What are the acceptable roles or relationships a natural person must have with a property to qualify for a Best Western membership?
Best_Western Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
document entitled "Rules and Regulations," which document may only be adopted, amended or repealed by the Members pursuant to Article III, Section 5 of these Bylaws.
"Transfer Application" means the form established by the Board from time to time to be used in connection with a request to transfer a Membership to another designated Property pursuant to Article II, Section 4 of these Bylaws.
"Vice-Chairperson" has the meaning set forth in Article V, Section 3 of these Bylaws.
"Voting Member" means a Member who meets the requirements of Article III, Section 4 of these Bylaws.
Article II
Membership
Section 1. Qualifications
- (A) Membership is restricted to natural persons who either own a Property or Properties, are partners in a partnership owning or operating a Property or Properties, are lessees operating a Property or Properties, are officers of corporations owning and/or operating a Property or Properties or are managers designated by the owner or owners of a Property or Properties.
- (B) A Membership shall apply to a single Best Western Property. Only one Membership shall be issued with respect to a Property.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 108–413)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Best Western's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, membership is available to natural persons based on their relationship to a property. Specifically, membership is restricted to individuals who either own a property, are partners in a partnership that owns or operates a property, or are lessees operating a property. The acceptable roles also include officers of corporations owning and/or operating a property, or managers designated by the owner or owners of a property.
Best Western stipulates that a membership applies to a single Best Western property, and only one membership is issued per property. However, a person can hold multiple memberships, each associated with a separate Best Western property, provided they have the qualifying interest in each property as defined in the Bylaws. This allows individuals with diverse holdings or management roles across multiple properties to engage fully with the Best Western brand.
Additionally, an authorized representative of a Condominium Property may qualify for Membership, subject to meeting terms and conditions established by Best Western's Board. The Board has sole discretion to determine which Condominium Properties may be considered for Membership and will set criteria and standards for Condominium Properties. The Board will also set policies establishing the terms and scope of the representative's required authorization from the unit owners.