Marriott Becomes 100% Smoke Free

Traveling non-smokers rejoice. Beginning in October, all Marriott hotels in North America will consist of 100% non-smoking rooms.

According to an email sent to members of Marriott's frequent traveler program, "This is the industry's largest move to a smoke-free environment and includes over 2,300 hotels and corporate apartments under the Marriott, JW Marriott®, Renaissance®, Courtyard®, Fairfield Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Residence Inn®, TownePlace Suites® and Marriott ExecuStay® brands. The new policy includes all guest rooms, restaurants, lounges, meeting rooms, public spaces, and employee work areas."

Marriott says that they will continue to provide designated smoking areas outside their hotels for guests who smoke. That's probably little consolation for travelers who are jonesing for a winter cigarette.

The company says that 90% of current Marriott guest rooms are already non-smoking, and smoking is prohibited in many public spaces due to local laws. If these numbers are consistent with the rest of the hospitality industry, expect to see other chains follow suit.

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