You’re checked into your hotel, you’ve unpacked, and you’re ready to relax. If you vape regularly, the next question is obvious: can you use your vape in the room? The short answer is that it depends on the hotel’s policy—but assuming it’s fine can land you in trouble. From cleaning fees to smoke alarms and even eviction, vaping in hotel rooms isn’t as risk-free as many assume.
Hotel Policies on Vaping
Most hotels group vaping under the same category as smoking. If a room is marked non-smoking, that usually includes vapes—whether nicotine-based, CBD or otherwise. The reason is simple: while vaping doesn’t produce smoke, it still leaves behind vapour, which can affect surfaces, trigger fire alarms, and disturb other guests.
Hotels may not always state their vaping policy clearly in the booking process, but if smoking is banned, you should assume vaping is too. Some hotel chains are beginning to update their terms to include e-cigarettes explicitly, especially as vaping becomes more common.
Why Hotels Don’t Allow Vaping
Vaping may seem cleaner than smoking, but it can still leave behind residue and odour. The aerosol from vapes contains fine particles that can settle on mirrors, furniture, and fabric. Flavoured vape juices in particular can leave lingering scents, especially in rooms with poor ventilation.
Another major concern is fire alarms. Many hotels use heat or particle-based smoke detectors, and dense vape clouds can trigger them. False alarms not only disrupt other guests—they can lead to emergency callouts, building evacuations, and expensive fees that are often passed on to the guest responsible.
What Happens If You Vape in a Non-Vaping Room?
If you ignore the rules and vape in a non-smoking room, the consequences can vary. Some hotels will add a cleaning fee to your bill—often between £100 and £250—whether you caused damage or not. Others may issue warnings or even ask you to leave if you violate their policies.
In more extreme cases, particularly if you trigger an alarm or damage property, you may be charged for the cost of callouts, cleaning services or temporary closures of the room.
These charges are typically outlined in the terms and conditions agreed to at check-in, meaning the hotel has legal grounds to enforce them if necessary.
Vaping Discreetly: Is It Worth It?
Some guests try to vape discreetly in the bathroom or near an open window, thinking it won’t be noticed. While you may get away with it occasionally, it’s still a gamble. Many modern hotels have sensitive detectors, and even a brief session can be enough to leave a trace.
The safest approach is to ask at reception. If the hotel has designated smoking rooms or outdoor areas, they’ll likely allow vaping there too. Some boutique or independently owned hotels may be more relaxed, but never assume—it’s always better to check.
Alternatives and Travel Tips
If you’re unsure about your hotel’s policy, plan ahead. Consider using disposable vapes or low-output devices that produce less vapour. Staying in accommodations with private balconies or smoking areas also makes things easier. And if you’re travelling frequently, keeping a compact vape kit and portable air freshener can help you stay discreet when appropriate.
Final Word
You can’t always vape in hotel rooms—especially those marked as non-smoking. Even though vaping produces vapour rather than smoke, it can still trigger alarms, leave odours and result in fines. Always check the hotel’s policy, ask at reception if you’re unsure, and use designated areas when available. A bit of caution goes a long way when you’re on someone else’s property.
