I work in the sales department of a hotel, but also train front desk. We don't give incentives to our housekeepers, but they seem happy enough to report any smoking. After all, if fining defers future smoking in the room, that's less clean-up the housekeeping staff needs to do. Everytime there is smoking in a room, housekeeping needs to thoroughly air out the room, cleaning, fe-breezing, etc, for the next guest. It makes for a lot of extra work. Plus, I don't think they need to be sifting through garbage - you just walk into the room and the smell is in the air. A lot of guests don't even try to hide it, leaving ashes and butts in glasses, on windowsills, in toilets.
I agree that no-one should be going through personal garbage--that just seems a bit extreme!!

Posted By Heather Kribs on February 21, 2008, 2:42 PM

I fully agree with Heather's comment about how much additional work is required to clean up after smokers who use non-smoking rooms. It's a pain in the butt :)

That said, something about the idea of an incentive-based system to smoke out (sorry) smokers seems excessive. This could easily lead to a large number of erroneous finger pointing and create more problems than it solves.

Furthermore, hotels should routinely reward housekeepers - who are terribly underpaid - with bonuses for the great service they provide...not for "catching" smokers.

Posted By Pete on February 21, 2008, 4:58 PM

We charge $200 and evict anyone smoking in our b and b. That is nothing compared to the cost of replacing linens and curtains that you never get the smell out of, and rug cleaning required to get the film out. Tobacco smoke has an oil in it that permeates and stains everything!

The Alexander House Booklovers B and B

Posted By elizabeth on February 25, 2008, 12:18 PM

I applaud any lodging facitilies that "enforce" the no smoking rules and however they do it is fine with me. Nothing can be more offensive than the rudeness of smokers who insist that they do not stink or that they have every right to extend this to others whether they want it or not. How sad to be so addicted that they must act that way.

Posted By Joyce on February 25, 2008, 1:00 PM

Removing the odor of tobacco smoke is challenging and expensive. As a realtor, I've often found that it can cost $1,000 or more, even after a house has been cleaned, to get that odor out of a home while preparing it for market. It's easy to see how a hotel could incur at least $250 in expense to clean, a room especially after the smoke has permeated the draperies, upholstery, carpeting and bedding.

Posted By Lewis Edge on February 25, 2008, 2:24 PM

As a non-smoker who is allergic to smoke, I think it is a great idea to fine people who smoke in the rooms. I get migraines just being in a room where people have smoked which often send me to the Emergency Room. I do have children who smoke but they respect my request that they not smoke around me. I think the maids who have to do all the extra work trying to get the smell out of the room should be rewarded. I am sure there are as many if not more people who would like to stay in a non-smoking room as those who smoke.

Posted By Peggy on February 25, 2008, 2:41 PM

I have family members who are allergic to cigarette smoke. Personally, I find the smell disgusting. I always reserve non-smoking rooms and would be offended to find the room otherwise. Febreezing isn't enough to get the smell out and I think hotels should charge the full cost of replacing the soft goods in the room (curtains, carpet, bedding, etc.). That should deter smokers from violating the non-smoking label on the room.

Posted By Val on February 25, 2008, 2:51 PM

Nah, nah, nah. Sounds like a bunch of crybabies here. Whatever happened to live and let live, and minding your own business? We have become a nation of pampered wimps, upset by the least little thing.

Posted By Jay on February 25, 2008, 3:51 PM

Both diesel fumes and cigarette smoke are triggers for asthma, and until you've visited the hospital because you can't breathe, you can't imagine the terror. There are several in our extended family that suffer from asthma, one of which has to travel with a breathing machine. The insensitivity of some smokers to this very real concern demands more than a $250 fine. But a hotel using Febreeze to mask the odor? Talk about adding salt to a wound!

Posted By alisan on February 25, 2008, 3:54 PM

A nonsmoker, I detest the habit. Fortunately most flights now (except Egypt Air), restaurants and other public places are nonsmoking now. What is "fe-breeze"? Never heard of it.

