Believe it or not, sustainable tourism and wheelchair accessibility have a lot in common. For example, both can be used as a marketing edge by savvy hoteliers to attract more customers. After all, who can argue with saving the planet or helping people with disabilities?

But some properties go further than others. Such is the case with Inn Marin in Novato, CA; which features an award-winning sustainability plan, top notch wheelchair access and a staff full of accommodating employees.

Accessibility and Green Upgrades
Formerly known as Ranchero Rafael, the Inn Marin began life as a Mission-style motor court – the kind of property that was popular with road trippers in the mid-to-late 1900s. And when the property was refurbished in 1999, access upgrades were made without destroying the character of this stately old gem. The goal was to preserve the past.

Social attitudes also factored into the equation when the property upgrades were made. In fact, co-owner John Marshall stresses that the greening of the property as well as the access features were a result of basic social responsibility. β€œIt was just the right thing to do,” emphasizes John. And in the end, doing the right thing paid off well for the Marshalls; as today the accessible and sustainable Inn Marin is a very popular choice for Sonoma Valley vineyard visitors.

The Greening of the Inn
In keeping with their theme of social responsibility, the Marshalls knew from the beginning that they wanted to incorporate as many environmentally-friendly features as possible. John recounts, "We just did the best we could and followed the best practices in the field. We wanted to get certified by the state in their Green Lodging program, which involved a lot of work."

Today a Green Lodging Program Leadership Level plaque proudly hangs in the Inn Marin lobby. Environmentally-friendly features of the property include bamboo flooring, recycling containers in all guestrooms, low flow toilets, organic shampoos and even bamboo clothes hangers. "We stuck with it," says John, "and in the end we were thrilled to not only get the certification, but to be certified at the Leadership Level"

Top-Notch Accessibility
The social responsibility factor also played a large part in determining the accessibility features of the inn. In short, the Marshalls went above and beyond the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The 68-room property features four wheelchair accessible rooms, including a huge accessible suite. The two-room suite includes a king-sized bed and a separate living area with a sofa bed. The bathroom has a low-step shower (about five inches high), with a hand-held showerhead, a roll-under sink and grab bars around the toilet.

Accessible rooms with spacious roll-in showers are also available; as are shower benches and toilet risers. A portable pool lift is available for the pool and hot tub, and a complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning.

Best of all, employees receive a high level of disability awareness training, so they know how to offer assistance without being obtrusive or condescending. Plus it's just a fun, nostalgic place to stay!

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For tips on finding an accessible hotel room, read Finding an Accessible Room Beyond ADA Compliance.

And if you're looking for an accessible home to rent for your holiday, check out In Search of an Accessible Vacation Home for some suggestions.