What states still allow smoking in hotel rooms?

Asked by: Prof. Orlando Parker MD  |  Last update: July 6, 2026
Score: 5/5 (19 votes)

Most U.S. states permit hotels to designate a percentage of rooms for smoking, though it is increasingly rare to find them, and only a few states legally require 100% smoke-free hotels. While specific bans exist in states like California, Indiana, Michigan, North Dakota, Vermont, and Wisconsin, many other states allow designated smoking rooms.

In what states can you smoke in hotel rooms?

Most states in the U.S. do not have statewide laws prohibiting hotels from offering smoking rooms. However, the vast majority of chain hotels and motels have independently adopted 100% smoke-free policies nationwide for cleanliness and fire safety.

Are there any states you can still smoke inside?

As of early 2026, 22 states do not have comprehensive, statewide smoke-free laws covering all workplaces, restaurants, and bars. States with the fewest restrictions generally include Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming, although local ordinances may exist.

Do smoking rooms in hotels still exist?

Do hotels still offer smoking rooms? Some hotels do still offer smoking rooms. They tend to be cheap or budget brands, but there are some midscale and higher end hotels that allow smoking in some rooms.

Can hotels tell if you smoked?

Yes, hotels can easily tell if you have smoked or vaped in a room, often leading to fines of $250–$500+. They detect this using advanced air quality sensors that monitor for nicotine, marijuana, and smoke particles, alongside traditional methods like housekeeping reports (smell, ash, butts) and, in some cases, alerts sent immediately to the front desk.

Is Smoking Allowed in Hotel Rooms in Las Vegas? - Las Vegas Insider Guide

27 related questions found

What is the washcloth trick in hotels?

The "washcloth trick" in hotels is a travel safety hack used to enhance door security. It involves stuffing a washcloth, small towel, or shower cap into the handle or over the deadbolt/latch mechanism of a hotel door, making it harder to pick or operate from the outside.

What is the most stolen item in hotels?

Towels are the most frequently stolen item in hotels, with over 88% of hotel staff reporting them as commonly taken. Their popularity stems from being easy to pack, useful, and frequently replaced, causing significant financial loss to hotels. Other top stolen items include bathrobes, hangers, and toiletries.

Does Motel 6 offer smoking rooms?

Yes, many Motel 6 locations offer smoking rooms, although they are not guaranteed and vary by specific location. Smoking rooms often include 2 Queen Bed configurations, and you can specifically filter or select these room types during the booking process on their website, such as in Motel 6 Tampa, FL.

Why would you put tape over outlets in a hotel room?

Putting tape over outlets in a hotel room is a security and comfort measure primarily used to block potential hidden cameras, prevent bright LED lights from disturbing sleep, or to child-proof a room. It is a common travel tip to ensure privacy and better sleep.

What age do most smokers start?

Most smokers start and establish daily smoking habits during adolescence, with nearly 90% of adults who smoke daily having first tried cigarettes by age 18. The average age for initiating smoking is approximately 13 to 15 years, with the most rapid increase in new smokers occurring between the ages of 13 and 16.

Was Princess Diana a smoker?

No, Princess Diana was not a smoker and was known to be a non-smoker who took an active stance against smoking. She famously maintained a smoke-free home and, in 1991, participated in a smoking awareness campaign where she registered a very low carbon monoxide level, confirming her status.

Is Jennifer Aniston still a smoker?

Jennifer Aniston is widely reported to have quit smoking in 2007 (or around 2012, according to some reports) after being a long-term smoker, turning instead to yoga and a healthy lifestyle to stay smoke-free. While she has been a vocal non-smoker for years, some tabloids speculated she may have temporarily relapsed in 2022.

Who smoked 800 cigarettes at once?

In 1996, a Romanian man named Stefan Sigmond smoked 800 cigarettes in less than six minutes. He achieved this feat by using a custom circular, wheel-like device to inhale the smoke, breaking his previous 1995 record of 750 cigarettes.

How many smokers live past 80?

Roughly 35–38% of smokers live to age 80, compared to about 70% of non-smokers. While smoking significantly reduces life expectancy, roughly 1 in 3 smokers still reach age 80.

How do I smoke in my hotel room without getting caught?

Managing airflow is crucial when smoking in a hotel room. Use a room fan or a mini-fan to direct smoke towards an open window or the bathroom exhaust fan. If it's possible try creating negative pressure in the room by slightly opening a window or building up steam in a hot shower and keeping the bathroom door open.

In what states can you smoke in doors?

As of early 2026, 22 states do not have comprehensive, statewide smoke-free laws covering all workplaces, restaurants, and bars. States with the fewest restrictions generally include Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming, although local ordinances may exist.

What is the towel trick in hotels?

The "towel trick" in hotels is a travel hack where a guest places a towel at the bottom of their door or around the door handle to enhance safety, privacy, and sleep quality. It acts as a barrier against smoke in emergencies, blocks light/sound from the hallway, and makes it harder for thieves to pick the lock.

Do hotels mind if 5 people stay in a 2 person room?

Yes, hotels care and will likely mind if 5 people stay in a 2-person room, as this violates standard room occupancy limits, safety regulations, and fire codes. While you might avoid detection if you are discreet, the risk includes being asked to pay for an extra room, extra person fees, or being asked to leave.

How to tell if your hotel room is bugged?

To check if a hotel room is bugged, conduct a thorough physical inspection focusing on electronics (alarm clocks, TVs), smoke detectors, and air vents for signs of tampering, mismatched items, or unusual wires. Use your phone to scan for hidden cameras by turning off the lights and checking for infrared light or glints off lenses.

What is the most commonly forgotten item in hotels?

The most commonly forgotten items in hotels are phone chargers and electronic power cables. Guests frequently leave them plugged into hard-to-see outlets behind nightstands or desks.

Do hotels know if you smoked?

Yes, hotels almost always know if you have smoked,, or vaped, in a non-smoking room through advanced air sensors, lingering odor, or housekeeping inspections. Violating these policies frequently results in a cleaning fee ranging from $250 to over $500.

Can you live in a hotel and pay monthly?

Yes, you can live in a hotel and pay monthly. Many extended-stay hotels offer discounted weekly or monthly rates, allowing for long-term stays without a lease. These arrangements include utilities (electricity, water, internet), furniture, and weekly housekeeping, with popular chains including Extended Stay America, Sonesta, and InTown Suites.

What is the most shoplifted item from Walmart?

Cosmetics, such as lipstick, mascara, and eyeliner, are frequently cited as the most stolen item category at Walmart due to their high value and small size. Other top-stolen items include baby formula, small electronics (chargers, headphones), apparel (underwear), and packaged meat, particularly in high-volume, self-checkout scenarios.

What do burglars hate most?

Burglars hate anything that increases their chances of being caught, causes delays, or makes noise, with loud dogs, visible security cameras, and nosy neighbors being top deterrents. They prioritize quick, easy, and unseen access, so they actively avoid homes with bright, motion-activated lighting, secure locks, and signs of occupancy.

What is the 10 5 rule in hotel?

The 10/5 rule in hospitality is a customer service standard where staff make eye contact and smile when within 10 feet of a guest, and offer a verbal greeting when within 5 feet. It ensures guests feel recognized, welcomed, and valued, often referred to as a "zone of hospitality" or the "hotel halo effect".