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Cigarette smoke coming into hotel room, possibly through vents

Hello, this is my first post here, so I hope I'm approaching this topic the right way.

I'm wondering if anyone has any experiences with cigarette smoke in a hotel and what to do about it? I'm currently staying at a RS recommendation in Villefranche-sur-Mer and the hotel absolutely reeks of cigarettes and air freshener. You actually start to smell it as you walk up to the hotel door outside. It's very obvious that the owners are smoking indoors because it smells like a smoker's house and they're trying to cover it up with very strong plug-in air fresheners. There is a/c in my room, but fresh smoke is getting in somewhere, and I think it's maybe the a/c vent? I had to open my windows last night for fresh air, but then the moment I put my head on the pillow, I smelled stale cigarettes. It's actually in my bedsheets. The open window also let in mosquitoes. I arrived yesterday but I have 3 more nights to go before I head home, and I'm trying to figure a way out without losing all of or most of my money. This was my most expensive and longest booking for my stay southern France and was my "splurge." My nostrils are fried from last night and I feel like I'm going to get a migraine from the air fresheners. I don't know how to approach the owners. The man who greeted me was extremely friendly and I feel bad saying something. I think the owners live here, so it doesn't feel like a hotel (even though it is) but a b&b. It's extremely awkward, and I really want to love this place because he was so kind. I'm shocked it is rated so highly, but after some digging, I did find bad reviews complaining about the same thing. In general, the whole place feels run down and is not at all what I expected. Maybe the other rooms are okay and I got the dud? I also thought it wasn't legal to smoke in hotels, but I see people smoking in front of no smoking signs everywhere here, so maybe it's not enforced? Is it different because they also live here? Any advice? Thanks in advance!

Posted by
3505 posts

Smoking is prohibited only in public areas of hotels in France. So, perhaps explain to the hotel owner you are allergic to cigarette smoke and are having a reaction to the smoke getting into your room. Then ask if he can move you to a better room.

Posted by
1541 posts

Welcome to France! And in the words of our guide on our first Rick Steves tour, everyone is different and Americans can’t stand cigarettes but please don’t consider it a moral failure here! Words that apply to many circumstances.
With that said, I feel your frustration and disappointment. Cigarette smoke makes me queasy and turn green and makes me feel ill.

Posted by
1977 posts

If it were me, rather than posting on the internet, I'd have spoken to the owner of the hotel. You don't need to make it a confrontation, just a quiet word expressing your concerns. See how it goes from there.

Posted by
6558 posts

I agree with the PPs. If the smell is adversely affecting you, then quietly and politely explain to the desk manager that the smell is upsetting you physically and ask if there is another room you could have.

Posted by
2161 posts

Definitely write a review to this affect. Others will thank you. Nothing will change while you are there whether you speak to the owners or not. Too bad for the inconvenience.

Posted by
94 posts

You may want to contact the RS organization or send your comment to the guidebook suggestion page on this website. Most Americans wouldn't want to stay at a smoke filled hotel and I don't think RS should recommend such a place.

Posted by
1217 posts

Please speak to the owners/management before writing bad reviews. Give them a chance to correct the situation. Maybe they can move you to another room or even another hotel.

Speak up politely, advocate for yourself.

Posted by
8818 posts

I am sad this is happening where you were expecting a special hotel. I had the exact same situation - smoky pillow, bedspread & all, plus the chemical fake fragrance junk at a hotel in Pisa. The room had that old cigarette smell that accumulated over years. Fortunately it was just a 1-night to attend a festival. No surprise it triggered a migraine.

The difference is that the guy at my front desk didn’t care about anything. Please let them know that it is bothering you, and that you really want to enjoy their nice hospitality & your time there. If you’re feeling shy, write it down on a paper, translated.

Posted by
2182 posts

Please make a report. My parents reported a smoky room at a hotel in Barcelona even though smoking was prohibited. They were offered another room. Please don't think you are an entitled American as smoking bothers other cultures too.

If they are of no help, I'd definately review and write an email to RS Europe indicating your experience.