What construction and location requirements apply to each Best Western Property?
Best_Western Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
outage), or a Property policy (e.g., no children in the fitness center), the guest may be advised that the complaint will be investigated and that the guest can expect to receive a response directly from the Property, in which case the complaint shall be acknowledged by the Property within two (2) business days and resolved within seven (7) calendar days, with a copy of the written response and resolution directed to the Office of Customer Service at Best Western Headquarters.
If multiple customer service complaints are received for the same event, e.g., sports teams, weddings, etc., only one (1) charge will be billed to the hotel.
500.36 The acceptance of pets of guests is recommended, subject to prevailing laws that may apply. Service animals shall be permitted in any area accessible by their handlers or owners.
500.37 Each Best Western Property shall be of soundproof construction, in a desirable location, have an attractive exterior and provide year-round heating and/or cooling.
500.38 Each Best Western Member Property shall have a restaurant on or within 500 feet of the premises, except when individual circumstances warrant a variance approved by the Board. Although a restaurant is located within 500 feet of the premises, it shall not qualify the Member Property under this rule if that restaurant is located at any other lodging establishment.
500.39 A. Best Western Member Properties which do not have on-site, full-service restaurants, shall be required to provide a complimentary (free of charge) breakfast buffet consisting of the following:
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- A breakfast buffet must include
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(a. through r.):
a. Choice of one sliced bread (can be wheat, white, rye bread, etc.) or English muffin, bagel, croissant, or biscuit.
- b. Choice of one sweet bread.
- c. Butter or margarine, and assorted jellies and jams (if bagels are offered, cream cheese must be provided).
- d. Choice of two dry cereals.
- e. Choice of one: oatmeal, grits, or Cream of Wheat.
- f. Guest-accessible refrigerated juice dispensing machine offering a choice of at least two juices from an approved distributor and manufacturer: one must be orange juice. (Not applicable to Best Western Premier product descriptor Properties.)
g. Choice of two fruits: one must be fresh.
h. Regular and decaffeinated coffee (premium quality coffee such as Maxwell House, Folgers, Douwe Egberts, or approved national or regional roaster or super premiums, such as Starbucks, Peet's Seattle's Best), and two choices of tea.
i. Two creamers (one dairy and one non-dairy).
j. Sugar and choice of two types of sugar substitute (saccharin based, e.g., Sweet 'N Low, aspartame-based, e.g., NutraSweet, and sucralose-based, e.g., Splenda, comply).
k. Choice of two milks: whole, two percent, and/or skim.
l. Salt and pepper.
m. Coffee 100% Columbian or Arabica (may use local vendor).
n. Approved yogurt machine (currently Perfect Parfait Machine)
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 108–413)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Best Western Franchise Disclosure Document, Best Western properties must adhere to specific construction and location standards. Each property is required to be of soundproof construction, situated in a desirable location, and feature an attractive exterior, as well as provide year-round heating and/or cooling. Additionally, a Best Western Member Property should have a restaurant on or within 500 feet of the premises, unless a variance is approved by the Board. However, a restaurant at another lodging establishment within that 500-foot radius does not satisfy this requirement. If a full-service restaurant is not available on-site, the property must provide a complimentary breakfast buffet that includes a selection of items such as bread, cereal, juice, and spreads.
For new construction projects, Best Western requires a location-specific map to be submitted with the application, detailing the surrounding area within a half-mile scale. The application also necessitates complete ownership or leasing information, including copies of recorded documents and financial statements. Furthermore, Best Western's Bylaws grant existing members certain market area rights, meaning a new application for a property within an existing member's market area will generally not be accepted unless the existing member provides written consent. An impact study may be commissioned if a property is located near an existing Best Western hotel, and nearby hotels may be informed of the application.
Best Western also has a Descriptor Program that uses different names to communicate the types of hotel products and amenities guests can expect. Properties will qualify for, be assigned, and use one of three descriptors: "Best Western", "Best Western Plus" or "Best Western Premier." Each descriptor has Member approved Design Guidelines and Brand Standards. All properties are required to install and maintain a Property Management System that is certified with the Best Western Two-Way Interface and endorsed by Best Western. A one-time installation fee of $1,500 is charged to recover the Best Western resource costs necessary to effect the implementation of Two-Way.
These requirements ensure that all Best Western properties maintain a consistent standard of quality and service, which protects the brand's reputation and provides guests with a reliable experience. Prospective franchisees should carefully review these requirements to ensure they can meet the necessary standards and understand the potential costs and restrictions involved in developing and operating a Best Western property.