Roger Williams, Boulder, Colorado USA.

Posted By Roger AC Williams on February 25, 2008, 4:53 PM

Having worked at a hotel I think the penalty should be enforced. Smokers rooms are the worst in the hotel, and the guest the rudest. A housekeeper doesn't have to sift through trash to see if a guest has smoked you know when you walk in the room. When i worked at hotels nobody liked to clean them (even the smokers)and it a danger to people to breath in those toxic leftover fumes. Plus if they get a bonus good for them since usually the manager gets a bonus as the result of how well the hotel passes state inspection, while the housekeeper who did all the work gets nothing, except more rooms to get done and yelled at by the manager. I have worked in a few hotels and they all are like this. Budget to fancy. So no sympathy for any smoker, you cause more danger to everyone as it is.

Posted By Carrie on February 25, 2008, 5:16 PM

I'm an ex-smoker and I can't stand the awful obnoxious smell. Someone that smokes in a non smoking room is selfish, rude and childish, something I never would have done when I smoked.
$250 is not enough to stop the abusers.

Posted By Donna McDonell on February 25, 2008, 6:38 PM

No rewards for housekeeping or they may smoke in your room. I have left my room for the day, only to return and my room smell smoky. Yes I have complained. What you choose to do to your own health is your problem but smokers seem to think they have a right to bestow their problem on the rest of us. $250 is not enough and fabreeze will not get the smell out.

Posted By Gail Stephens on February 25, 2008, 6:59 PM

I personally think that the $250 policy doesn't go far enough. Execute them. Oh, I forgot, they are killing themselves anyway. I just don't want to have to smell their death nicotine odor.

I am retiring from the house painting business and the #1 complaint from our customers was cigarette butts left on their property.

Posted By James Grover on February 25, 2008, 7:47 PM

If you don't allow smoking, I think they ought to outlaw perfume too. I am smoker and I am a curtious smoker. Ashes go in the ashtray and I dumped my ashtray and wash it when I leave a hotel room. Of course the problem most people don't like the smell of smoke, but they seem to tolerate perfume. Perfume is worse for asmatics than smoking. Of course that doesn't count. If I pay my money, I ask for a smoking room. If no smoking room is available, i either don't stay there or I go outside to smoke. GROW UP. My age group fought hard for you to have rights but you sure don't care about anybody's rights but yours.

Posted By Shiflett on February 25, 2008, 7:58 PM

My husband and I both used to smoke and just hate the stink smokers leave behind. We were in Las Vegas and had a room on a non-smoking floor. We could smell the smoke coming under our door and at 2 AM the smoke detector went off. In most of the hotels out there you have to go through part of the casino to get to the front desk or the elevators to get to your room. YUK! It just made me sick! We won't go back there again! If you smokers out there knew how bad you smelled you'd quit!! When I have to hang my coat next to yours I have to air it out when I get home.
To Jay, you sound like a died in the wool smoker. I hate to tell you but you're being out numbered. I hope my taxes never have to pay for your cancer treatments!! Nancy

Posted By Nancy Gomez on February 25, 2008, 9:43 PM

I have no problem with the fines but the incentive to maids worries me. But there is another problem with this whole concept: I was accused of smoking in a non-smoking room though I hadn't. The only thing that prevented them from adding the fine to my credit card was my insistance that they first speak to the desk clerk on duty the night before to whom I had complained about smoke drifting in my window from the patio below. So the problem is one of trying to prove a negative. If I hadn't complained, I would have been stuck with the fine.

Posted By Karen on February 26, 2008, 8:25 AM

I am not a smoker and I was charged $250 for smoking in the room. I called and they confirmed that maid had reported smoking in the room. I was so angry and had to call many times and explain to everyone that I am not a smoker and I had no visitor and I hate cigarett smell.
I just got off the phone and they said they will remove the charge but I don't know what could I do even they have not agreed. Probably take them to small claim court.

