When is a Best Western applicant entitled to membership after receiving conditional approval?
Best_Western Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
D. The Board may act upon other Membership Applications by approving such applications subject to one or more contingencies or conditions imposed by the Board in its sole discretion. If such contingent approval is given, the Applicant shall not be entitled to Membership until the Board has received proof, satisfactory to it, that all such conditions or contingencies have been timely satisfied. Such final approval, if granted, shall be effective from the date the final approval is granted. The Board may direct that customary membership services to the Property may commence during any contingency period, upon the Applicant's agreement to timely comply with the stated conditions and pay the established fees, dues and assessments for said period and the cost of all goods or services provided by or ordered through Best Western whether or not the application is ultimately approved. However, in no event shall this commencement of customary membership services be construed as granting Membership status to the Applicant.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 108–413)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Best Western's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, an applicant who receives conditional approval for a Best Western membership is not immediately entitled to full membership status. The applicant only becomes a member once the Best Western Board of Directors receives satisfactory proof that all conditions or contingencies imposed during the conditional approval phase have been met in a timely manner. Final approval is effective from the date it is granted by the Board.
During the period of conditional approval, Best Western may allow the applicant to commence customary membership services for the property. However, this commencement of services is contingent upon the applicant's agreement to comply with all stated conditions and to pay all established fees, dues, and assessments for the duration of the conditional approval period. The applicant is also responsible for covering the costs of any goods or services provided by or ordered through Best Western during this time, regardless of whether the application is ultimately approved.
It is important to note that even if the applicant is allowed to begin using some membership services during the contingency period, this does not equate to full membership status. The applicant must fulfill all specified conditions to the satisfaction of the Board to achieve full membership. This ensures that Best Western maintains its standards and that the property fully integrates into the Best Western system before being recognized as a full member.