Can You Vape in a Hotel Room? The Short Answer
No. Most hotels prohibit vaping in rooms:
- 100% smoke-free policies at major chains include vaping
- Fees: $200-$500 cleaning charges
- Vape detectors increasingly deployed in rooms
- No designated vaping rooms at most properties
- Balconies often prohibited too
All major hotel chains - Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Hyatt, Best Western, and Wyndham - include e-cigarettes in their no-smoking policies. This is industry standard in 2026.
Major Hotel Chain Vaping Policies
Marriott International
| Policy | Details |
|---|---|
| Vaping allowed? | No |
| Cleaning fee | $250 |
| Policy since | 2006 (expanded to include vaping) |
| Applies to | All 30+ brands worldwide |
Marriott brands affected: Marriott, Sheraton, Westin, W Hotels, Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Renaissance, Courtyard, Residence Inn, Fairfield, and all others.
Marriott's policy explicitly states smoking and vaping are prohibited in all guest rooms and indoor public areas.
Hilton Worldwide
| Policy | Details |
|---|---|
| Vaping allowed? | No |
| Cleaning fee | $250-$500 |
| Policy | Property-wide smoke-free |
| Applies to | All brands globally |
Hilton brands affected: Hilton Hotels, DoubleTree, Hampton Inn, Embassy Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Homewood Suites, Conrad, Waldorf Astoria, and all others.
From Hilton's official policies:
"Most properties are 100% smoke-free. Smoking and vaping are prohibited in guest rooms and public spaces."
IHG Hotels (Holiday Inn, etc.)
| Policy | Details |
|---|---|
| Vaping allowed? | No |
| Cleaning fee | $200-$300 |
| Policy | Chain-wide smoke-free |
| Applies to | All IHG brands |
IHG brands affected: Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Crowne Plaza, InterContinental, Kimpton, Hotel Indigo, Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites, and others.
Hyatt Hotels
| Policy | Details |
|---|---|
| Vaping allowed? | No |
| Cleaning fee | $250+ |
| Policy | Smoke-free properties |
| Applies to | Most properties globally |
Hyatt brands affected: Hyatt Regency, Grand Hyatt, Park Hyatt, Andaz, Hyatt Place, Hyatt House, and others.
Best Western
| Policy | Details |
|---|---|
| Vaping allowed? | No |
| Cleaning fee | Varies by property |
| Policy | Individual property policies (most prohibit) |
| Notes | Some properties may have designated smoking rooms |
Wyndham Hotels
| Policy | Details |
|---|---|
| Vaping allowed? | No |
| Cleaning fee | $200-$300 |
| Applies to | Days Inn, Ramada, Super 8, La Quinta, etc. |
Choice Hotels
| Policy | Details |
|---|---|
| Vaping allowed? | No |
| Cleaning fee | $150-$250 |
| Applies to | Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Clarion, etc. |
Fee Comparison
| Hotel Chain | Vaping/Smoking Fee |
|---|---|
| Hilton | $250-$500 |
| Marriott | $250 |
| Hyatt | $250+ |
| IHG | $200-$300 |
| Wyndham | $200-$300 |
| Best Western | Varies ($150-$250) |
| Choice Hotels | $150-$250 |
| Motel 6 | $150-$200 |
How Hotels Detect Vaping
Vape Detectors
Hotels increasingly use specialized detection technology:
FreshAir Sensor:
- Detects vape-specific particles
- Distinguishes from smoke, steam, aerosols
- Sends instant alerts to staff
- Logs timestamp and room number
PolySens Technology:
- Identifies specific vapor molecules
- Works with all vape types
- High accuracy, few false positives
- Real-time monitoring
Verkada and Similar Systems:
- Combined smoke/vape detection
- Cloud-connected alerts
- Video integration in common areas
- Popular with newer hotels
How Detection Works
- Sensor activation - Vapor particles detected
- Chemical analysis - Confirms e-cigarette vapor (not steam)
- Alert sent - Hotel staff notified immediately
- Timestamp logged - Creates evidence record
- Room identified - Pinpoints exact location
Other Detection Methods
Staff inspection:
- Housekeeping notices odors or residue
- Visible vapor marks on mirrors/windows
- E-liquid stains on surfaces
- Vape device left behind
Subsequent guest complaints:
- Lingering odor reported
- Triggers investigation
- May result in retroactive charges
Visual residue:
- Film on windows and mirrors
- Sticky residue on surfaces
- Discoloration near vents
What Happens If You Vape in a Hotel Room
The Process
- Detection - Vape detector triggers or staff discovers evidence
- Documentation - Room inspected, evidence photographed
- Fee assessed - Cleaning charge determined
- Card charged - Fee applied to payment method on file
- Notification - Guest informed (may be after checkout)
Your Options
If charged:
- Request documentation - Ask for evidence of violation
- Contact hotel directly - First offense may get reduced fee
- Credit card dispute - Rarely successful due to signed agreement
- Accept the charge - Often the most practical option
Why Disputing Is Difficult
- You agreed to smoke-free terms at check-in
- Hotels have technological evidence (detector logs)