Posted By majid on December 9, 2008, 2:42 PM

All of you people make me laugh. All of you don't realize that the tax the smokers pay on cigarettes is applied for road repairs, YOUR kids schools (thanks for the increase Obama), and many other things that you utilize on a daily basis. I am paying my hard earned money for a hotel room and should have the right to do what I want in that room. I am not saying smokers should smoke in a non-smoking room, but there should be smoking rooms and non-smoking rooms like it was a couple of years ago. Next time all of you get a room, bring an ultra violet light with you. Check out the stains on the sheets, the comforters, the pillows etc. What do you think those stains are???? From smokers????? Are the maids doing their jobs is properly cleaning???? Is the hotel ensuring hygiene safety? Can I fine the hotel if I find a stain???

Come on give me a break.

For you smokers that get caught and have to pay the surcharge...here is a word of advice...all rooms are paid with credit cards, credit cards will stop payment if you call them and tell them that you are being erroneously charged. Let the hotel spend the time and effort to collect their $150. They will never be able to prove that you smoked in the room.

Case closed. Yeah we are the rudest too!

Posted By Joe on February 18, 2009, 10:13 PM

If it gets any harder to find a smoking room, I am going to buy an RV.

Posted By Ray Carty on March 21, 2009, 6:07 AM

My friends and I just got caught smoking Marijuana in a hotel, the dude asked to check our room because someone had reported the odor. He said "A three hundred dollar fine will be charged to your bill" I guess they tried charging us $300 but since I was using a prepaid credit card they couldn't considering I only had 44 cents remaining. I got a call fifteen minutes later saying that the police would be called if we didn't leave now. So we left, lol.

Posted By Michel on May 18, 2009, 1:00 PM

I was in Wingate hotel located at Flushing, NY. I got in there and was quoted $150 for one night. During the book, I was not asked whether I was a smoker or non-smoker, neither I want smoking room or not. Then, as usual, I smoked. When I was charged $200 when I checked my credit card statement. I thought it was ridiculous that they didn't inform me such question, but charge. Look, anyone can charge for anything stated on their police. But they have a obligation to inform such a big fine before it happens. I think this is no more than a way to rip off money from guests. Now I know the law and this police, but why not informing guests about it and asking options for room type? That's ridiculous.

Posted By Jason on June 1, 2009, 10:48 AM

Thats my problem too! Just recently stayed the night at my first mom and pop establishment and was charged 100 for smoking in the room. My hubby nor I smoke lol, tried to fight it but was informed by motel owner " Ive done this many times, and I ALWAYS win " How do you fight it??? totally agree, just a way to scam people outta more $$ =(

Posted By cat on July 6, 2009, 4:41 PM

This is to the point of harrassment. We have politically corrected ourselves into a nightmare. Drinkers and Smokers are paying more taxes for your wimpy asses. I agree that you should not smoke in a non smoking room but you cannot find a smoking room anywhere here in S.Florida. They claim is less costly to clean up. B.S. look at these rooms closley and you would not stay at most of them. Do the blacklight thing I read on another post.

These hotels and bars, etc. are losing their shirts, I have been trying to book 4 rooms for 3 days at a resort on the beach for a three day party, and guess what everyplace has no smoking policies.........their loss.....I will spend my money where I am not discriminated against. if it cost more to clean the room (Ha Ha) charge us a service fee....everyone else does, cig taxes are out of control and the state crys broke.. Ask Gov Crist where all the payoffs from The Seminole Casinos is going.......Millions and Millions

Posted By Jack Raven on July 13, 2009, 11:04 AM

I'm fine with hotels charging whatever fee necessary to clean the room after someone smokes. The problem is that hotels don't always (almost never) use that money to actually clean the room properly. Most main stream hotels will simply place the room back in inventory and wait for the next guest to complain and hope the smell goes away.

