Hotel Industry Requests Guidance on New 2010 ADA Standards
November 3, 2011 - The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) recently filed a letter with the Department of Justice (DOJ) seeking clarification regarding accessible swimming pools and spas under the 2010 ADA Standards, which are set to go into effect on March 15, 2012.
AH&LA's request seeks guidance on the use of pool lifts as an accessible means of entry to swimming pools and spas in both existing and newly-constructed lodging facilities.
The lodging industry is committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal access to their goods, services, and accommodations. However, before they invest substantial resources to purchase, install, and maintain pool lifts for their existing and newly-constructed facilities, there are many ambiguous aspects of the requirements that must be resolved.
Since many hotels have swimming pools and spas that are unattended, there is a concern that leaving pool lifts unsecured, unsupervised, and ready to use at all times creates a potentially significant safety hazard to guests. Hoteliers need clarification around whether a pool lift must always be positioned in place and ready to use when a facility's pool is open to guests, or whether a portable lift would be lawful under the ADA.
AH&LA's letter discusses many technical points regarding the implementation of the pool lift requirements and can be viewed on AH&LA's Website.
AH&LA proactively worked with DOJ to shape the long awaited changes to the Accessibility Guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act that were issued in late 2010, hiring counsel and an economist to assist in interpreting the new regulations and ensure that they make sense for all parties. AH&LA has developed several webinars, articles, presentations, and an educational resource guide in order to assist lodging properties with the second round of compliance deadlines set for March 15, 2012. These resources can be viewed on AH&LA's Website.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
