Adults only (18+)

Can You Vape in Premier Inn

Premier Inn is one of the UK’s most popular hotel chains, known for its comfort, affordability, and consistency. Whether staying for business, a family break, or a weekend getaway, many guests who vape wonder if they can use their e-cigarette in their room. While vaping is common across the UK, hotels often have strict rules regarding smoke and vapour. So, can you vape in Premier Inn? The short answer is no, you cannot vape in your room or any indoor area of a Premier Inn.

Premier Inn’s Vaping Policy

Premier Inn operates a nationwide no-smoking policy that applies to all of its hotels across the UK and Ireland. This policy includes vaping and the use of e-cigarettes. Guests are not allowed to smoke or vape in hotel bedrooms, bathrooms, corridors, or any enclosed space within the property.

The reason is simple: vapour can trigger smoke detectors, leave lingering smells, and cause damage or discolouration to furnishings over time. To maintain cleanliness and comfort for all guests, Premier Inn treats vaping in the same way as smoking traditional tobacco.

If you are caught vaping in a Premier Inn room, you may be charged a cleaning fee or fined, typically around £100, to cover the cost of cleaning and deodorising the room. In more serious cases, guests may be asked to leave the hotel without a refund.

Where You Can Vape at Premier Inn

Although vaping is not allowed indoors, guests are free to vape in designated outdoor smoking areas. Most Premier Inn hotels have a specific smoking zone located near the entrance, car park, or outside seating area. These areas are clearly marked and often equipped with ashtrays or bins for proper waste disposal.

If you are unsure where you can vape, ask the reception team when you check in. Staff will direct you to the appropriate location and ensure you stay within the hotel’s policy.

Why Vaping Is Banned Indoors

Vaping is banned inside Premier Inn hotels for several reasons. The primary concern is fire safety. Even though e-cigarettes do not produce smoke, vapour clouds can trigger smoke alarms. This can lead to unnecessary fire service callouts and cause disruption to other guests.

Secondly, the vapour from e-liquids can leave residues on walls, ceilings, and soft furnishings. Over time, this creates odours that are difficult to remove and can affect the next guest’s experience.

Lastly, Premier Inn aims to provide a consistent, family-friendly environment. Some guests may have allergies, asthma, or sensitivities to scents, so keeping all indoor areas vapour-free helps ensure everyone’s comfort.

Vaping in Premier Inn Rooms: What Can Happen

If you vape in your room, you risk setting off a smoke detector. Premier Inn rooms are equipped with sensitive alarms designed to detect even small amounts of smoke or vapour. When triggered, the alarm can sound throughout the hotel and summon staff or emergency services.

If staff determine that a guest has vaped or smoked in a room, the guest may be fined for cleaning and deodorising costs. In some cases, persistent rule-breaking can lead to a permanent ban from the hotel chain.

Vaping in Bathrooms or Near Windows

Some guests assume that vaping in the bathroom or near an open window will go unnoticed. However, this is not recommended. The vapour can still spread and trigger alarms or leave traces. Bathroom ventilation systems may circulate vapour into other parts of the building, and hotel housekeeping teams are trained to spot signs of vaping or smoking in rooms.

Even if you avoid triggering an alarm, the smell of sweet or fruity e-liquids can linger, and visible vapour residue can make it clear that the policy was not followed.

Outdoor Vaping Etiquette

When vaping outside at Premier Inn, it is important to do so respectfully. Use only designated areas, avoid standing near open doors or windows, and dispose of pods or packaging responsibly. Although most hotels have bins, it is good practice to carry a small bag for used vape pods, coils, or bottles until you can throw them away properly.

Avoid vaping near families or children, particularly outside dining areas or entrances where people may be passing through. Being considerate helps maintain a positive experience for all guests and ensures vaping remains accepted in outdoor areas.

Can You Vape in Premier Inn Car Parks?

Yes, you can vape in a Premier Inn car park as long as you are outdoors and not near entrances or open windows. Car parks are open-air spaces and generally fall outside the indoor vaping ban. However, if you are sitting in your car and the vapour drifts toward other guests or hotel entrances, staff may ask you to move to a designated area.

Always switch off your device before entering the hotel, and never attempt to vape inside lifts or corridors.

Vaping and Fire Alarms in Hotels

Premier Inn hotels use highly sensitive fire alarm systems designed to detect even small traces of smoke or vapour. This is a crucial part of their safety policy, especially in large buildings that accommodate hundreds of guests.

Even a single puff from a vape device can set off an alarm, particularly in smaller rooms with low ventilation. When this happens, the alarm system must be checked and reset, which can disrupt guests and potentially incur costs for the hotel.

To avoid this, always restrict your vaping to outdoor areas. Even low-wattage or discreet vapes can cause issues in confined spaces.

Alternatives for Guests Who Vape

If you rely on vaping as part of your smoking cessation journey and are staying at Premier Inn, plan ahead so you can vape conveniently. Many guests choose rooms near exits or on the ground floor for easier access to outdoor areas. You can also keep your device and e-liquid ready in your bag or pocket for quick use before heading back inside.

If you use nicotine salts or higher-strength e-liquids, you may find that fewer vaping sessions are needed, helping reduce trips outdoors. Alternatively, nicotine pouches are another discreet, smoke-free option for when you are indoors or during meetings.

What About Other Hotel Chains?

Most major hotel chains in the UK, including Travelodge, Holiday Inn, and Hilton, have similar no-vaping policies. The rules are consistent across the hospitality industry due to fire safety, hygiene, and guest comfort concerns. Even smaller boutique hotels and Airbnb listings often adopt the same policy.

If vaping indoors is important to you, always check the hotel’s smoking and vaping rules before booking. Some independent hotels and holiday apartments may have more flexible policies, provided guests are respectful and clean up afterwards.

Legal Background and Public Health Rules

In the UK, vaping is not banned by law in private accommodation such as hotel rooms, but each hotel has the right to enforce its own policy. Under the Health Act 2006, smoking is prohibited in enclosed public places, and while this does not automatically include vaping, most businesses choose to apply the same restrictions to maintain consistency.

Premier Inn’s decision to ban vaping indoors aligns with its corporate safety and cleanliness standards, ensuring a pleasant environment for all guests.

Final Thoughts

You cannot vape inside a Premier Inn room or any indoor area of the hotel. The chain enforces a strict no-smoking and no-vaping policy across all its properties. However, guests are welcome to vape in designated outdoor areas such as smoking zones or car parks, provided they are respectful of others.

To avoid fines or disruption, always keep vaping outdoors, away from entrances, and never attempt to vape indoors or near smoke detectors. By following the hotel’s rules, you can enjoy your stay comfortably while still being able to use your vape responsibly when outside.