Posted By Rob on August 15, 2009, 5:33 PM

I am frustrated by these non-smoking hotels. I fully understand non-smoking rooms. I agree that resturants and malls are smoke free. If I cannot make it through a meal without a smoke, then there is a real problem. However, when I am traveling I, like non-smokers, what to go to my room at the end of the day to relax. I want to put on comfortable clothes, work on my computer, etc. I cannot settle in for the evening because I have to leave my room to have a smoke. I can't turn on a good movie and kick my feet up because I will miss parts of the movie to go outside to have a smoke. THIS IS UNFAIR TO THOSE OF US WHO CHOOSE TO SMOKE.

Fine the life out of offenders that smoke in non-smoking rooms. That is just wrong and inconsiderate of others. But I want a room that is reserved for smokers.

Posted By Kim on September 1, 2009, 9:41 PM

completely unenforceable. The consumer will always prevail in a credit card dispute. Continue to smoke in the room and flush the butts down the toliet. No way management can prove you smoked in the room. Claim that you didn't and suggest the maid did or someone else. It can't be proven unless they actally see it. Regardless, simply inform the card company of the dispute and the charge will be reversed (charged back to the merchant/hotel. Smoke em if you got em and fight back.

Posted By andy on September 22, 2009, 5:44 PM

I don't have a problem with people smoking, and I believe we live in the US for the rights it affords us. Feel free to smoke if you want to.

But I think the main point here that people are missing is that these are fines for NON-SMOKING rooms! If you want to smoke, get a smoking room. If your favorite hotels have become completely non-smoking, find a new hotel. Why would you continue to give your money to a company who has policies you don't agree with?
I think that's my biggest problem - you check into a hotel room fully knowing it's non-smoking and then you're going to fight management when they complain about you "breaking the rules"? The only reason a hotel is able to charge you a smoking charge is if you signed the registration card at check-in and it specifically said you'll be charged if you smoke in the room.
You're free to live your life the way you want to, but not on someone else's property. You follow the hotel rules. If you don't like them, don't go there!

Posted By Heather K on November 10, 2009, 6:18 PM

As a small hotel business owner, I also can confirm that these "fines" are not deliberately ill-natured. For one, it's in a hotel's best interest to be non-smoking as the majority of it's guests fit this profile, and if you have limited availability you can put a smoker in a non-smoking room with out much complaint but the majority of non-smoking guests will refuse to stay in the smoking room due to the offensively smelly room. It IS disgusting if you don't smoke.
The additional labor incurred from the complete overhaul of the room, dry cleaning of drapes and deodorizing is very near the dollar amount of the fine. IN addition to this, you need to air out the room for a day which means a loss for whatever the room costs in revenue for the day that it's off line. For some hotels this is hundreds of dollars. Add it up people, it's a lot of money. There is one more factor... Liability insurance. In a tight margined industry such as this, the difference between rates of a hotel that caters to smokers and those that does not is significant... smokers DRAMATICALLY increase the rate of fires in businesses, and your rates will reflect this. If smokers don't like having to put up with these issues, don't smoke... This is not a discriminatory issue, your actions do affect others.. deal with the consequences or don't do it in the first place.

Posted By Jake H on January 12, 2010, 4:04 PM

Puh-leeze. I just love it when the smoke free types stamp their little feet, complain about smokers and flounce off to their behemoth SUVs. Guess what? Every gas guzzling soccer mom is putting about a thousand times more contaminants into my air each time she revs up the family bus than a smoker will produce in a lifetime. It's not like it doesn't stink or create health problems, not to mention the additional risk to other drivers. How about we ban all oversize vehicles? How would that be? When that happens I'll happily give up smoking. It's just that some folks can't bear to see others enjoying themselves...

Posted By Ubiq on February 5, 2010, 5:03 AM

For all you non smokers out there, I just took up chewing for the sole purpose of you and of these hotels. I don't see anywhere that a little tobacco juice on the carpet is a violation. So, have a chew and spit freely.

