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Marriott Lights Up No Smoking Sign

Guests who sneak a smoke at any hotel in the Marriott chain could face a "cleanup fee" of up to $300 come September, reports The Wall Street Journal. That's when the lodging giant plans to institute a no-smoking ban in every room of its 2,300-plus hotels in the U.S. and Canada. Smoking will also be banned in public spaces. The policy will apply to all 10 of its brands, starting with the luxurious Ritz-Carlton chain right down to the extended-stay Residence Inn. "We hope it will improve guest satisfaction and long-term loyalty to us," says Steve Lampa, Marriott's senior vice president of room operations and quality assurance. While 90 percent of the chain's rooms are already non-smoking, the outright ban is an attempt to gain a competitive edge by eliminating complaints about cigarette smoke. On a smaller scale, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide in January barred smoking at its 77 upscale Westin brand hotels.

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