Smoking Rooms in Hotels? Local Guide 2023

Finding a hotel that accommodates smokers has become increasingly challenging in recent years. As smoking restrictions tighten across the United States and globally, many major hotel chains have eliminated smoking rooms entirely from their properties. However, some establishments still offer designated smoking accommodations for guests who need them. This comprehensive guide explores your options for locating hotels with smoking rooms near you, understanding current policies, and navigating the changing landscape of hotel smoking regulations in 2023.

Whether you’re a smoker traveling for business or leisure, knowing where to find compliant smoking accommodations helps you plan better trips. We’ll walk you through the current state of hotel smoking policies, where to search for smoking-friendly properties, what to expect when you book, and practical alternatives if smoking rooms aren’t available in your area.

Current State of Hotel Smoking Policies

The hotel industry has undergone dramatic shifts regarding smoking accommodations over the past decade. Major chains including Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG have either eliminated smoking rooms entirely or severely restricted them to specific properties. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, secondhand smoke exposure remains a significant public health concern, which has influenced corporate policies across the hospitality sector.

As of 2023, the availability of smoking rooms varies dramatically by region, hotel chain, and property type. Independent hotels and smaller regional chains are more likely to offer smoking accommodations than large national corporations. Budget-friendly establishments and older properties sometimes maintain smoking rooms, though even this is changing rapidly. The shift reflects both regulatory pressures and consumer preferences for smoke-free environments.

Understanding current policies helps you search more effectively. Rather than assuming any hotel offers smoking rooms, it’s essential to verify directly with properties before booking. Many hotels that once offered smoking accommodations now enforce strict no-smoking policies across all rooms, with significant penalties for violations.

Why Smoking Rooms Are Declining Rapidly

Several interconnected factors have driven the decline of smoking rooms in hotels. First, state and local smoking bans have expanded dramatically. Many states prohibit smoking in public indoor spaces, including hotel rooms. Cities like San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles have implemented comprehensive smoking restrictions that effectively eliminate smoking rooms from most properties.

Second, corporate wellness initiatives and brand positioning have pushed major chains toward entirely smoke-free properties. Hotels recognize that non-smoking guests often outnumber smokers and may actively avoid properties that allow smoking. This economic calculation has led to complete smoking elimination policies at premium and mid-range brands.

Third, health liability concerns motivate hotels to restrict smoking. Secondhand smoke exposure creates potential legal liability, and properties want to minimize health-related complaints and claims. Smoke damage to rooms also increases cleaning and maintenance costs, making smoking rooms economically less attractive.

Fourth, staffing challenges arise when housekeeping and maintenance workers are exposed to smoke in designated rooms. Labor advocates have pushed for smoke-free workplace policies, influencing hotel management decisions. Additionally, odor control in smoking rooms requires specialized cleaning protocols that increase operational expenses.

The convergence of these factors explains why finding smoking accommodations has become substantially harder since 2015. The trend toward complete elimination shows no signs of reversing.

Finding Hotels with Smoking Rooms Near You

Locating smoking rooms requires a strategic, multi-pronged approach since booking sites don’t consistently filter for this amenity. Here are the most effective methods:

Direct Hotel Contact: Call properties directly and ask about smoking room availability. Speak with management rather than front desk staff, as they have more complete policy information. Be prepared to explain your needs professionally. Many hotels will provide honest answers about whether they offer smoking accommodations.

Independent Hotel Networks: Properties that aren’t part of major chains sometimes maintain smoking rooms. Search for independent hotels in your destination area. Websites specializing in independent accommodations may list smoking policies more explicitly than major booking platforms.

Regional Budget Chains: Smaller regional hotel chains occasionally offer smoking rooms where major national chains don’t. Properties like Red Roof Inn, Motel 6, and similar budget establishments sometimes maintain smoking options. However, verify current policies since even these chains have been eliminating smoking rooms.

Booking Platform Filters: While limited, some platforms allow filtering by smoking policies. Expedia, Booking.com, and Hotels.com have amenity filters that may include smoking room options. Use these as a starting point, then verify directly with properties.

