Springfield, IL  (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The Department of Justice has reached a settlement with the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield, following alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The agreement with Driftwood Hospitality Management, LLC, and 3000 S. Dirksen LP mandates that the hotel increase its number of accessible rooms and remove existing barriers to ensure compliance with ADA standards.

The settlement resolves an ADA complaint alleging that after reserving an accessible room, when an individual with a disability attempted to check-in, the Crowne Plaza provided a room that lacked toilet handrails and did not have an accessible shower. According to the complaint, after the complainant explained their needs, the hotel provided a second room that lacked toilet handrails, had broken toilet seat hinges, and had an inaccessible shower. Despite the complainant requesting an accessible room, the hotel did not provide one, leaving the complainant unable to use the shower or toilet without assistance from a family member.

An investigation by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of Illinois confirmed the hotel’s non-compliance with ADA requirements, revealing insufficient accessible rooms and prohibited barriers in existing accommodations. The ADA requires hotels to maintain a specific number of accessible rooms, honor reservations, and meet ADA Standards for Accessible Design. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua I. Grant emphasized the necessity for people with disabilities to travel independently and commended the hotel for its swift action to address these issues.

As part of the settlement, the Crowne Plaza will create eleven new accessible rooms and eliminate barriers in other rooms. Driftwood Hospitality will also develop an ADA policy and provide training for all its properties. Additionally, the hotel will make a monetary payment to the complainant, resolving the matter without admitting liability.