What is the current PMS system that Best Western requires franchisees to license?
Best_Western Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
blacklights) from approved suppliers, and (iv) our approved rate shopping service and rate optimization software subscription program.
You are currently required to license the System's PMS (currently AutoClerk Cloud PMS) from our affiliate, AutoClerk. When you obtain the required PMS, you will also receive the GMS. The GMS provides a full-suite guest management system for System Hotels. The GMS includes preregistration, dynamic upsells, guest messaging, digital compendium and mobile check-out. The GMS enables hoteliers to increase revenue, boost staff efficiency and maximize guest satisfaction. If the Property has a waiver from the requirement to use the System's required PMS, you must still obtain the GMS and pay all associated fees.
In order to license the PMS from AutoClerk, you will be required to enter into a Software as a Service Agreement in the form attached as Exhibit K. You are also currently required to purchase Lodging Link, a product offered by Comtrol Corporation that provides connectivity and integration of the PMS into other guest and hotel service systems (e.g. Call Accounting, PBX, in-room entertainment, Key Card, etc.). We are the only approved supplier and licenser of the BWI Two-Way connect software, which connects your PMS software system to our hotel software system. We are also the only approved supplier of distribution system photographs that must be taken of the Property and certain other distribution services disclosed in Item 6.
Source: Item 8 — Restrictions on Sources of Products and Services (FDD pages 61–64)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Best Western's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are currently required to license the System's PMS, which is AutoClerk Cloud PMS, from Best Western's affiliate, AutoClerk. When a franchisee obtains the required PMS, they will also receive the GMS, which provides a full-suite guest management system for System Hotels. The GMS includes preregistration, dynamic upsells, guest messaging, digital compendium and mobile check-out. The GMS enables hoteliers to increase revenue, boost staff efficiency and maximize guest satisfaction.
Even if a Best Western property has a waiver from the requirement to use the System's required PMS, the franchisee must still obtain the GMS and pay all associated fees. In order to license the PMS from AutoClerk, the franchisee will be required to enter into a Software as a Service Agreement. Franchisees are also currently required to purchase Lodging Link, a product offered by Comtrol Corporation that provides connectivity and integration of the PMS into other guest and hotel service systems (e.g. Call Accounting, PBX, in-room entertainment, Key Card, etc.).
Best Western is the only approved supplier and licenser of the BWI Two-Way connect software, which connects the franchisee's PMS software system to Best Western's hotel software system. Best Western, AutoClerk and Comtrol Corporation are the only approved suppliers of certain PMS-related installation, maintenance and licensing, and franchisees will be required to make payments to Best Western/AutoClerk for those services. This means a Best Western franchisee does not have the option to choose their own PMS system, and must use the one designated by the franchisor.