SUNNYVALE, Calif.—Hilton Garden Inn Sunnyvale has become the first hotel to earn a “Neuro-Ready Certified” designation through a partnership with Friendly Accessibility, which develops accessibility training and solutions.
The certification, announced during the recent ribbon-cutting hosted by the Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce, recognizes hotels that provide sensory-friendly environments and services for neurodivergent guests, including people with ADHD, dyslexia, and autism.
To achieve the designation, Hilton Garden Inn Sunnyvale completed Friendly Accessibility’s Neuro-Ready Spaces system, which includes training hotel staff in sensory awareness, offering “calm kits” with such items as weighted pillows and sound machines, and adapting lighting, sound, and other features in curated guest areas.
“Our goal is to provide an exceptional experience for every guest, every stay,” said Taissa Christino, director of sales at Hilton Garden Inn Sunnyvale. “Sensory comfort benefits everyone, and partnering with Friendly Accessibility enhances our ability to accommodate a diversity of needs.”
The 238-room LEED Gold-certified hotel is owned and operated by OTO Development, a subsidiary of The Johnson Group, located at 767 N. Mathilda Ave. in Sunnyvale, Calif.
Friendly Accessibility founder Julie Steele said approximately one in five people is neurodivergent, noting that sensory accommodations in hospitality settings can benefit all travelers. “This partnership pioneers a new standard for inclusive hospitality. 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.”
