Is a Best Western franchisee required to comply with all standards and specifications issued by Best Western?
Best_Western Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We issue standards, specifications, requirements, criteria, and policies for use by Members in developing and operating System Hotels, and modifications of those standards and specifications, in the Regulatory Documents. In order to maintain the integrity, image uniformity and public reputation of System Hotels, you are required to comply with all of our standards and specifications. Among other things, the standards and specifications in the Regulatory Documents may regulate the types, models, and brands of products and services the Property uses; required and authorized products and services that the Property must offer to customers and quality standards for those products and services; and designated and approved suppliers of these items and services. We may require you to purchase
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 indeed required to comply with all standards and specifications issued by Best Western. These standards, specifications, requirements, criteria, and policies are detailed in what the FDD refers to as the 'Regulatory Documents.' This compliance is crucial for maintaining the integrity, image uniformity, and public reputation of all Best Western System Hotels. These standards cover a broad range of operational aspects, including the types, models, and brands of products and services used at the property, the required and authorized products and services that must be offered to customers, and the quality standards for those products and services.
Best Western also designates and approves specific suppliers for various items and services, and franchisees may be required to purchase products or services from these designated suppliers, or from suppliers approved by Best Western. Currently, franchisees are required to purchase items such as signage, linens, terry products, bath amenities, and ICare® items from approved suppliers. Additionally, franchisees must license the System's PMS (currently AutoClerk Cloud PMS) from Best Western's affiliate, AutoClerk, and obtain the GMS (guest management system). Even if a property has a waiver from using the System's required PMS, they are still obligated to obtain the GMS and pay all associated fees.
This level of standardization is common in franchising to ensure brand consistency and quality across all locations. However, it also means that franchisees have limited autonomy in choosing suppliers and products, which could impact their costs and operational flexibility. Prospective franchisees should carefully review the Regulatory Documents to fully understand the scope of these standards and specifications, as well as the list of approved suppliers, to assess the potential impact on their business. Furthermore, franchisees are required to maintain specific insurance coverage, including commercial general liability, automobile liability, cyber security insurance, and statutory workers' compensation insurance, in the amounts set forth in the Regulatory Documents.