The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Western Washington announced that six hotels in the state are under investigation for alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Three of these hotels have since reached settlements with the government, agreeing to make changes to comply with ADA regulations.
The investigations stemmed from individual customer complaints filed with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The three hotels that settled are:
- MarQueen Hotel
- Lynnwood Hampton Inn Suites
- Bothell Holiday Inn and Suites
Under the terms of their settlements, these hotels agreed to:
- Make necessary changes to their facilities and services to comply with the ADA.
- Alert the U.S. Attorney’s Office to any new complaints of ADA violations they receive over the next year.
The specific changes required at each hotel will vary depending on the nature of the alleged violations. However, these changes could include:
- Installing accessible entrances and ramps.
- Making accessible rooms available and ensuring they meet ADA standards.
- Providing accessible swimming pools and other amenities.
- Training staff on how to properly assist guests with disabilities.
While the three hotels have reached settlements, investigations remain ongoing for the other six hotels. The names of these hotels have not been released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The ADA ensures that people with disabilities have equal access to public accommodations, including hotels. These settlements and ongoing investigations serve as a reminder to all businesses of their obligation to comply with the ADA and provide equal access to everyone.
Stay Informed:
For more information about the ADA and its requirements, please visit the following websites:
- U.S. Department of Justice – ADA website: https://www.ada.gov/
- National Disability Rights Network: https://www.ndrn.org/
By working together, we can create a more inclusive and accessible world for everyone.