Older Properties and Motels: Vintage hotels and older motels are more likely to offer smoking accommodations than newer construction. These properties may have been grandfathered into local regulations or have less restrictive corporate policies. Understanding the difference between motels and hotels helps identify which property types might be more accommodating.

Casino Hotels: In jurisdictions where casinos operate, hotel properties attached to casinos sometimes maintain smoking rooms to serve casino guests. These properties operate under different regulations than standard hotels.

When contacting hotels, ask specifically: “Do you currently offer any smoking rooms?” rather than “Can I smoke in your rooms?” The phrasing matters because the second question might receive a no simply because smoking isn’t permitted, while the first directly addresses room availability.

Check local tourism boards for your destination. They may maintain updated lists of accommodations with smoking policies clearly noted. Regional hospitality associations sometimes compile this information for travelers.

Booking Tips and Best Practices

Once you’ve identified a hotel offering smoking rooms, several practices ensure smooth booking and check-in:

Confirm in Writing: After locating a property with smoking rooms, request written confirmation of your smoking room reservation. Email the hotel directly stating your dates and explicitly requesting a smoking room. This creates documentation if disputes arise at check-in.

Understand Pricing: Smoking rooms often cost more than comparable non-smoking rooms. Budget accordingly, as the premium can range from $10 to $50+ per night depending on location and property class. Some hotels charge additional cleaning fees for smoking rooms.

Know the Rules: Every property with smoking rooms maintains specific policies about what can be smoked, where in the room, and penalties for violations. Common restrictions include:

• No smoking in bathrooms or certain areas of the room
• Windows must remain open
• Smoking allowed only during specific hours
• Restrictions on what substances can be smoked
• Penalties of $200-$500+ for smoking in non-smoking rooms

Arrive Early: Check in early to ensure your smoking room is properly prepared. Late arrivals risk being assigned a non-smoking room if your requested accommodation isn’t available. Early arrival also allows you to inspect the room and report any issues before settling in.

Document Conditions: Upon arrival, photograph the room’s condition. This protects you if the hotel later claims you caused excessive smoke damage. Document any existing damage or odors before you smoke.

Practice Consideration: Even in smoking rooms, minimize smoke seepage to adjacent rooms. Close doors completely, keep windows open, and use bathroom ventilation fans. Considerate behavior reduces conflicts with staff and neighboring guests.

Clarify Cancellation: Confirm whether smoking room bookings have the same cancellation terms as standard rooms. Some properties have stricter cancellation policies for smoking accommodations.

Practical Alternatives When Smoking Rooms Aren’t Available

As smoking rooms disappear, smokers must consider alternatives:

Outdoor Smoking Areas: Many hotels that prohibit smoking in rooms maintain designated outdoor smoking areas. These might be on patios, balconies designated for smoking, or separate courtyards. This option works for guests willing to step outside.

Extended Stay Hotels: Properties designed for longer-term guests sometimes maintain more relaxed smoking policies than traditional hotels. All-suite hotels and furnished apartment-style properties occasionally offer smoking options.

Vacation Rentals: Airbnb, VRBO, and similar platforms allow property owners to set their own smoking policies. Many vacation rental properties permit smoking, especially in rural areas or owner-occupied homes. Filter by smoking-friendly listings when searching.

Bed and Breakfasts: Smaller B&B properties sometimes allow smoking outdoors or in designated areas. Contact owners directly to discuss your needs.

Campgrounds and RV Parks: If traveling by RV or camping, these accommodations often have minimal smoking restrictions. Many campgrounds welcome smokers while maintaining separate areas for non-smoking guests.

Explore Budget Alternatives: Cheap hotels under $50 are more likely to maintain smoking rooms than premium properties. While amenities may be limited, budget chains sometimes retain smoking accommodations as a competitive advantage.

Travel to Smoking-Friendly Jurisdictions: Some regions maintain more permissive smoking policies than others. If traveling for leisure, considering destinations with more smoking-friendly accommodations might align with your preferences.

