Is Smoking Allowed at Four Seasons?
Is Smoking Allowed at Four Seasons?
Understanding the Smoking Policy Across Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
When planning a luxury getaway, most travelers focus on room type, view, and amenities — but for many guests, another practical question matters just as much: Is smoking allowed at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts?
The short answer: Four Seasons is a predominantly non-smoking brand worldwide, but policies vary slightly by country, property layout, and local regulations. Understanding these distinctions can help guests make informed choices, especially if you prefer a room with outdoor space or plan to enjoy a cigar or cigarette during your stay.
This guide breaks down the Four Seasons smoking policy globally, offers insight into which hotels offer designated outdoor smoking areas or cigar lounges, and shares tips for booking the right accommodation for your comfort — all while keeping in line with the brand’s refined, health-forward approach to hospitality.
1. The Brand Standard: A Non-Smoking Environment
Four Seasons’ global standard is non-smoking in all guest rooms, suites, and indoor public areas. This aligns with its wellness-oriented philosophy — ensuring that every room smells fresh, air systems remain pristine, and guests enjoy a universally comfortable environment.
That means:
No smoking indoors, including balconies directly connected to guest rooms (in most properties).
Smoking fines apply if evidence of smoking is found in a room.
Designated smoking areas are always provided on hotel grounds, often outdoors or in private garden zones.
According to the brand’s guidelines, the decision aims to maintain a consistently clean and tranquil environment across its portfolio — from urban hotels like Four Seasons New York Downtown to tropical resorts like Four Seasons Bora Bora.
2. Exceptions and Regional Variations
While Four Seasons enforces a mostly non-smoking policy, some international properties follow local laws that may permit smoking in outdoor or designated lounge areas.
Examples:
🏝️ Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay – Non-smoking rooms, but guests may smoke on private villa terraces and designated outdoor lounges.
🇯🇵 Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi – Follows Japan’s hospitality regulations; a separate smoking room is available in the lobby area.
🇶🇦 Four Seasons Hotel Doha – Allows smoking in certain outdoor poolside zones and in its Cigar Lounge.
🇫🇷 Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris – Smoking permitted on room balconies and in the courtyard terrace areas, but not indoors.
🇹🇭 Four Seasons Chiang Mai – Villas and pavilions allow smoking on outdoor decks only.
🇨🇭 Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva – Features a rooftop cigar lounge for aficionados.
These examples reflect how the Four Seasons brand respects local customs while still upholding international wellness standards.
3. What About Balconies, Terraces, and Villas?
This is one of the most common questions travelers ask. Many Four Seasons rooms and suites feature outdoor living areas — and guests often assume those are fair game for smoking.
The truth depends on the property’s ventilation design and local law:
At many resort properties, such as Four Seasons Maui or Four Seasons Bora Bora, smoking may be allowed in select outdoor spaces, like beach areas or garden terraces, but not on the private lanai of your villa.
In most city hotels (e.g., New York, London, Sydney), smoking on balconies or terraces is prohibited due to urban building regulations and shared HVAC systems.
If outdoor smoking is important to you, your travel advisor can contact the property directly to confirm whether a private balcony or terrace can be designated for smoking use.
4. Cigar Lounges and Specialty Smoking Venues
Some Four Seasons properties include dedicated cigar bars or smoking lounges, typically designed for cigar connoisseurs or after-dinner relaxation.
Here are a few standouts:
The Cigar Lounge at Four Seasons Doha
A sophisticated indoor-outdoor space offering premium cigars, rare whiskies, and an elegant ambiance. This is one of the brand’s most well-known cigar lounges — ideal for evening relaxation.
Le Bar at Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris
While primarily non-smoking, the adjoining courtyard terrace allows cigars and cigarettes after hours. The hotel provides ashtrays and service staff in the designated area.
The Library Lounge at Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur
Known for its intimate, dimly lit vibe, The Library offers a private terrace for cigar guests — one of the few such venues in Southeast Asia under the Four Seasons name.
Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
Offers both a beachfront shisha terrace and an elegant indoor cigar bar — highly popular with couples seeking a sophisticated nightcap.
5. What Happens If You Smoke in a Non-Smoking Room?
Four Seasons takes the smoke-free policy seriously. If a guest smokes inside a non-smoking suite or room, a deep-cleaning fee is automatically charged to the account.
Typical cleaning fees range from $300 to $700 USD, depending on room type and severity. This covers professional cleaning of soft furnishings, carpets, and air filtration systems.
This policy is clearly outlined during check-in and printed on in-room materials, so there are no surprises.
Tip: If you’re unsure, always ask your concierge to point out the designated smoking spots — they’re usually just steps away from main guest areas.
6. Smoking and Wellness Integration
One of the reasons Four Seasons enforces a largely non-smoking policy is its brand-wide focus on wellness, sustainability, and clean air initiatives.
