Hotels With Smoking Rooms In Colorado Springs
The crisp mountain air of Colorado Springs, usually so pristine, carries a faint, nostalgic scent in certain corners. It's the aroma of aged tobacco, a reminder of a time when smoking was not just tolerated, but embraced, indoors. As smoke-free laws have swept across the nation, finding a hotel that still caters to smokers has become a quest, a journey into a shrinking, yet persistent, niche.
This article delves into the dwindling number of hotels in Colorado Springs that still offer smoking rooms, examining the reasons behind their existence, the demographics they serve, and the ongoing debate surrounding smoking in public spaces.
A Dying Breed: The Landscape of Smoking Hotels
Colorado's state-wide smoking ban, the Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act, enacted in 2006, significantly curtailed smoking in public places. This law dramatically reshaped the hospitality industry, forcing many hotels to eliminate smoking rooms altogether.
However, a few establishments have managed to carve out a space for smokers, often by designating a limited number of rooms specifically for that purpose. These hotels are now a minority, catering to a specific clientele.
Why They Still Exist
Despite the shrinking market, some hotels choose to offer smoking rooms for several reasons. They aim to attract travelers who specifically seek out these accommodations, travelers who may otherwise choose hotels in neighboring states with less stringent regulations.
This targeted approach can provide a competitive advantage. By catering to a niche market, hotels can maintain a higher occupancy rate and customer satisfaction among their target demographic.
It’s about filling those rooms.
The Clientele
The demographic seeking smoking rooms is diverse. Some are longtime smokers who prefer the convenience of smoking in their room. They prioritize comfort and familiarity.
Others may be traveling for business and appreciate having a dedicated space for relaxation. Or they may be people with disabilities, and having a space to smoke in is important to them.
Whatever their reason, there is a need.
Navigating the Options
Finding hotels with smoking rooms in Colorado Springs requires some research. Online travel agencies often provide filters for smoking preferences, allowing users to narrow their search.
Directly contacting hotels is advisable to confirm the availability of smoking rooms. Websites may not always be up-to-date or accurate.
Calling the hotel directly ensures you receive correct information.
The Ongoing Debate
The presence of smoking rooms in hotels remains a subject of debate. Proponents argue for individual choice and the right of businesses to cater to specific customer needs.
Opponents emphasize the health risks associated with secondhand smoke. They highlight the potential impact on hotel staff and other guests, even with designated smoking areas.
According to the American Lung Association, even well-ventilated smoking areas do not eliminate the risks of secondhand smoke exposure.
Looking Ahead
The future of smoking rooms in Colorado Springs hotels is uncertain. As societal attitudes toward smoking continue to evolve, and as smoke-free policies become more widespread, the number of such accommodations is likely to further decline.
The demand will need to be there for it to stay, but the need is shrinking every year.
For now, these hotels represent a vestige of a different era, a reminder of a time when the scent of tobacco was a more common feature of the American landscape. They offer a haven for those who still seek the comfort of a cigarette within the walls of their temporary home.
