Motel 6 Faces Class Action Over Disabled Pool Access

The owner and operator of Motel 6, G6 Hospitality Property LLC, could face a class action lawsuit over allegations that its pools are inaccessible to those with certain disabilities – and therefore fail to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

As such they have failed to “design, construct and/or own or operate hotel facilities that are fully accessible to, and independently usable by, disabled people."

The case was filed May 20 on behalf of Dana Bowman, a retired army sergeant first class and combat veteran, now disabled. According to the case submitted to the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas, Motel 6’s pools present barriers to access and have failed to supply pool lifts or “other acceptable means of entry for disabled persons, notwithstanding that such modifications are readily achievable.” As such they have failed to “design, construct and/or own or operate hotel facilities that are fully accessible to, and independently usable by, disabled people,” the lawsuit alleges. Bowman asserts that this contravenes the ADA and its requirement that public areas be made as open and accessible as reasonably possible.

The complaint came after Bowman contacted the defendant prior to a planned visit, asking about their facilities and how he might use them. At this point, he reports, he was told that no means of accessing the pool was available. He has since verified this “independently.”

The case, No. 4:13-CV-1453, continues, and Bowman’s lawyers have requested a jury trial.