Quest Apartment Hotels has become the first major accommodation provider to adopt Accessible Accommodation’s three-tiered rating accreditation system, with 86 properties now accredited.
The accreditation allows the 4.4 million Australians living with a disability to easily assess a property’s accessibility.
Quest recently received the Innovative Collaboration Award at the 2024 HM Awards for its partnership with Accessible Accommodation.
Accessible Accommodation founder Kerry Williams said the accreditation is a sign of expert vetting of accessibility features.
“Quest business owners are eagerly integrating new features to provide delightful and accessible travel experiences, while their hotels are setting new standards for comfortable, stylish and modern accessible rooms that don’t feel like hospital accommodation,” she said.
Quest GM of brand and ESG, Anthea Dimitrakopoulos, said the hotel chain is committed to inclusive travel.
“There’s a tremendous appetite among our franchise partners to accommodate greater accessibility in their properties. They recognise not only the social impact but also the business potential in meeting the needs of this growing market.”
Quest Springfield Central franchisee Luke Frederick reports accessible room occupancy increasing by nearly 50 per cent this year.
“It’s important to us because we believe everyone should be welcomed equally. Having the benefits to be able to offer accessible accommodation and provide options for guests to suit their needs when they visit our area is fantastic for our property,” he said.
In Victoria, Quest Burwood East is the first non-boutique operator in the country to receive a Tier-3 rating, providing the highest level of accessibility, which indicates the room has amenities to support a person who is unable to lift themselves, like a Hi-Lo Electric Bed and a hoist.