J Lawson

Posted By Jacob Lwason on February 9, 2010, 10:30 PM

I and my wife were just fined $200 for her smoking in a non-smoking room.
The problem is that the travel agent didn't bother to inform us that we were being booked into a non-smoking hotel. Then the hotel had not a single sign or notice anywhere that it was a non-smoking room. After getting up at 3:00AM and flying 2 hours, then working a full day in a strange city, then finally getting to a hotel at 9:00PM it never occurred to either of us that the hotel was a non-smoking hotel. There were no signs, no warnings. The clerk did not mention it. The travel agent did not mention it. When I went with my wife to the travel agency, they did not ask either of us if we smoked. The first we knew about it was 1 week later when we were charged a $200 for a mistake made by the travel agent.
My wife smoked 2 cigarettes in the room and I never smelled it when walking into the room the next day. Believe me I can smell cigarette smoke since I quit 25 years ago, but in my oppinion, the rudest and nastiest people in the world are ex-smokers. As evidence I present the comment above about executing smokers. I found that sick and twisted and I did not appreciate the sick humor of it. The second nastiest group of people is the group that has no problem with fining people for doing something they enjoy. I understand the fine from the hotel, even though I bet the cleanup in our case consisted of a few squirts of room freshener. In any event, I think all the nasty hateing ex-smokers and smokeing haters, have taken the place of the nasty smokers that you all complain about, as the most obnoxious and nastiest people on the planent. Oh, I forgot, the nastiest smokers are all ex-smokers now and feel it is OK to be rude and nasty to smokers in the name of "helping them to quit".
Sorry if I sound bitter, but my wife is loved by many people, and is never discourteous about her smoking, but she is mistreated, and maligned by the anti-smoking nazi's as if she is an evil or hatefull person. She is not.

Please think twice before you discriminate as you are against smokers. I know smokers have been nasty, but in my opinion above, I believe the nastiest of the smokers has stopped and have "joined the winning side" and have become 10 times as nasty against smokers as they were as smokers.

Shame on you all.

Calvin E. Thomas

Posted By Calvin Thomas on February 27, 2010, 5:45 PM

My parents and I stayed at the Bilmar resort (treasure island, FL) and we all smoke. But, we never smoked in the room, nor were there any cigarette recepticles near our unit. We did smoke outside and many of our neighbors did the same. We were charged $150 because we were accused of smoking in our room. After speaking with the manager she said that three employees smelled smoke in our room, but no one saw us smoking in our room because we did not. The manager said a no smoking in the room notice was posted in our room. We went to the room with 2 other hotel employees and there was no notice.
I have read many other responses of non-smokers being charged this fee because smoke does travel. This fee is terrible and will cause the hotels to lose revenue because they are charging people who do not smoke in there room. A judge would side with the smokers because even with cigarette butts in the garbage, that only proves someone put them there(might have been a maid, the room renter found them under a bed, little kids cleaning up outside, etc)
This fee will be challanged in court and the sad thing is that the hotels are ripping off their customers. We asked what could they do to the room that would possibly cost $150 and the manager said that they would clean the air (aka spray lysol).
What is next- charging for turning on the AC, Heat, thowing away leftovers that leave a smell, people who wear too much cologne/perfume???

It is one thing to make the person aware at check in that this fee could be charged if you smoke in your room, but with no warning and to be charged at check out like I am sure many of these hotels/ motels/ B&B's do, it is nothing short of robbery. Buyer Beware!!

Posted By yeahright on March 13, 2010, 3:11 PM

Same thing happened to me asked for Smoking room, NO Signs ,Not informed,it was even on my Conformation Charged,$250.00 What can be done... Kellie

Posted By Kellie Callaway on March 18, 2010, 10:31 AM

We booked into a hotel (Ramada) and were told that our creditcard had met its limits. Impossible, we thought, since the hotel was only 200 dollars. Thing was, they checked if we could pay the 250 dollar as a fine. We thought this was ridiculous, since we don't smoke en we were never informed about this when booking. The receptionist was not willing to help us (passport as bail, or 500 dollar cash was not an option) and could not be bothered. "Hotel Policy". Having studied AND worked in the hospitality branche I was quite angry about this. Sure, 250 dollar charged to your creditcard is fine, but just let the people booking the hotel know when they book it, so we can take other creditcards.

