The rising trend of marijuana smoking in “non-smoking” hotels, even high-end ones, is becoming increasingly frustrating. Over the past few years, approximately two-thirds of the hotels I’ve stayed in have had issues with marijuana smoke, sometimes to the extent that I’ve had to request a room change.
However, room changes aren’t always possible due to full bookings. This past weekend, for instance, I encountered a strong marijuana smell in my room at a well-known hotel chain in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Despite my complaints, I was only moved to another room after insisting, and even then, the smell eventually permeated into my new room.
Hotels often claim they can’t identify the offending room or prove who is responsible unless they catch the person smoking. However, this issue isn’t unique to me; there are numerous complaints online about several major hotels.
With over 40 states now legalizing marijuana for medicinal or recreational use, the smell of marijuana is becoming more prevalent in major cities. While it’s understandable that marijuana users may want to smoke outdoors, it’s important to consider those who prefer to breathe clean air.
In terms of solutions for hotels, new Wi-Fi devices like FreshAir could be installed to monitor real-time smoking activity and alert the front desk. This could make it easier to confront the offending party and keep a record of the incident. I would encourage responsible hotels to invest in these devices and enforce strict policies against smoking.
Cleaning a room after a guest has smoked marijuana can be costly, requiring ionizer machines and strong chemical sprays. Even after thorough cleaning, the smell can linger and prevent the room from being rented out for days. Hotels typically charge a deposit for potential room damage, but some guests find ways to avoid additional charges, leading to lost revenue for the hotel.
Hotel owners and managers should consider investing in monitoring devices and enforcing strict no-smoking policies. Hotels that take the lead in this could even use it as a selling point in their marketing campaigns. I, for one, would be willing to pay a premium for a room in such a hotel, and I believe others would too.
Source: forbes.com