Westin Hotels will become the first 100% smoke-free hotel chain in January 2006, from then onwards all 77 Westin hotels in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean will go 100% smoke-free(a) including all guestrooms and public areas.

Westin Hotels & Resorts is dedicated to providing a clean, comfortable and relaxing environment for its guests and the brand's new policy is a result of customer data and a clear demand from guests for a healthy, smoke-free hotel experience. Introducing a smoke-free policy is a natural evolution for the brand. As an innovative industry leader, Westin Hotels is responsible for the renowned Heavenly Bed(R) and the brand's signature WestinWORKOUT(R) lifestyle guestrooms. The policy also reinforces Westin's new brand positioning around personal renewal by offering guests the services, products and amenities that allow them to relax, rejuvenate and restore during their stay.

In preparation for implementation of the new policy, 2,400 smoking rooms will undergo an extensive cleaning process. This includes 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. All Westin hotels and resorts will offer a designated outdoor area for guests who smoke.

"At the heart of all of our decisions is the comfort, well-being and quality of life for our guests," said Sue Brush, senior vice president for Westin Hotels & Resorts. "We view our hotels as a retreat from the rigors of travel. Our goal is to provide a place where guests can relax and restore their mind, body and spirit in a healthy way. At Westin we strive to offer a spectrum of products, services and personal touches that will help our guests walk out of our hotels feeling better than they did when they arrived. Industry research, as well as our own research, confirmed a clear consumer demand for a clean, smoke free hotel environment."

Guest Demand Drives Smoke-Free Policy

Westin consumer data shows that 92% of its guests request a non-smoking room when traveling and do not smoke in any part of the hotel, including public areas. In addition, Westin conducted a Smoke-Free Poll(b) that shows the majority of consumers who travel prefer a smoke-free environment.

The poll found that 86% agree that creating a non-smoking environment is an important first step in creating a healthier environment and 80% prefer when restaurants and other indoor public spaces are free of cigarette and cigar smoke. In addition, Westin has eight hotels in its portfolio that have a smoke-free policy in place, which has resulted in overwhelming positive feedback from guests.

"We applaud Westin for taking this visionary step on behalf of their guests," said Dr. Cheryl Healton, president and CEO of the American Legacy Foundation, with whom Westin is working to create the brand's nationwide non-smoking environment. "Westin's patrons and staff will benefit enormously from this effort to improve the quality of life for everyone associated with the Westin brand. Like the airlines, we hope it will one day be possible for all hotels to be smoke-free".

"More and more cities are becoming smoke-free and for an entire hotel chain to take this stand is very cutting edge and far ahead of the curve," said Joseph A. Mcinerney, president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. "We congratulate Westin on their latest innovation. This follows the success of many trend-setting Westin initiatives and the industry is sure to take notice."