What constitutes the 'System' that Best Western hotels utilize?
Best_Western Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
em. We have no predecessors.
The License Offered
This Disclosure Document offers Memberships and the right to construct, or convert an existing hotel to, a System Hotel that utilizes a hotel system consisting of the elements, standards, specifications, requirements, criteria, and policies that we periodically designate to identify System Hotels (the "System") and the "Best Western" name and those Best Western trademarks, service marks, domain names, and other identifying marks, words, letters, designs, names, or symbols as set forth from time to time in our confidential North America Quality Assurance Manual and Rules & Regulations (the "Manuals") (collectively, the "Best Western Identifying Marks"). Members operating System Hotels operate according to the Membership Agreement (Exhibit C), our Membership Fees (Exhibit J-3), our Articles of Incorporation, our Bylaws (Exhibit J-1), our Members' Rules and Regulations (Exhibit J-2), the Application for Membership (Exhibit I), guidelines, standards, resolutions and policies adopted by our Board of Directors (the "Board") from time to time (including brand identity, quality assurance, customer care, new construction, refurbishment and design manuals and policies) and other documents defining terms or rights of Memberships (collectively, the "Regulatory Documents").
System Hotels operating under the "Best Western" name appeal to leisure and business travelers and compete in the midscale market.
Source: Item 3 — identifies certain state actions alleging that the Memberships we granted were in fact franchises. We neither admit nor deny these allegations. We do not provide products or services to our Members. (FDD pages 8–12)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Best Western's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the 'System' comprises various elements that define a Best Western hotel. These include standards, specifications, requirements, criteria, and policies that Best Western periodically designates to identify its hotels. The 'System' also incorporates the 'Best Western' name and associated trademarks, service marks, domain names, and other identifying marks. These are detailed in Best Western's confidential North America Quality Assurance Manual and Rules & Regulations, collectively referred to as the 'Manuals'.
Members operating Best Western hotels must adhere to the Membership Agreement, Membership Fees, Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, Members' Rules and Regulations, the Application for Membership, and guidelines, standards, resolutions, and policies adopted by the Board of Directors. These encompass brand identity, quality assurance, customer care, new construction, refurbishment, and design manuals and policies. All these documents collectively form the 'Regulatory Documents' that govern the operation of a Best Western System Hotel.
In practical terms, this means a prospective Best Western franchisee must comply with a comprehensive set of rules and guidelines covering every aspect of the hotel's operation, from its physical appearance and amenities to the services offered to guests. This level of standardization is typical in the franchise industry, as it ensures consistency and quality across all locations, which is crucial for maintaining brand reputation and customer satisfaction. The FDD specifies that AutoClerk, Inc. is the sole approved supplier of the property management system ('PMS') for new System Hotels.