Nov 16, 2007 / 08:15 am
Some upscale hotels are no longer stocking their rooms with a Bible and are replacing them with technology or “kits” promoting sex.
For instance, the Soho Grand Hotel in Manhattan provides guest rooms with iPod docking stations, flat-screen TVs, and a complimentary goldfish, but not a Bible. Hotel spokeswoman Lori DeBlois told Newsweek magazine that adding Bibles to rooms would mean she "would have to take care of every guest's belief."
The American Hotel and Lodging Association reported that since 2001 the number of luxury hotels with religious materials in their rooms has dropped by 18 percent.
Newsweek magazine reported that upscale accommodations nationwide are "doing away with the Bible as a standard room amenity." Some hotels stock complimentary condoms, but not Bibles. Newsweek suggests the removal of Bibles is due to a decrease in business travel and an increase in leisure travel.
"The new Indigo hotel in Scottsdale, Ariz., a 'branded boutique' launched by InterContinental, also has no Bibles," the report said.
Officials at that hotel, however, did offer a promotion on a "One Night Stand" package.
"Our 'One Night Stand' summer packages provide a cost effective way to enjoy our lower rates and remain in the heart of the active art, shopping, dining and nightlife venues of Old Town Scottsdale," said Laura Godfrey, sales manager for the hotel. "With this package, you'll feel good about the decision you made to stay in the area and stay the night."
That package includes a "late check-out time" of 1 p.m.
The American Family Association commented on the decline of hotel Bibles in an e-mail alert, saying "Now is the time to let the motel chains know that you want them to keep the Gideon Bibles." It stated "for [the hotel corporation] Accor, providing travelers with sexual paraphernalia is more important than the Bible. Accor hotels owns several chains including: Motel 6, Sofitel, Pullman, Novotel, Mercure, Suitehotel, Ibis, All Seasons, Etap, Formule 1. While these chains are mostly located in Europe, Accor is expanding to many U.S. markets."
The AFA said "without action now, it is simply a matter of time before other chains remove the Bibles."
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