NASHVILLE, Tenn.-
Following an industry trend, Gaylord Hotels will go smoke-free in February, the company announced Monday.
Smoking will end Feb. 12 at the Gaylord resorts in Nashville; Kissimmee, Fla.; and Lake Grapevine near Dallas. Gaylord’s fourth resort in Prince George’s County, Md., which is slated to open in 2008, will also be smoke-free.
Two major hotel chains–Marriott International Inc. and Westin Hotels & Resorts–both eliminated smoking rooms last year.
Gaylord Hotels said the decision was based on guest and employee preferences, as well as keeping their massive indoor atriums clean.
“We pride ourselves on offering extraordinary environments at our properties, which include climate-controlled glass-covered atriums featuring acres of indoor foliage and plants,” John Caparella, executive vice president and chief operating officer, said in a news release.
Gaylord Hotels, which offer shopping, convention rooms and exhibition space, are owned by Nashville-based Gaylord Entertainment Co., which also owns the Grand Ole Opry country music show.
Caparella said guests increasingly requested nonsmoking rooms among the more than 7,000 rooms available. The chain had 245 smoking rooms available at the three resorts.
“We care about our meeting attendees, and we also care about our STARS (employees) who will no longer have to be subjected to second-hand smoke,” Caparella said.
Gaylord will auction off 10,000 ashtrays with proceeds going to the American Lung Association.
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