Smoking In Hotel Rooms: A Redditor's Guide To Staying Discreet

Hey guys, so you're a smoker, and you're traveling. The eternal question arises: How do you enjoy a smoke in your hotel room without getting busted and slapped with those hefty fees? Well, buckle up, because we're diving deep into the smoky underbelly of hotel room smoking, with tips and tricks gleaned from the smokers of Reddit and beyond. This guide is designed to help you navigate the tricky world of hotel room regulations while still enjoying your habit. Remember, this is purely for informational purposes, and we always encourage respecting hotel policies. We'll cover everything from the best methods to minimize odor to potential consequences, and how to deal with them. Let's get started!

The Art of the Discreet Smoke: Minimizing Odor

Okay, so the biggest issue, the elephant in the room (pun intended!), is the smell. Hotels are super sensitive about smoke, and for good reason. It lingers, it's hard to get rid of, and it costs them money to clean up. So, the name of the game is odor control. Here's how you can be sneaky and keep things smelling fresh:

• The Ventilation Game: This is your first line of defense. Open windows (if possible – and always check if smoking is permitted on the balcony first), turn on the bathroom fan, and if there's an air purifier in the room, put it to work. Creating airflow is crucial to pushing the smoke outside. Consider placing a towel under the door to prevent smoke from escaping into the hallway. Also, try to position yourself near a window and use the cross-ventilation method to get the smoke out. This means opening a window or two and creating a draft to pull the smoke away from you and out of the room. Sometimes even using the air conditioner can help circulate the air. Just make sure the smell is not getting into the air conditioning system. This will keep the smell as minimal as possible. Try and use this method in tandem with other methods that will be mentioned further below.
• The Smoke Buddy and Similar Devices: These are game-changers. A Smoke Buddy is a personal air filter that you exhale your smoke into. It traps the smoke and odor, expelling clean air. This dramatically reduces the amount of smoke escaping into the room. This is one of the best methods you can use to ensure the smell does not linger. This can easily be bought online, in smoke shops, or even in a few convenience stores. So, before your trip, you can buy these. Consider having a backup, in case one breaks. Also, always dispose of the filter after use, to ensure the smell does not spread in your room. They are usually quite affordable, so always keep extra ones on you.
• The DIY Approach: If you're in a pinch, create a DIY smoke filter. Take a toilet paper roll and stuff it with dryer sheets (the scented kind). Exhale your smoke through the roll. It's not as effective as a Smoke Buddy, but it can help to minimize the odor, and it can be done very quickly if you have access to toilet paper rolls and dryer sheets. There are tons of guides on the internet on how to do this. Consider doing a search before your trip, just in case you forget to bring the proper tools for your trip. This will save you some hassle.
• Incense and Air Fresheners: Once you've smoked, use incense, air freshener, or even a strong-smelling essential oil diffuser. These can help mask any lingering odors. Just be mindful of the scents you choose; you don't want to replace the smell of smoke with something equally suspicious. Consider using a combination of different types of incense or air fresheners. That way, you can ensure the smell is completely gone. Also, open the windows to allow the smell of the incense or air freshener to escape. Also, don't overdo it, the smell of a lot of incense can be very suspicious, and that can easily give you away.
• Strategic Timing: Smoke when the hotel staff is less likely to be around – think late at night or early in the morning. This reduces the chance of getting caught in the act. Try and avoid smoking during the day, as that is the period in which most people are working in the hotel. Also, make sure to always be discreet when opening the windows. People can be very suspicious, so try and stay away from any kind of prying eyes.

