nevermind

We're pretty much committed to the Sheraton at this point as our reservation is nonrefundable. At least we'll get "points" as we are in their loyalty club, or frequent users, or whatever they call it. I'm sure it will be fine. Meeting challenges is good for one's character.

Just out of curiousity, BTilke, how do you go about finding places in Europe that conform to the Americans with Disabilities Act? I was in Europe with my knee injury this spring, prior to my surgery, and found the situation to be very challenging. It certainly made me appreciate the accommodations we find in the U.S.

BTilke

Sorry, I don't know in general. But the Schiphol Sofitel notes its compliance with the Act on its web page. I would imagine some of the newer heavily corporate-client chain hotels might also be in compliance (perhaps the new Hyatt and Mariott on the Champs Elysees in Paris, for example), but those will be pretty pricey.
The Best Western in Detmold, Germany is also in compliance, they had a short notice about it at their reception desk, as I recall. And rooms there cost as little as 60€.

nevermind

How true the statement is that you find what you are looking for. I went back to the Schiphol Sofitel web page and found its compliance statement. When I looked before, I didn't see it; just wasn't looking hard enough. Hopefully, however, this disabillity thing for me will improve before too long. I certainly have a new found empathy for people with permanent mobility problems. Thanks for your responses.

BTilke

That's a good point, it isn't obviously noted. It should be mentioned in the hotel's welcome statement or displayed more prominently as it is a strong selling point for the hotel.
If you had seen that when making your hotel decision, would that have persuaded you to book with the Sofitel instead of the Sheraton? (Just curious, wondering if compliance with the ADA would have been a bigger draw for you than Sheraton frequent guest points). My right knee sometimes bothers me (an old disco injury, seriously), not enough to need special access but that day may come. And we have a good friend in his 40s and who needs knee replacement surgery, but he's trying to put it off as long as he can.

nevermind

Retrospectively, I don't know whether it would have made a difference. My biggest concern is how much tolerance I have for walking and climbing into a tub/shower combo. My injury occurred on a trip last spring when I tore my ACL (ligament). Managing in Europe was interesting, with all the cobblestone, stairs, lack of "compliant" toilets, etc. When I got home, I had reconstructive surgery, but am still recovering. I should be 100% eventually, thanks to modern medicine, but that could take quite a while. Sure hope your knee holds up a while longer!!