.

Choosing between options

What do you do if the host cannot confirm the access details?

• Ask the host to measure and send a video: The place suits you otherwise and the host is willing to measure the route, lift, doors and bathroom for you.

• Choose a different listing: The host cannot or will not give figures. Pick one that documents its measurements.

• Book a short verified stay first: You need a longer stay. Settle in a verified place, then look for adapted housing from there.

Do not book an unconfirmed property for a stay that depends on access. Whichever option you pick, keep promises in writing and choose a flexible-cancellation rate.

Documents you need

• Written confirmation from the host of measured figures for the route, lift, doors, bathroom and corridors, not just a label such as "accessible" or "adapted".

• Dated photos taken with a tape measure in view, showing the entrance, lift, doorways and bathroom.

• A video walk-through from the street to the bathroom.

• Any promises the host makes about access or cancellation, kept in writing.

Checklist

• Ask the host to confirm in writing a step-free route from the street to the door: no steps, or a ramp no steeper than about 6-10%.

• Ask for the lift's measurements in writing: a cabin at least 1.00 m wide and about 1.25 m deep, with a door of at least 80 cm clear.

• Ask for the clear width of every doorway you will use, at least 80 cm and ideally 90 cm.

• Ask for the bathroom layout: a turning circle of about 1.5 m, a roll-in shower with no lip or a very low tray, grab bars and a fixed or folding seat.

• Ask for the bed height (about 45-50 cm) and the corridor width (at least 1.10-1.20 m).

• Ask for dated photos with a tape measure in view and a video walk-through from the street to the bathroom, as well as the measured figures.

• If the host cannot give measurements and evidence, treat the property as unconfirmed and do not book it for a stay that depends on access.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I find accommodation that already publishes accessibility details?

Hotels with accessible rooms are the easiest route. The larger chains and many paradores list their adapted rooms. Spain also has accessible-tourism operators and directories, such as Predif and ONCE-linked services, that can point you to verified places.

I need to stay longer than a few days. What should I do?

Book a short first stay in a place with verified access. Then look for adapted housing from there, instead of committing to a long stay you have not been able to check.

What should I choose when I book a place I am unsure about?

Choose a flexible-cancellation rate. Keep every promise the host makes in writing, so you can leave if the place does not match what you were told.