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Westin Goes Smoke-Free
By Ron Donoho
Westin Goes Smoke-Free

Even overseas—where cigarette smoke in public areas is not uncommon—there has been a slow-building movement toward smoke-free hotels. In 1999, Swiss property Le Mirador Hotel & Spa became the first five-star European hotel to go 100 percent smokeless. And in rough-and-tumble Australia, the Novotel St. Kilda became Melbourne’s first smoke-free major hotel two years ago.

It’s not a new concept. But Westin Hotels & Resorts has taken the strongest push to date for no-smoking proponents. All 77 Westins in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean put the kibosh on lighting up as of January 31. That means no huffing and puffing in any guestrooms or indoor common areas.

“More and more cities are becoming smoke-free, and for a chain to take this stand is very cutting edge and ahead of the curve,” says Joseph McInerney, president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association.

In total, Westin has 121 hotels and resorts in 31 countries. The brand is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide (with 850 properties in nearly 100 countries).

“At the heart of our decision is the comfort and well-being of our guests,” says Westin senior vice president Sue Brush. “We view our hotels as a retreat from the rigors of travel. Our goal is to provide a place to relax and restore—in a healthy way.”

Westin officials say feedback since implementation has been nearly all positive. Consumer surveys showed that before the ban, 92 percent of the chain’s guests asked for smoke-free rooms.

At the Westin Horton Plaza in San Diego, director of sales and marketing Russ Mitchell says 28 of 450 rooms were converted from smoking rooms. Areas outside the hotel have been designated for smoking.

Front-desk agents let guests know about the policy at check-in. There is a $200 fine added to your bill if you’re caught smoking in your room.

“This will be good for business and good for us,” says a Westin employee who requests anonymity. “People who ask for a nonsmoking room and can’t get one get really mad. They yell at us. This way, everybody’s happy.”