Effective this month, all 77 Westin Hotels & Resorts in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean will become smoke-free, affecting all guestrooms and public spaces, according to a statement from Westin's parent company, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide.
The new policy is in response to customer data, which revealed that 92 percent of Westin guests request a nonsmoking room, and a Westin-conducted consumer poll showing that a majority of travelers prefer a smoke-free environment. It's also "a natural fit for the Westin Hotels’ new Renewal brand positioning," says Starwood spokeswoman Ellen Gallo. This initiative includes adding more amenities that encourage guests to relax, rejuvenate and restore. She adds that Starwood does not have plans to extend the smoke-free policy to other brands in its portfolio at this time.
All 2,400 current smoking rooms will undergo extensive fumigation, and all soft goods and air filters will be replaced. Sue Brush, senior vice president for Westin, told Crain’s New York Business that any guests caught violating the smoking ban will have $200 added to their bills, essentially as a cleaning fee. For persistent smokers, the properties will provide an outdoor smoking area.