The rise of accessible holiday rentals: how to make your property inclusive

Why accessibility matters

More than one in four adults in the UK live with a disability or long-term health condition, according to Tourism for All. This means a huge number of travellers face barriers when booking holidays. Whether it’s a single step at the entrance or a lack of grab rails in the bathroom, small details can make a big difference to comfort and confidence.

A Guardian feature on accessible travel found that only a small percentage of UK accommodation offers step-free or wheelchair-friendly options. This gap represents a real opportunity for hosts who adapt their properties with care and attention.

Making your property more inclusive is not just the right thing to do. It can also increase your bookings, improve reviews, and build guest loyalty.

Start with simple, practical improvements

You don’t need to completely redesign your property to make it more accessible. Begin by thinking about how guests move through your space from arrival to departure.

1. Clear the way

• Keep entrances, hallways and doorways free of clutter.
  
  

• Remove loose rugs or cables that could be trip hazards.
  
  

• Make sure outdoor paths are even and well-lit.
  
  

If your entrance has a step, a small portable ramp can make access easier for those using wheelchairs, walkers or prams.

2. Rethink lighting and visibility

• Fit brighter bulbs in corridors and near steps.
  
  

• Choose light switches that are easy to find and operate.
  
  

• Use contrasting colours for walls and floors so edges and doorways are easy to see.
  
  

Simple visual cues like this can help guests with limited vision or balance challenges.

3. Adapt bathrooms for comfort

Bathrooms can be challenging, but affordable upgrades make a big difference:

• Add sturdy grab rails near the toilet and shower.
  
  

• Use non-slip mats and flooring.
  
  

• Fit a handheld shower head or shower seat if possible.
  
  

These small additions improve safety and accessibility for everyone, not just guests with disabilities.

4. Make furniture and spaces easy to use

• Leave enough space around beds, sofas and tables for easier movement.
  
  

• Place crockery and utensils on lower shelves so guests don’t need to reach too high.
  
  

• Use sturdy chairs with arms that help guests sit and stand more easily.
  
  

If your property has multiple floors, consider adding a sleeping option on the ground floor such as a sofa bed or foldaway bed.

Be clear and honest in your listings

Guests with accessibility needs appreciate transparency more than anything. Make sure your listing accurately reflects what your property offers.

• Include measurements of doors and hallways if space is limited.
  
  

• Upload clear photos showing entrances, bathrooms and key areas.
  
  

• Use plain language such as “one step at entrance” or “level access to bedroom”.
  
  

Travelnest’s listing optimisation tools can help you structure your descriptions and photos so guests know exactly what to expect. By being upfront about accessibility, you build trust and avoid disappointment on arrival.

Add thoughtful finishing touches

Accessibility also includes comfort and convenience for guests of all ages and abilities. Try adding:

• A welcome book printed in large font
  
  

• Easy-to-grip door handles or lever taps
  
  

• Motion-sensor night lights in corridors or bathrooms
  
  

• A portable shower chair or bath board
  
  

• Clear signage for outdoor steps or uneven areas
  
  

For more inspiration, explore Accessible Holiday Escapes, which showcases UK properties that have adapted in creative but achievable ways.

How Travelnest helps you reach more inclusive travellers

Once your property is ready to welcome a wider range of guests, Travelnest helps you showcase it to the right audience.

• Multi-channel exposure: Your listing is shared across 30+ booking platforms including Airbnb, Booking.com and Expedia, all of which allow guests to filter by accessibility needs. See more about our reach in Why Travelnest is more than your average channel manager.
  
  

• Listing support: Your dedicated property expert can review your photos and descriptions to highlight accessibility features clearly.
  
  

• Travelnest Direct: Enable direct bookings on your own site with Travelnest Direct and showcase verified guest reviews to build confidence and trust.
  
  

• Central dashboard: Manage your calendar, pricing and updates in one place, keeping all your listings consistent and accurate.
  
  

These tools make it easier for you to promote your inclusive property while saving time on administration.

The benefits of inclusive hosting

When you make your holiday rental more accessible, you’re not only helping guests with disabilities. You’re creating a better experience for everyone - families with pushchairs, elderly travellers, or guests recovering from injury.

Inclusive properties tend to receive higher satisfaction ratings and repeat bookings. As Able Magazine reported, accessible stays are still underrepresented across the UK, meaning the demand significantly outweighs supply.

By showing you care about inclusivity, you position your property as welcoming, forward-thinking and genuinely guest-centred.

Final thoughts

The rise of accessible holiday rentals signals a shift towards more thoughtful, inclusive travel. For hosts, this is an opportunity to stand out and do good at the same time. With small, affordable upgrades and clear communication, you can make your short-term let a place where everyone feels comfortable and welcome.

And with support from Travelnest, you can ensure your inclusive property reaches more guests and performs better on every channel.