The agreement resolves a lawsuit against the Kansas City Marriott in Downtown Kansas City, Mo. - a large, two-tiered hotel complex that has both new and historic elements, 946 guest rooms, 36 suites, and a number of bars and restaurants. The agreement is the result of an investigation conducted after the Justice Department received a complaint from an individual who alleged that certain features of the hotel were not readily accessible.

"Making this nation's hotels accessible for travelers with disabilities has been a priority for the Civil Rights Division," said Wan J. Kim, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. "A 2005 study shows that more than 21 million adults with disabilities traveled at least once in the preceding two year period and that half of these adults stayed in hotels while traveling. We will continue to work cooperatively with hotels to ensure that travelers with disabilities will find accessible  hotel rooms across the country."

Under the agreement, the Kansas City Downtown Hotel Group, LLC will:

•  Create accessible guest rooms in all classes of sleeping accommodations at the hotel.
•  Provide an accessible counter at the front desk.
•  Ensure that guests who are deaf are provided with a communication kit with visual notification devices.
•  Ensure that the 12th Street Pub in the Marriott Tower is accessible.
•  Provide house and pay telephones in the lobby that are equipped with volume control and are hearing aid compatible.
•  Provide a TTY at the front registration desk, as well as signage to indicate its availability. 

U.S. Department of Justice / ADA
http://www.ada.gov