Vaping continues to grow in popularity among former smokers looking for an alternative and first-time nicotine usersaround the globe.

Due to the sharp rise in the popularity of vaping, it has been difficult for people in charge at specific public spaces and private properties to integrate rules quickly enough, which has led to public confusion around whether or not vaping is permitted or whether it falls under the same rules as smoking traditional cigarettes.

Here, we look at the rules surrounding vaping in a hotel, what happens if you get caught doing it, and what the consequences could be.

Understanding Hotel Policies on Vaping

Hotel chains have varying rules surrounding vaping on-site. Marriott has been smoke-free since 2006, banning smoking inside more than 2,300 properties. This ban stretches to the use of vapes inside as well.

Hilton brands Tru by Hilton and Canopy, Hyatt Place and Hyatt House, Comfort Inn, and Comfort Suites are smoke- and vape-free inside buildings. Instead, guests who smoke or vape can do so in designated outdoor areas.

However, several big hotel chains, including La Quinta, Days Inn, and more, still offer designated smoking rooms that also allow vaping inside.

Most hotels treat vapes the same as combustible cigarettes and do not allow their use in non-smoking rooms and public spaces around the hotel.

These rules are in place because of the lingering smell of some vapes, the lithium-ion batteries inside that may cause an explosion, additional maintenance to clean up vape residue in HVAC systems over time, and the experience of other guests. 

Vaping vs. Smoking: Key Differences

Areview of the evidence surrounding whether vapes cause more harm or reduce harm concluded that “vaping alone presents less harm to blood pressure and heart rate regulation than use of traditional combustible cigarettes.”

In addition to health reasons, smokers are making the switch to vapes because they are less antisocial and more discreet. Vapers can take a single hit without anybody noticing and then put it away in their pocket.

The smell left behind by a vape may be more pleasant than cigarette smoke, but it’s still not everybody’s cup of tea (even if it is a “cup of tea” flavored vape juice). 

Possible Consequences of Vaping in a Hotel

If you’re planning on vaping in a non-smoking hotel or an area where vaping isn’t allowed, here are some of the consequences you may face. 

• Immediate Consequences:

• Guests who choose to vape in non-designated areas could receive a hefty fine. While these vary depending on where you stay,Marriott will fine you a $250 room recovery fee for smoking or vaping where you shouldn’t be. 

• In addition to a monetary fine, security may escort you off the hotel premises in extreme cases. 

• Long-Term Consequences:

• Hotel chains often hold grudges with people who break the rules on the premises. If you get caught vaping inside a non-smoking room at a hotel chain, this may impact your ability to book with that hotel or even other hotels owned by the same company in the future.

• Nobody likes to stay in a dirty hotel room. But you could contribute to this if you vape in one. Lingering smells and staining are long-term consequences of sustained vaping inside one room. 

Health and Safety Concerns Behind Hotel Policies

Despite being less harmful and unpleasant than combustible cigarettes, there is still concern surrounding secondhand vapor. One cross-sectional study of US children found that “nicotine absorption was much lower in children exposed to secondhand vapor vs secondhand smoke, but higher than in those exposed to neither.”

Evidence like this is part of the reason why so many hotels treat vaping and smoking the same. There is misinformation surrounding vaping and its impact indoors. While vapor seems to dissipate entirely to the naked eye, it can linger for up to an hour without proper ventilation.

With growing concerns about secondhand vapor, it’s understandable that hotels don’t want plumes of vapor in public areas or left in rooms for cleaning staff to inhale. Additionally, the lithium-ion batteries used in cheaper vape devices have been known to explode or catch fire if left to charge for too long, which adds a safety concern for hotel management.

What to Do If You Want to Vape While Staying at a Hotel

Before heading to the hotel, contact the concierge to find out their specific rules on vaping. Book a room where vaping is permitted on the balcony or near one of the designated outdoor smoking areas.

Alternatively, you can book one of the hotel chains that still offers smoking rooms. However, these rooms often come with issues of their own, like a lingering cigarette smoke smell, which could be an issue for ex-cigarette smokers especially. 

Legal Considerations

In addition to hotel policies, there is a changing tide among lawmakers regarding vaping in public places. Some states like Alabama are pushing to ban vaping in all public places statewide, while cities like San Antonio, TX, have already banned it.

Hotels have a duty of care to all who come to stay, which includes people who may have health issues or are sensitive to vapor, which could mean the hotel takes liability if something happens to a guest and they are exposed to vapor during their stay.

While the laws in cities and states are under discussion nationwide, hotel chains that have banned vaping inside may be ahead of the curve for other establishments. 

Alternatives to Vaping Indoors

If you want a nicotine hit indoors, consider nicotine pouches, gum, or patches. But, if vaping is the only way of consuming nicotine in your eyes, stick to outdoor designated smoking areas or choose a room that allows vaping inside. For other guests and cleaning staff, you could also consider bringing along a portable odor neutralizer to use in your room. 

Conclusion

Hotel rules on vaping inside vary between chains and individual establishments. However, most don’t allow smoking or vaping indoors in public areas, and many hotels have now switched to being completely smoke-free indoors.

It’s essential to follow the rules of the hotel in which you are staying to make sure you don’t receive a fine or potentially affect somebody else’s health by vaping where you shouldn’t.