Smith, et al. v. Hotels.com

In 2009, DRA reached a landmark settlement with two major travel websites – Hotels.com and Expedia.com. Under the settlement, the major online travel service companies agreed to improve reservation services for travelers with disabilities.

Both companies added new features to their travel websites to improve the ability for people with disabilities to search and reserve hotel rooms with the accommodations they need and require such as: wheelchair accessible showers, Braille signage, and assistive telecommunications equipment for people with hearing loss.

Plaintiff Bonnie Lewkowicz, a wheelchair user said: “For years, travelers with disabilities have been unable to take advantage of the convenience and low cost options of booking hotel rooms online. Now, for the first time, I will be able to reserve a hotel room online just like anyone else.”

DRA co-counseled this case with Chavez & Gertler LLP and Public Justice.