Balcony and smoking query

I have been told that no hotels will allow smoking on the balcony. Is this true?

I don’t like to smoke in a room and like a last cigarette at night and first thing in the morning.

In Hong Kong, smoking regulations are strict and cover both indoor and certain outdoor areas in hotels. Generally, most hotels designate rooms as either smoking or non-smoking, and smoking in common areas or non-smoking rooms is prohibited. The rules regarding balconies vary by hotel, but many modern hotels do not allow smoking on balconies, especially if the balcony is attached to a non-smoking room, as smoke can affect neighboring rooms and public areas.

Here’s what you should know:

  • Some hotels do allow smoking on private balconies, but this is increasingly rare. It is mostly limited to older hotels or serviced apartments where smoking rooms have separate balconies.
  • Luxury hotels and international chains in Hong Kong usually enforce strict non-smoking policies, including balconies, terraces, and outdoor patios attached to rooms.
  • Designated smoking areas are often available elsewhere on hotel grounds, such as specific outdoor zones or a smoking lounge, so guests can still smoke legally without affecting others.

Practical advice:

  • When booking, check specifically for “smoking room with balcony” or contact the hotel directly to clarify. Online booking platforms sometimes list these options, but confirmation from the hotel is best.
  • If smoking on a balcony is important, serviced apartments or older boutique hotels might be more flexible than international chains.
  • Be aware that violating hotel smoking rules can result in fines or cleaning fees, so it’s essential to follow the hotel’s policy.

In summary, while it is not universally true that all hotels forbid smoking on balconies, the trend in Hong Kong is toward strict restrictions, so you should confirm with each hotel before booking if this is an essential requirement for your stay.


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