As an interior designer and full-time wheelchair user, I’ve spent years at the intersection of accessibility and aesthetics—both in my work at Blue Copper Design and in my personal life. Travel is one of my greatest joys, but it comes with its fair share of accessibility challenges. So when my husband Chris and I planned a trip to attend a wedding in the pines of Northern Arizona, we were cautiously optimistic about our stay at The Strawberry Inn. Spoiler alert: It far exceeded our expectations.
How The Strawberry Inn Does Accessible Travel Right
Even with ADA compliance requirements in place, accessible travel often feels like a roll of the dice. Many hotels technically meet standards on paper but fail in real-life usability. Things like bed heights, shower layouts, and entry thresholds can be dealbreakers for disabled travelers. It’s exhausting to navigate these inconsistencies every time we book a stay. That’s why when we find a property that gets it right, it’s worth celebrating, and documenting.
Cottage 11 at The Strawberry Inn: A True Accessible Gem
The Strawberry Inn is a boutique lodging experience nestled in the forested town of Strawberry, Arizona. Among their variety of cabins and cottages is their accessible Cottage 11, a fully wheelchair-accessible cabin that truly reflects thoughtful and functional design.
Let’s break down why this spot worked so well:
Seamless Entry and Spacious Layout
Cottage 11 features a gently sloped ramp up to a wide, inviting porch. The front door has no threshold—meaning no awkward bumps or tight transitions when rolling in with luggage or gear. Once inside, the open floor plan provides ample space to maneuver, and the cozy living area was both stylish and functional. The couch was the right height for easy transfers, and the kitchenette was fully accessible with a roll-under sink, reachable appliances, and clear countertop access.
Thoughtful Accessible Bathroom Design
Bathrooms are the number one dealbreaker when it comes to accessibility, and this one nailed it. Highlights included:
- A pocket door for easier entry (a go-to in our design projects too)
- A roll-in shower with a properly placed bench and handheld shower head
- Ample space for transferring to the toilet
- Overall layout that supports full independence for wheelchair users
Everything about this bathroom was intentional. I didn’t need assistance, which is a rare and freeing feeling when traveling.
Bedroom Access
Most hotel beds are absurdly high, making independent transfers nearly impossible. Cottage 11 has a 24″ bed height, which may be a bit high for some. I found the bed height was slightly too high for me to transfer independently so I emailed the hotel staff and they are working on getting the height closer to a 20″ height form the floor. Another pocket door here maximized space, and the bedroom featured a peaceful view of the surrounding creek and fall foliage. It’s one thing to have access, it’s another to be able to wake up comfortably and independently in a beautiful space.
Why This Cabin Sets the Bar for Accessible Stays
What made this experience exceptional was not just ADA compliance, it was the user-focused design. Every feature of Cottage 11 supports independence, ease of use, and comfort without sacrificing aesthetics. As a designer, I can tell you that kind of balance isn’t easy to find. As a traveler, it made me want to come back before we even left.
Whether you use a wheelchair, travel with someone who does, or simply appreciate inclusive design, The Strawberry Inn’s accessible cabin is a top-tier choice for exploring Arizona’s Rim Country.
Planning Your Visit to Strawberry, Arizona
Beyond the accommodations, the town of Strawberry offers a peaceful escape with stunning nature, local charm, and that crisp Northern Arizona air. The Strawberry Inn owners leave a handwritten note in each room sharing their love for the area, and it shows. Their passion for making their inn and the town accessible to all types of travelers is both refreshing and necessary.
We’re already planning our next trip with friends and our dogs to take full advantage of the space and soak in more of what Strawberry has to offer. Accessible travel shouldn’t feel like an exception, it should be the standard. And The Strawberry Inn sets a beautiful example of how to do it right.
If you’re looking for a wheelchair-accessible cabin in Arizona, Cottage 11 at The Strawberry Inn checks all the boxes, and then some. From barrier-free entry to thoughtful interior design and an unbeatable forest setting, this spot has redefined what an accessible weekend getaway can look like.
