Wheelchair Accessible Lodging Choices in Carson Valley
Located 14 miles southeast of Lake Tahoe, Carson Valley sits on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, nestled between the Carson Range on the west and the Pine Nut Mountains on the east. In contrast to the hustle and bustle of the crowded Lake Tahoe communities, this scenic Nevada valley entices visitors with a low-key and relaxed atmosphere that’s chocked full of gorgeous scenery and historic sites, and boasts some of the best wildlife viewing in the state. And the good news is, whether you come to Carson Valley to photograph bald eagles and wild horses, explore some accessible trails, or just relax and unwind, these two properties offer wheelchair-users and slow walkers a very comfortable – and accessible – spot to spend a night or two.
Holiday Inn Express
Minden, NV
www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/minden/mevnv/hoteldetail
You just can’t beat the location of this 81-room hotel – at the intersection of Highway 395 and State Route 88, near the north edge of town. Accessible parking is located in front of the property, with level access to the lobby through automatic doors. There’s barrier-free access throughout the lobby, and over to the lowered front desk, with elevator access to the upper floors. The Holiday Inn Express has five accessible rooms, including room 301.
Access features in room 301 include wide doorways, lever handles, a lowered peephole, a lowered clothing rod, adapted drapery wands, and low-pile carpet for easy rolling. It’s furnished with a 25-inch high open-frame king-sized bed with wheelchair access on both sides. Other furnishings include two night stands, an easy chair, a desk with a chair, and a chest of drawers. The room also has a microwave and a refrigerator.
The spacious bathroom includes a full five-foot turning radius and is equipped with a low-step (four-inch) transfer-type shower, with grab bars and a hand-held showerhead. It also includes a fold-down shower bench which extends out to the shower lip, and offers ample room for a transfer. There’s a toilet grab bar on the back wall, and two (vertical and horizontal) grab bars located on the the left wall (as seated). Other access features include a roll-under sink, a lowered mirror and a lowered robe hook.
There’s barrier-free access to the public areas of the property, including the business center, fitness center and the lift-equipped pool. There’s also a roll-in shower in the pool area. A full breakfast buffet is offered each morning, and there’s level access to the breakfast room, with plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair or scooter. Top it off with a helpful and accommodating staff and you have a great accessible lodging pick.
Carson Valley Inn
Minden, NV
carsonvalleyinn.com/
The newly remodeled Carson Valley Inn is located along the main drag, about a mile from the Holiday Inn Express. There’s accessible parking near the door, with ramp access up to this 149-room casino property through automatic doors. Inside there’s barrier-free access around the lobby, and over to the lowered front desk.
Room 131 features wide doorways, a lowered peephole, lever handles, low-pile carpet and good pathway access. It’s furnished with a 25-inch high open-frame king-sized bed with wheelchair access on both sides, two night stands, a chest of drawers, a desk with a chair, a refrigerator, and a table with two chairs.
The bathroom has a full five-foot turning radius and is equipped with a roll-in shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a portable shower chair. The toilet grab bars are located on the back and left walls (as seated), and the bathroom also has a roll-under sink.
The Carson Valley Inn also has wheelchair-accessible rooms with tub/shower combinations. And toilet risers and tub chairs are available for any room.
There’s good access to all the public areas of the property including the business center, CV Steak and Katie’s Country Kitchen. Best of all, it’s located right next door to the casino, which also features ramp access. It’s a great place to stay and play in scenic Carson Valley.
