Ribas Hotels Group Joins METRO’s All-Ukrainian Initiative to Improve Hotel Accessibility

According to modest estimates, the number of people with disabilities in Ukraine could reach 300,000–400,000 in the post-war period. For the hospitality industry, which welcomes guests every single day, this is no longer an abstract social topic, but a practical necessity: ensuring the hotel environment is accessible to everyone. Ribas Hotels Group joined the initiative through a partnership with METRO Ukraine’s special project, “Space of Opportunities”. Here is a look at the project, why WOL.GREEN Polyana was chosen for the audit, and how inclusivity is integrated into the chain’s hotels—from initial concept to architectural solutions.

What is “Space of Opportunities”?

METRO Ukraine’s special project was created in collaboration with the Superhuman Center, marking the second phase of the initiative. As a key HoReCa partner, METRO joined forces with the NGO “Dostupno.UA” to conduct ten audits of venues across Ukraine—including hotels, restaurants, and cafes, extending beyond METRO’s existing business partners. The audits were carried out in accordance with state architectural standards for accessibility for people with disabilities, specifically individuals with limb amputations.

Why WOL.GREEN Polyana?

WOL.GREEN Polyana was selected to represent Ribas Hotels Group in the audit. A detailed video report of the audit at WOL.GREEN Polyana can be viewed via the link here. The company acquired the unfinished property and converted it into a functioning hotel through reconstruction during the full-scale war, which allowed several DBN (State Building Norms) accessibility standards to be addressed right away. However, because this was a reconstruction of an existing unfinished structure rather than a ground-up design, the construction involved several challenges, and not all intended solutions could be fully implemented.

The audit highlighted key strengths: a reception area featuring two service zones, a universal accessible restroom with standard grab bars, a fully compliant elevator, and accessible SPA and restaurant areas. At the same time, experts identified areas for improvement, particularly regarding the room specifically adapted for guests with disabilities. Should the partnership with “Dostupno.UA” expand, the company is considering rolling out accessibility audits across other hotels in the network.

What Inclusivity Looks Like Across the Network Today

In the chain’s operating hotels, accessibility is currently implemented mainly through individual elements: adapted rooms, ramps, elevators, and accessible bathrooms. For example, a dedicated room is available at Ribas Rooms Bila Tserkva. Accessibility features are also available at Mandra Petrichor, Agate Resort by Ribas, WOL 07 by Ribas, Ribas Duke Boutique Hotel, and Ribas Rooms Odessa. A more comprehensive approach to barrier-free design is being integrated into new development projects, such as WOL Vinnytsia and AMA Family Resort, where these solutions are engineered from the initial planning phase.

According to Tetiana Morozova, Head of Architecture at TEMO Design, the main distinction lies in whether a property is built from scratch or adapted from an existing building: established structures present structural, spatial, and financial constraints that do not exist when designing from the ground up.

Why Building Accessibility from Day One is More Cost-Effective

Integrating barrier-free solutions into a project from the very beginning is always cheaper than retrofitting a finished property, explains Tetiana Morozova. At the design stage, it is far easier to incorporate features that require additional space: wider hallways, entrances, and doorways, adequate turning radiuses for wheelchairs, and the elimination of steps or threshold elevation changes. Retrofitting a completed building essentially doubles the cost: first paying for the initial construction, and then for retrofitted solutions like platform lifts installed after the fact.

Inclusive Design is More Than Ramps

A common misconception is reducing inclusivity to mere ramps and wider doorways. In reality, the concept encompasses the entire guest journey through the hotel: barrier-free access to all areas, clear navigation, comfortable lighting, high-contrast marking, Braille signage, and acoustics designed without harsh sounds or flickering lights. Equally important are ergonomic furniture and equipment, intuitive spatial layouts, and psychological comfort—giving guests the independence to enjoy all hotel services without relying on assistance.

Inclusivity should never compromise aesthetics. Difficulties usually arise when accessibility features are added as an afterthought; in those cases, ramps or navigation elements can feel out of place in the interior. When these solutions are designed into the project from the start, materials, colors, and forms can be chosen to seamlessly integrate into the overall concept. The solution is straightforward: close collaboration between the architect, interior designer, and accessibility expert during the concept development stage.

A Business Advantage or a Baseline Standard?

Today, accessibility is no longer a competitive advantage that sets a hotel apart—it is the baseline standard required for all market players. Amid the ongoing war, the number of individuals with amputations and disabilities is growing, and businesses must guarantee equal opportunities for all—not to stand out from competitors, but to deliver quality service to every guest, emphasizes Anastasiia Ocheretniuk, PR Manager at Ribas Hotels Group.