Westin To Ban Smoking In Guest Rooms

Guests at Starwood Hotels & Resorts' Westin Hotels chain no longer will have the chance to denote a common room preference: smoking or nonsmoking. The chain today said, effective next month, its 77 properties in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean are going completely smoke-free in guest rooms and public areas, making the chain the first to completely stomp out smoking.

As the chain moves forward to realize its newfound policy, Westin said it is giving 2,400 smoking rooms a makeover-"replacing all soft goods, deep-cleaning and treating all hard surfaces, walls and carpets to eliminate allergens, replacing air filters and deep-cleaning all air conditioning units," the chain today said in a statement.

Westin said the move resulted from customer data and "clear demand from guests for a healthy, smoke-free hotel experience," reinforcing what Westin said is new brand positioning that revolves around "personal renewal by offering guests the services, products and amenities that allow them to relax, rejuvenate and restore during their stay." However, travelers who "relax, rejuvenate and restore" through cigarettes will have designated outdoor areas that allow smoking, Westin said.