We're very careful when we check out hotels for the family - and yes one call to the property is all it takes to get an answer. If we then decide to book I make another call so I have the name of the person I spoke with. It's a different matter if when you check in there is nothing available. Calling is much better than guessing when you have a confirmed smoker in the group! In the one case I recall where there was a problem, the property was gracious enough to upgrade Dad into a suite which allowed smoking. We would have paid the difference if necessary.