Posted By louise on April 7, 2010, 1:56 PM

This is a no-brainer. First, accept that people smoke. 2) smokers need to develop some manners. 3) create a place for the smokers to smoke, don't just pretend they're not there (see #1). 3) Lose the self-righteous attitude on both sides and treat each other properly. 4) Realize that political-correctness is killing America and THINK before you spout off about all the terrible smokers. What's next, no brown shoes when you check in, only black? Think about it, people!

Posted By judy serie nagy on April 8, 2010, 12:52 PM

The state of Wisconsin has passed a law of no smoking in all public places.
So smokers, what would you like the hotel owner to do? If we, as hotel owners, let you smoke, we are breaking the law. So please smoke outside in Wisconsin because it's against the law to smoke inside as of May or June 1, 2010.

Posted By Carol on April 10, 2010, 2:09 PM

I just stayed at a hotel this weekend and after leaving I noticed they charged my bank account 250 dollars. When I called the hotel they stated that I had smoked in the room and they where charging me for that. CRAZY THING IS I DON'T SMOKE! Nor did I ever smoke in the room. They stated they found ashes. Does anyone know how they determine this? How can I fight this claim? Can hotels just do this to make money? I am so frustrated.

Posted By Jeanette on April 26, 2010, 2:58 PM

I smoke in pretty much ANY hotel room. If you are smart about it, you don't get caught.

You think some barely able to speak English maid is going to figure out you were smoking in there? HAHAHA Dream on.

I have smoked in some of the most MILITANT anti smoker hotels and never been charged or caught.

Another trick is to check in with an AMEX card, if they DO try and nail you with a smoking fee, just dispute the whole charge. NEVER use an ATM card.. always a credit card.

So I say to the hotel industry, go ahead, try and catch me.

Posted By Gandu on May 3, 2010, 9:59 AM

I smoked cigarettes for forever and quitting was difficult. I tried all of the stop smoking aids but nothing helped. Then I discovered the electronic cigarette . The electronic cigarette uses a nicotine juice that contains nothing but nicotine. No poisons at all. They have actually improved my life.

Posted By Clifford Chagollan on May 21, 2010, 4:53 PM

The state of Wisconsin has passed a law of no smoking in all public places.
So smokers, what would you like the hotel owner to do? If we, as hotel owners, let you smoke, we are breaking the law. The law take effect July 1 2010.

Posted By Rodger on June 24, 2010, 3:21 PM

Smokers are indeed a dying breed. Still there needs to be freedom of choice. It’s a good thing that some hotels are still offering people a choice.

Posted By Diego on July 22, 2010, 2:28 PM

Everyone keeps saying get a smoking room. Well I have to stay at a hotel in a town that only has 3 hotels, every hotel is non-smoking. I always ask for a smoking room, but if you cant cater to smokers by opening up just 2 or 3 rooms, then I say screw you, I'm lightin up!

Posted By John on August 31, 2010, 6:58 PM

You people are ridiculous, smoking in a room once or twice a month is not going to absolutely ruin the upholstery in a hotel room, that should still be THUROUGHLY cleaned after every visitor. It is seriously nothing that a little Febreeze couldn't cure. I find it very hard to believe that even people with the most severe allergies to cigarette smoke would be hospitalized or even slightly irritated if the room was smoked in a few days or weeks prior to their stay in that particular room. Charging $265 to spray a room down with some odor eater is ridiculous. Although, if some one singed the curtains, carpets, etc., I would understand and fully condone the expensive fee.

Posted By Jenee on September 7, 2010, 1:24 PM

I am not here to bash smokers - but I find it hard to believe some think there are no odors and it is a simple job to clean. I have gone to clubs, bars etc. and when I go home and smell my clothes and hair it reeks of smoke. It may be okay to you if you smoke as more than likely you are used to the smell but if you are a non-smoket it is a problem. It is the worse thing to have someone smoke in a designated non-smoking area/room. I do agree that hotels should have smoking rooms rooms as they need to cater to both groups.

