How are applicants elected to membership in the Best Western Association?
Best_Western Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Payment of any fee or submission of this Application does not give any Applicant any right to affiliation with Best Western.
The Board may deny an Application for any or for no reason.
In the event the Application is approved by the Board, and as a prior condition to your membership, you will be required to submit: (a) an executed Terms of Approval letter ("Approval Letter") which will include conditions of membership (e.g. completion of a Property Improvement Plan); and (b) an executed Membership Agreement ("Agreement").
You may not hold yourself out to the public as a Best Western branded hotel until all conditions are met.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 108–413)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Best Western's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the decision to approve or deny a membership application rests solely with the Best Western Board of Directors. The Board has the discretion to deny an application for any reason or no reason at all. Payment of any fees or submission of the application does not guarantee affiliation with Best Western.
Prior to the Board considering an application, Best Western must receive the required affiliation fee, which is held as a good-faith deposit. Additionally, the applicant must pay a $4,000 non-refundable application evaluation fee to cover administrative costs. If an impact study is required according to Best Western's Bylaws, the applicant is responsible for the associated Impact Study Fee, which must be paid before the study is conducted.
If the Board approves the application, the applicant must then submit an executed Terms of Approval letter, which includes conditions of membership such as completing a Property Improvement Plan, and an executed Membership Agreement. Only after all conditions are met can the applicant represent their hotel as a Best Western branded property.
This process highlights that becoming a Best Western member is not guaranteed, even after paying fees and submitting an application. The Board's broad discretion means that applicants should ensure their property aligns with Best Western's standards and expectations to increase their chances of approval. Prospective franchisees should inquire about the specific criteria the Board uses to evaluate applications and understand the potential costs associated with the impact study and property improvement plan.