With a focus on appealing to neurodivergent hotel guests, the Hilton Garden Inn in Sunnyvale, Calif., has partnered with Friendly Accessibility.
The 238-room Silicon Valley property is owned and operated by OTO Development, part of The Johnson Group. The Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting last month to celebrate the designation for LEED Gold property.
The Hilton Garden Inn Sunnyvale is the first Neuro-Ready Certified Hotel with a commitment to sensory-friendly hospitality, according to the company. The certification comes via Friendly Accessibility, a Palo Alto, Calif.-based digital accessibility and sensory accessibility specialist.
“The partnership pioneers a new standard inclusive hospitality,” Julie Steele, founder of Friendly Accessibility, said in a statement. “Travel can be an overwhelming experience for people with ADHD, dyslexia and autism. By offering sensory-friendly service, environments and amenities, Neuro-Ready Hotels provide more than a place to sleep—they become an oasis of comfort and calm."
“Our goal is to provide an exceptional experience for every guest, every stay,” said Taissa Christino, director of sales at the hotel. “Sensory comfort benefits everyone and partnering with Friendly Accessibility enhances our ability to accommodate a diversity of needs.”
Hilton Garden Inn Sunnyvale earned Friendly Accessibility's formal “Neuro-Ready Sensory Champion” designation after completing the Neuro-Ready Spaces system. As such, Hilton Garden Inn Sunnyvale has commited to team training, calm kits and curated spaces.