Posted By Sharon on October 6, 2010, 4:20 PM

@
Gandu

Go smoke your cigs in the middle of a busy street.

Posted By Fusmoker on January 13, 2011, 1:25 AM

I am a smoker and am right now in a non smoking Hotel room. I agree that smoking does leave behind an ordor to some extent. I have been standing next to people who smoke like a chimney and smell like one and I am a smoker. It is offensive, but I also have been standing next to a smoker who does not smoke like a chimney and I don"t smell a thing. The problem here is that I as a smoker go on a trip and do not enjoy myself as I am always worried about where I can smoke. Yes i should quit, but just like someone who is trying to quit any bad habbit, it is different when you choose to quit and when you feel you are being forced to quit. It is my choice. And I don't think that I should be condemed. No I will not smoke in a non smoking room as it would be breaking the law. But why can't you have some smoking rooms. Some one can drink them selves drunk in a hotel room, bar, restaurant and then go out and kill someone with their vehicle, but I can't have a relaxing cigarette in a hotel room, restaurant or bar. I actually do not get upset at restarants or bars, as I realize that non smokers are there and yes they go home smelling like a cigarette. But a hotel can have smoking rooms I agree that most are doing this just to be able to fine the smokers. Suppose you go to a hotel that is all smoking and you get fined because you stayed there and did not smoke. Come on people rights are for everyone smokers and non smokers alike. Like I said I do not smoke if it offends someone that I am with, I drive to places with either a smoker or non smoker who doesn"t mind my smoking, if someone needs a ride and they do not like smoking and I choose to drive them some where I will not smoke. I am not a mean rotten person, I just want to go on a trip and enjoy myself like everyone else. Maybe I should open up an all smoking hotel and refuse to let smokers stay or fine them for not smoking.

Posted By Cindy on January 22, 2011, 10:23 AM

I am a smoker & I travel a lot for work. Yes, I sometimes smoke in non-smoking rooms. I have a mini ionic air purifier that plugs into an outlet & I also travel with Febreeze. The combination of the two have always kept the room fresh & I've never been charged. The air purifier is about $35 at WalMart, which is an inexpensive investment saving me from standing out in the cold. However, I did get charged once for an umbrella they said I took from my room. I never even saw an umbrella, it never rained, but they said I took it. I kind of wish I HAD seen that $180 umbrella...I'll bet it was nice. But no one has ever asked me if I smoked in my room!

Posted By Amanda on March 3, 2011, 1:46 AM

I make a point to smoke in non smoking rooms. Never been caught yet. You Nazis better step up your games.. lol because I get away with it every time.

Its very simple to sneak, and it takes a whole lot to prove it in court.. Step it up people.. lol

Posted By OBTOU on March 3, 2011, 9:04 PM

Obtou, you suck.
I got charged $250 for smoking @ Super * Spokane Valley...and i dont smoke!
Was it someone like you who left a trace that I got accused of leaving??
I am discovering how hard it is to challenge a fraudulent smoking charge. Since I signed the bill (and left before inspection), then the credit card company claims the contract is valid. My only recourse is small claims court...300 miles away. And how do I prove that the evidence wasnt mine?? From now on, I am paying cash only for a hotel.

Posted By Cash only on February 8, 2012, 5:15 PM

As a hotel general manager I do not charge for smoking, unless the carpet or linens are burnt. What I am seeing an increased problem with is Meth Labs. People check in late at night , and then leave after leaving a chemical smell that will give anyone who walks into the room a headache, this smell can last for weeks. They also leave residue all over the room. We started charging $1000 for this gross property damage. So far we have had to charge 2 customers. Our policy is to call the police, if they say that drugs where manufactured in a room, and collect enough evidence from security cameras and the collected residue left in rooms, then we charge. One of the 2 did come back to dispute these charges, and was promptly arrested by the police who were investigating.

Posted By Joe Smith on February 8, 2012, 9:08 PM