Is a Best Western franchisee required to participate in and use the required reservation service?
Best_Western Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must participate in and use the required reservation service, including any additions, enhancements, supplements or variants we develop or adopt, and honor and give first priority on available rooms to all confirmed reservations referred to the Property through the required reservation service. The only reservation service or system you may use for outgoing reservations referred by or from the Property to other properties owned, licensed or franchised by us or one of our affiliates will be the reservation service we designate and require.
Source: Item 16 — Restrictions on What the Franchisee May Sell (FDD pages 87–88)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Best Western Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must participate in and use the brand's required reservation service. This includes any additions, enhancements, supplements, or variants that Best Western develops or adopts. Franchisees are also obligated to prioritize confirmed reservations referred through this service, giving them precedence over other bookings when rooms are available.
Furthermore, the FDD specifies that the Best Western reservation service is the exclusive system franchisees can use for outgoing reservations to other Best Western properties. This means franchisees cannot use alternative systems to refer guests to other hotels within the Best Western network.
Best Western also provides computer software for accessing its supporting applications, which franchisees must use solely for reservation communications and other business purposes related to operating a Best Western branded hotel. Franchisees are prohibited from copying or disclosing this software and must adhere to all licensing terms. This ensures that all properties within the Best Western system are integrated and operate using standardized procedures for reservations and brand consistency.