What Are the Most Common ADA Violations Found in Hotels and Restaurants?

Parking and exterior

• No van-accessible space or missing "van accessible" sign
• Access aisles missing, too narrow, or not striped
• Accessible spaces with slopes steeper than 1:48
• Curb ramps that are too steep or lack detectable warnings
• No accessible route from parking to the entrance

Entrances and interior routes

• Steps without a ramp or alternate accessible entrance
• Door hardware requiring tight grasping or twisting
• Doors that require too much force to open
• Routes blocked by displays, furniture, or stanchions

Restrooms

Restrooms produce more violations than any other area. Common problems include missing or incorrectly mounted grab bars, toilets at the wrong height or distance from the wall, insufficient clear floor space for a wheelchair, unwrapped pipes under lavatories, mirrors and dispensers mounted too high, and doors that swing into required clear space.

Restaurant-specific violations

• Too few accessible dining tables (at least 5% of seating must be accessible)
• Bars and counters with no lowered section
• Accessible seating confined to one undesirable area
• Self-service items out of reach range
• Raised or sunken dining areas with no accessible route

Hotel-specific violations

• Insufficient accessible rooms or roll-in showers
• Accessible rooms not dispersed across room types
• Pool lifts missing, broken, or not set up
• Registration counters without a lowered section
• Online booking that does not describe accessible features
• No visual alarms in rooms with communication features

Fixing violations efficiently

Prioritize the barriers most likely to block access and draw claims: parking, entrances, restrooms, and booking. Many fixes — signage, grab bars, pipe wraps, door closers — are low cost. Federal tax incentives can offset part of the expense for eligible businesses.

Audits before lawsuits

Chris Sullivan helps Las Vegas hotels, resorts, and restaurants find and prioritize ADA barriers and defends claims when they arise.