- Documentation typically includes photos
- Industry-standard policies are well-established
Airbnb, VRBO & Vacation Rentals
Airbnb
| Policy | Details |
|---|---|
| Platform policy | Hosts set their own rules |
| Most common | Smoking/vaping prohibited |
| Typical fee | $100-$500 |
| Enforcement | Host inspection, reviews |
How Airbnb handles violations:
- Host discovers evidence
- Host files claim through Airbnb
- Guest charged (if documented)
- Review affects guest rating
Important notes:
- Check "House Rules" section before booking
- Look for smoking/vaping policy specifically
- Message host if unclear
- No built-in smoking fee - hosts file damage claims
VRBO/Vrbo
| Policy | Details |
|---|---|
| Platform policy | Property owner sets rules |
| Most common | Smoking/vaping prohibited |
| Typical fee | $100-$500 |
| Security deposits | May cover cleaning fees |
Tips for Vacation Rentals
- Read the full listing before booking
- Check house rules specifically
- Message owner if policy unclear
- Assume prohibited if not stated
- Respect the policy - Negative reviews follow you
Where You Might Be Able to Vape
Designated Smoking Rooms
Some hotels still offer smoking rooms:
- Increasingly rare - Most chains eliminated them
- Must request specifically - Not default
- May allow vaping - Check at booking
- Limited availability - Often just a few rooms
- Location varies - Usually ground floor, end of hall
Casino Hotels
Some casino properties are more lenient:
- Las Vegas - Some casino floors allow vaping
- Atlantic City - Varies by property
- Gaming areas may permit where smoking allowed
- Hotel rooms still typically prohibited
- Always check specific property policy
Hotel Balconies
| Situation | Typically Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Private balcony | Sometimes - check policy |
| Shared balcony | Usually no |
| Ground floor patio | Sometimes |
| Rooftop areas | Varies |
Important: Even where technically allowed, neighbors may complain.
Outdoor Areas
Hotels generally permit vaping in:
- Designated outdoor smoking areas
- Parking lots (away from entrances)
- Some outdoor pools (ask first)
- Hotel grounds away from buildings
Alternatives for Hotel Stays
Use Nicotine Alternatives
| Product | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nicotine pouches (Zyn, Velo) | 20-40 min | Completely discreet |
| Nicotine gum | 20-30 min | No odor |
| Nicotine lozenges | 20-30 min | Silent, odorless |
| Nicotine patches | 16-24 hours | Apply before hotel stay |
Go Outside
- Find the smoking area - Ask front desk
- Use your car (if you have one)
- Walk to nearby outdoor space
- Plan vape breaks into your schedule
Book Vape-Friendly Accommodations
- Search for smoking-allowed rooms (rare)
- Try smaller independent hotels
- Some motels are more lenient
- RV parks and campgrounds often allow outdoor vaping
- Extended stay properties may have outdoor options
International Hotel Considerations
United States
- Strictest enforcement
- Most chains 100% smoke-free
- High fees ($200-$500)
- Vape detectors common
Europe
- Major chains follow global policy
- Independent hotels may vary
- Balconies often permitted
- Ask at check-in
Asia
- Varies significantly by country
- Singapore - Very strict
- Japan - Hotels follow local smoking rules
- Thailand - Most prohibit
Middle East
- Generally prohibited
- UAE/Dubai - Hotels follow local vaping laws
- Religious considerations at some properties
Tips for Vapers Staying in Hotels
Before Booking
- Check the smoking policy on hotel website
- Call ahead if you need a smoking room
- Read reviews - Vapers often mention policies
- Consider alternatives - Airbnbs sometimes more flexible
During Your Stay
- Don't assume you can vape just because it's your room
- Use designated areas outdoors
- Keep nicotine alternatives for nighttime
- Don't try to hide it - Detectors work
- Ask the front desk about outdoor options
Avoiding Fees
- Follow the rules - It's that simple
- Step outside to vape
- Use the balcony only if explicitly allowed
- Don't assume ventilation helps (it doesn't fool detectors)
Hotels and Vaping: Key Takeaways
- Major chains prohibit vaping - Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Hyatt, all include vaping in smoke-free policies
- Fees range from $200-$500 depending on chain
- Vape detectors are real - Technology specifically identifies e-cigarette vapor
- Balconies often prohibited too - Check specific policy
- Airbnb varies by host - Always check house rules
- Designated smoking rooms are rare but exist at some properties
- Detection is reliable - Don't assume you won't get caught
- Use outdoor areas - Find designated smoking areas
- Nicotine alternatives - Pouches/gum for when you can't vape
- Ask at check-in - Staff can direct you to permitted areas
References
Looking for vaping rules in other places? Check our guides on rental cars, cruise ships, and airports, or browse our complete vaping laws guide for more destinations.