From the “Lead With Care” health protocols introduced in 2020 to its expanding spa and fitness programs, the company’s vision centers on creating environments that feel rejuvenating.
In addition, many new-build properties are designed as completely smoke-free, including:
Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale (Florida)
Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo, Mexico
Four Seasons Hotel Madrid
These newer resorts feature air-purifying HVAC systems and green building certifications, ensuring the luxury experience aligns with modern wellness expectations.
7. Vaping, E-Cigarettes, and Shisha
Four Seasons’ non-smoking policy typically extends to vaping and e-cigarettes inside rooms and public indoor areas. Guests may vape or use e-devices only in designated outdoor smoking zones.
In the Middle East, some Four Seasons properties — like Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh — provide special outdoor shisha lounges with curated menus and beverage pairings.
If you’re planning to enjoy shisha during your stay, your travel advisor can reserve a private outdoor cabana or rooftop terrace where permitted.
8. How to Request a Smoking-Friendly Setup
While Four Seasons doesn’t offer “smoking rooms” in the traditional sense, you can still make your stay convenient:
Book rooms with private outdoor space – such as pool villas, garden suites, or terrace rooms.
Notify the hotel in advance – your advisor can note that you’re a smoker, ensuring your suite is near a designated outdoor zone.
Ask for ashtrays or outdoor amenities – most resorts will discreetly set these up on your patio or balcony (if allowed).
Use concierge guidance – staff will happily direct you to shaded outdoor areas or cigar lounges available on property.
9. Four Seasons Private Residences and Long-Stay Villas
At Four Seasons Private Residences and long-stay villas, smoking policies can be more flexible. Since these are often private ownership or long-term rental spaces, smoking may be permitted outdoors on private terraces.
Examples include:
Four Seasons Residences Anguilla
Four Seasons Residences Los Cabos at Costa Palmas
Four Seasons Private Residences Kyoto
Guests staying under the hotel program (short-term stays) should still verify current policies with management before arrival.
10. Alternatives for Smokers Seeking Ultra-Luxury Options
If smoking flexibility is a key priority, your travel advisor can recommend other luxury brands with slightly more permissive policies:
The Ritz-Carlton – Select global properties offer cigar lounges and outdoor smoking terraces.
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts – Some villas permit smoking outdoors, particularly in Caribbean and Asian locations.
Aman Resorts – Typically allow smoking on private outdoor terraces or courtyards, though not indoors.
That said, Four Seasons remains unmatched in personalized service — and many guests find that with a few simple requests, the experience is effortless even within non-smoking parameters.
11. How Four Seasons Handles Smoke-Free Luxury Seamlessly
Part of what distinguishes the brand is how gracefully it integrates policy with comfort. Guests who smoke are never made to feel unwelcome — the approach is discreet, courteous, and solutions-driven.
The concierge can arrange:
Transportation to nearby cigar lounges or private clubs
After-dinner cigar service in outdoor bar areas
Private outdoor setups during events or celebrations
Everything is handled with the same Four Seasons hallmark: anticipating needs before you ask.
12. The Takeaway: Smoke-Free, But Not Inflexible
So — is smoking allowed at Four Seasons?
✅ Indoors: No, smoking is prohibited in rooms, suites, and indoor public areas.
✅ Outdoors: Usually permitted in designated smoking areas or select private terraces (depending on property and law).
✅ Cigars and shisha: Welcome in specific lounges and outdoor bars at some international resorts.
In other words, Four Seasons maintains a non-smoking foundation but accommodates guests with elegant outdoor options that don’t compromise comfort or class.
13. How to Confirm Before You Book
Every Four Seasons property can tailor your experience, so the best approach is to ask your Stars Desk advisor to confirm details before booking.
Your advisor can:
Contact the property’s guest relations team
Identify rooms with outdoor spaces where smoking is allowed
Reserve cigar-friendly lounges or private outdoor dinners
This ensures that your stay is as seamless — and stress-free — as the rest of your Four Seasons experience.
Final Thoughts
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts continue to set the global standard for luxury, wellness, and personalized hospitality. While the brand has embraced a largely smoke-free environment, its thoughtful design and guest-first service mean that even smokers can relax comfortably, without compromise.
Whether you’re lighting a cigar under the stars in Dubai, sipping espresso on a Paris terrace, or relaxing by the ocean in Bali, Four Seasons always finds a way to make every moment — and every preference — feel effortlessly considered.
Planning your next Four Seasons stay?
Contact Stars Desk, a Four Seasons Preferred Partner, for exclusive perks such as daily breakfast for two, $100 hotel credit, upgrades, and VIP recognition — all while we help you find the ideal suite or villa that matches your preferences.
✨ Luxury, personalized — exactly how Four Seasons intended.
