How should the entrance to a Best Western property be identified?
Best_Western Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
on or cancellation of Membership, the former Best Western Member shall remove all Best Western branded signs, names, and marks, and any part thereof, or any display of a Best Western mark, logo, or emblem. The cost of removal of Best Western identification upon termination or cancellation of Membership shall be the responsibility of the former Member. If Best Western must take action to require or complete the removal, destruction, or alteration of Best Western branded signs, names, marks, or any other Best Western identification, the former Member shall be responsible for costs and
fees, including attorneys' fees, incurred by Best Western.
- 300.7 All logos not conforming to Best Western standards shall be removed or replaced to meet Best Western requirements at the Member's expense.
- 300.8 In cases where zoning prohibits display of an approved sign which meets Best Western's minimum requirements, Members shall submit zoning ordinances, plus graphics and dimensions to Best Western Brand Identity Administration for review. The Member or Applicant must request a variance in writing from the local city board and, if denied, appeal to the next level of government. If local ordinances prevail, the Member or Applicant shall be required to comply with Best Western's minimum requirements in the following manner.
- A. All allowed branded signs shall be installed in the most advantageous combination of permitted locations and sizes within the primary Property entry area, including entry drive, canopy, porte cochere, and lobby main entrance.
- B. When the canopy or the porte cochere are the only permitted locations to display the Property name, then the Best Western logo shall be displayed as outlined in the Brand Identity Manual.
- C. The Member or Applicant shall have the right to appeal to the Board regarding compliance with this rule. The decision of the Board shall be final.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 108–413)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Best Western FDD, the entrance to a Best Western property must adhere to specific brand standards, with the Best Western logo displayed according to the Brand Identity Manual. If zoning laws restrict the display of approved signs, franchisees must seek a variance from local authorities. If local ordinances prevail, the Best Western logo must be displayed in the most advantageous combination of permitted locations and sizes within the primary property entry area, including the entry drive, canopy, porte cochere, and lobby main entrance. When the canopy or porte cochere are the only permitted locations, the Best Western logo should be displayed as outlined in the Brand Identity Manual.
Best Western requires that each member use either the appropriate hotel descriptor text or logo immediately preceding the individual property name in directories, travel guides, brochures, postcards, hotel letters, envelopes, business cards, Yellow Pages, courtesy cars/vans, and in all media as outlined in the Brand Identity Manual or policies and directives of the Board. If the member chooses to use the descriptor text rather than the logo, the appropriate descriptor logo must be placed elsewhere in the advertisement or display. All Best Western branded signs, names, and marks must be reproduced in their true proportions and entirety and, when reproduced in color, in the approved colors, in accordance with the Brand Identity Manual.
These regulations ensure brand consistency and visibility across all Best Western properties. Franchisees must comply with these standards to maintain their membership and avoid penalties. The Brand Identity Manual serves as a crucial guide for franchisees in adhering to these requirements. Franchisees also need to stay informed about any changes to these standards, as the Board can modify them. Failure to comply with these standards can lead to the removal or replacement of non-conforming logos at the member's expense.