Are Best Western applications given contingent or conditional approval transferable to any other location?
Best_Western Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Best Western's Bylaws grant existing Best Western Member's certain rights with respect to market area considerations.
A new Application for a Property located within the member market area of an existing, qualified Best Western Member will not be accepted.
An exception to this will only apply if the Voting Member responsible for each hotel with member market area rights advises the Board in writing that the Member has no objection to the approval of the Application.
Likewise, when an Applicant's Property is located within a certain vicinity of an existing Member's Property, an impact study may be commissioned.
Accordingly, Best Western may inform nearby Best Western hotels of this Application.
Applicant expressly consents to this disclosure and waives any
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 108–413)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
The 2025 Best Western FDD discusses conditional approvals and transfers of membership, but it does not specifically state whether a conditional approval can be transferred to another location. However, the document does state that Best Western's Bylaws grant existing Best Western Member's certain rights with respect to market area considerations. A new Application for a Property located within the member market area of an existing, qualified Best Western Member will not be accepted unless the Voting Member responsible for each hotel with member market area rights advises the Board in writing that the Member has no objection to the approval of the Application.
The FDD states that the Board may approve applications subject to contingencies or conditions, and the applicant isn't entitled to membership until those are met. It also mentions that new membership applications are required from prospective purchasers or transferees of lodging facilities for which current Memberships are held. This implies that a new application is generally needed when a property changes hands.
Because the FDD does not directly address the transferability of a conditional approval to a different location, it would be prudent for a prospective franchisee to seek clarification from Best Western regarding their specific circumstances. This inquiry should cover whether a conditional approval can be moved to a new site or if a new application would be required, especially considering market area considerations and existing member rights.