In accommodation facilities, we often encounter poorly marked room numbers, which play a key role in the orientation of blind and visually impaired guests. Clear, correctly placed, and clearly visible signs are essential for guests to be able to find their rooms independently and move around the facility safely, especially in poor lighting conditions.
The most common problems with the placement of such signs are numbers that are placed too high, fonts that are too small, or colors that do not contrast sufficiently with the background. In addition, tactile signs are often overlooked or poorly executed, making it difficult for blind and visually impaired guests to find their way around.
A good example of a solution to these problems can be found in one of the hotels in the Upper Carniola region of Slovenia, where an eco-friendly approach to interior lighting led to the decision to dim the lighting in the corridors. Despite the reduced lighting, the entrances to the rooms are clearly marked with wall-mounted light signs, which are also tactile due to their relief design. This means that guests with visual impairments can recognize the room number both visually and by touch.
In addition to well-designed signs, this hotel has also ensured that doors are easy to unlock. A card reader is located directly below the room number, making it easier for blind and visually impaired guests to find the unlocking point. This arrangement is an example of good practice, as it takes into account the different needs of guests and contributes to better accessibility of key hotel services.