I don't mind the smoke. I mind yucky carpets much more. I'd prefer a beautiful wood floor or nice tile or stone floor to a carpet. Much more hygienic in my opinion.

The problem is that it can indeed be not so cozy and that it is louder because the foot steps will be louder both in initial attack and in the sound transmitted through the floor and ceiling to the other rooms. Also the sounds made in the rooms will be louder. So if your neighbor has the TV on it will resonate much more in a room with a hard floor, all other things equal.

Till