The Gear: What to Bring on Your Smoker's Reconnaissance

Preparation is key, my friends. Here's a checklist of what you should consider packing:

• Your Preferred Smoking Device: Be it cigarettes, a vape, or something else, bring it. Also, have a lighter or matches with you. Make sure to always keep these items in a secure and safe location, away from any children. And always have a backup, just in case one breaks. Always be aware of the policies surrounding your preferred device in the hotel. Most hotels have banned smoking inside the building. You should check before booking, just in case the hotel is not suitable for your trip. In most hotels, if the device is electronic, you might be allowed to smoke in the room.
• A Smoke Buddy (or similar device): As mentioned above, this is your best friend. Don't leave home without it. Consider always bringing a backup, just in case something happens to your original.
• Incense, Air Freshener, or Essential Oil Diffuser: These will be your lifesavers. Choose scents that aren't too overpowering. Remember to always be careful with the scents you use. You don't want to raise any suspicion.
• Airtight Container or Ziploc Bags: For disposing of your cigarette butts or used vape cartridges. Never leave them in the room trash can. You don't want the hotel staff to find any kind of evidence. Remember, the most important thing is to keep it all hidden. Always put the trash in a safe location before going to sleep.
• Wet Wipes or Hand Sanitizer: To eliminate any lingering scent on your hands. Always clean yourself and the room after using any smoking device. Keeping everything clean will minimize the smell. You also want to make sure that there is no trace of smoke left.
• A Small Ashtray: Or something you can use as one, like a metal container. This will prevent any ashes from falling anywhere. Always keep the ashes away from any flammable objects.
• Duct Tape: It might seem weird, but it can be used to seal off any cracks around the door or windows. This will prevent the smoke from escaping, or the smell from spreading.

Dealing with the Aftermath: What to Do If You Get Caught

Alright, let's say the worst happens. You get caught. Here's how to handle it:

• Stay Calm and Polite: Don't argue. Being rude will only make things worse. Remember, if you're caught smoking in a non-smoking room, you're likely breaking the rules, and it's best to be respectful.
• Deny, Deny, Deny: If possible, claim you weren't aware of the no-smoking policy. Or that it was a mistake. However, this can be difficult to pull off. The hotel has a zero-tolerance policy. Make sure to be as apologetic as possible.
• Assess the Damage: The hotel will likely charge you a cleaning fee. This can range from a few hundred to several hundred dollars. Ask about the fees and if there's any room for negotiation. The price usually depends on how much the staff can smell. The staff will likely assess the damage, and then apply a fee to your payment method.
• Be Prepared to Pay: If you're caught, you'll likely have to pay the fee. Fighting it might be possible, but it could be a hassle. This will be the price you have to pay. You can always contest it with your bank, but the chances of them refunding you are pretty low.
• Consider a Different Hotel for Future Stays: If the hotel is strict, you might want to look for a different place to stay next time. You might be on their "do not allow" list, and that can be a problem. You can always avoid the problem by booking a room in a different hotel. This is also helpful to avoid the stress of having to deal with a hotel.

Alternatives and Considerations

Here are some other things to keep in mind:

• Check Hotel Policies: Always check the hotel's smoking policy before booking. Some hotels have designated smoking areas, balconies, or smoking rooms. Some hotels have banned smoking altogether. Also, check the smoking policies in each area, as the hotel staff will sometimes have a separate policy. So, before you book, ensure you're on the same page as the hotel staff.
• Vaping: Vaping is often treated differently than traditional smoking. Many hotels allow vaping, but it's always best to check first. Also, vaping can still trigger smoke alarms, so be careful. You want to be sure, that even though it may be allowed, it won't be triggering alarms. To be safe, always follow the smoking policy in the hotel.
• Smoking Rooms: If available, book a smoking room. It's the easiest way to avoid any issues. But smoking rooms might not always be available, and they're usually more expensive. Always book in advance, as smoking rooms can be quite in demand. You will also be less prone to causing any problems with the hotel.
• Respect the Rules: Ultimately, respecting the hotel's policies is the best way to avoid any problems. If you can't adhere to their rules, you might want to consider an alternative solution, like a smoking room, or perhaps just not smoking in the room. Also, be aware that hotel policies can change, so always check for the most up-to-date information before your trip.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, guys! A comprehensive guide to hotel room smoking. Remember, discretion is key. Follow these tips, and you'll increase your chances of enjoying your smoke without getting into trouble. Always be respectful of the hotel's policies, and understand that you might face consequences if you get caught. Happy smoking, and safe travels! Remember to stay safe, and always be aware of your surroundings. If you follow these tips, you can increase your chances of a smoke-filled vacation! If you want to stay away from any hassle, make sure to always follow the hotel's guidelines.