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When it comes to finding wheelchair-accessible accommodations, most people don't even consider inns and bed and breakfasts. But, ironically, inns and B&Bs can be an ideal choice for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. Many innkeepers have voluntarily made access modifications because they have friends or family members who need them. Additionally, unlike some of the employees at large hotels or corporate chains, most innkeepers are intimately familiar with the access features of their property. Plus, when you reserve an accessible room at an inn or B&B, you can rest assured that room will be available for you when you arrive. (This also isn't always the case at larger hotels.) With that in mind, here's a sampling of some accessible inns and B&Bs from across the US.

Formerly known as the Rosebud Inn, the Victoria Inn located in historic Murphys, California is a classic country property that combines quaint charm with modern accessibility. Mae's Room, which is located on the ground floor, features a comfortable queen-sized bed, plus a spacious tiled bathroom with a roll-in shower, a roll-under sink and grab bars around the toilet and in the shower. There is also barrier-free access to all the ground floor public areas, including the breakfast room and parlor. The Victoria is a surprising find in this restored California gold rush town.

Located in the heart of Ohio Amish country, The Inn at Honey Run is another surprising find, both in terms of access and ambiance. Far from your typical Amish inn, this unique property features sleek contemporary lines blended into a natural setting. Room 121 has excellent pathway access and a great view of the adjacent woods, and it includes an oversized bathroom with a roll-in shower and two shower seat options (a chair and a bench). The inn is surrounded by 60 nature-filled acres, and although the trails aren't exactly wheelchair-accessible, innkeeper Phil Jenkins is quick to suggest an appropriate solution.

"We can easily take guests along the trails in our gator or golf cart," he offers. "It's a beautiful area and nobody should miss out on it."

Indeed, an innkeeper's attitude can make or break a property, at least as far as access is concerned. Anita and Ken McLeod have a proactive access attitude that actually predates their own innkeeping days. As the result of knee surgery and arthritis, Anita walks with a cane, so she is keenly aware of access obstacles.

"Throughout our travels, I came to realize that many so-called accessible rooms are actually pretty poorly equipped," says Anita. Because of this awareness, Anita and Ken designed their DreamCatcher Inn to be as accessible as possible.

Located just outside Las Cruces, New Mexico, the DreamCatcher features three guest rooms, all of which are wheelchair-accessible. Rooms 1 and 2 each have a roll-in shower with a built-in shower seat while Room 3 has a jet tub with grab bars. All areas of the inn feature level access, wide doorways and barrier-free access.

Last but not least, there's the Volcano Guest House. Located on Hawaii's Big Island and surrounded by six acres of high-altitude rain forest, this unique property features three accessible units.

Claudia's Place shares the front porch with the main house, while Twin 1 and Twin 2 are located farther away from the main house and offer more privacy. All three units have a small kitchen, a living area and a separate bedroom. Access features include good pathway access, wooden floors, grab bars and a low-step shower in each unit. A shower chair is available upon request. Although it's not fancy, the secluded natural setting of this off-the-beaten-path property gets high marks in the ambiance department.

The next time you're looking for an accessible room, there's no reason not to consider an inn or a B&B.

Candy Harrington is the editor of Emerging Horizons and the author of Barrier Free Travel: A Nuts and Bolts Guide For Wheelers and Slow Walkers. Visit her blog for access news, resources and industry updates.