Local Regulations and Restrictions by Region

Understanding local smoking laws is essential for planning accommodations. Regulations vary dramatically:

States with Comprehensive Bans: California, New York, Vermont, and several others have statewide laws prohibiting smoking in hotels and other public accommodations. These regulations effectively eliminate smoking rooms across entire states. Check your destination state’s smoking laws before booking.

States with Limited Restrictions: Some states allow hotels to designate smoking rooms if they meet specific ventilation and notification requirements. Montana, Wyoming, and parts of the South maintain more permissive policies, though individual cities may impose stricter rules.

Local City Ordinances: Cities often implement smoking bans stricter than state law. Even in states permitting smoking rooms, major cities like Denver, Chicago, and Miami may prohibit them entirely. Always research both state and local regulations.

Native American Lands: Tribal lands sometimes operate under different smoking regulations. Hotels on reservations may maintain different policies than surrounding areas.

International Considerations: If traveling internationally, research the destination country’s smoking laws. Many developed nations have strict hotel smoking bans, while policies vary in other regions.

The American Lung Association maintains updated information about state and local smoking restrictions. Their database helps travelers understand regulations in specific locations.

Before booking any accommodation, verify current local smoking laws. Regulations change frequently, and what was permitted last year may be prohibited now. Official state health department websites provide authoritative information about current restrictions.

Compare your options strategically: Understanding local regulations helps you identify which properties might realistically offer smoking rooms. Properties operating in jurisdictions with comprehensive bans simply cannot offer smoking rooms legally, regardless of their preferences.

FAQ

Are smoking rooms becoming illegal in most places?

Many states and cities have implemented laws prohibiting smoking in hotel rooms. While not universally illegal, smoking rooms are increasingly restricted by local regulations. Check your specific destination’s laws, as requirements vary significantly by location.

What’s the difference between smoking rooms and smoking-friendly hotels?

Smoking rooms are designated indoor accommodations where smoking is permitted. Smoking-friendly hotels may only allow smoking in outdoor areas like patios or balconies, not in actual guest rooms. Always clarify the specific policy when booking.

How much extra do smoking rooms cost?

Smoking room premiums typically range from $10 to $50+ per night above standard room rates. Some properties charge additional cleaning fees of $100-$300 if smoking damage is detected. Always confirm total costs before booking.

Can I smoke marijuana in hotel smoking rooms?

Even in states where marijuana is legal, most hotels prohibit smoking any substance in rooms, including marijuana. Check specific property policies, as many explicitly restrict marijuana even in designated smoking rooms. Violations carry significant penalties.

What happens if I smoke in a non-smoking room?

Hotels typically charge $200-$500+ in cleaning and damage fees for smoking in non-smoking rooms. Some properties pursue legal action for breach of contract. Repeat violations can result in being banned from the chain.

How do I find smoking rooms when booking online?

Most major booking platforms don’t filter specifically for smoking rooms. Call properties directly or check their websites for smoking policies. Some budget chains still list smoking room availability on their direct booking pages.

Are there smoking hotels in major cities?

Finding smoking rooms in major cities is extremely difficult due to strict local regulations. Smaller cities and rural areas are more likely to have properties offering smoking accommodations. Call ahead to verify availability in your specific destination.

What if I need accessible rooms with smoking options?

Combining accessibility requirements with smoking preferences significantly limits options. Contact properties directly and ask about ADA-compliant smoking rooms. This may require more extensive searching or traveling to less-urban areas.

Can I bring an air purifier to reduce smoke smell?

Yes, portable air purifiers can help manage smoke odors in smoking rooms. Bring a compact HEPA filter unit to improve air quality. However, verify the hotel permits this before arrival.

Is it better to book directly or through third-party sites?

Booking directly with hotels when seeking smoking rooms is preferable. Direct contact allows you to confirm smoking room availability in writing and discuss specific policies. Third-party sites may not accurately reflect current smoking room inventory.