For Best Western hotels, what was the deadline for replacing cathode ray tube (CRT) televisions?
Best_Western Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 900.17 On or before December 31, 2012, all cathode ray tube ("CRT") televisions shall be replaced with televisions that comply with the following Television Guidelines. Flat panel televisions purchased prior to July 1, 2011 that do not meet the following Television Guidelines will be deemed acceptable for Best Western and Best Western Plus hotels until seven (7) years after the original date of manufacture by which time they must be replaced with a television that meets the following Television Guidelines.
By December 31, 2024, all televisions, for all Best Western branded hotels, shall be replaced with televisions that comply with the following Television Guidelines:
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 108–413)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Best Western's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, there were two deadlines for television upgrades. First, all Best Western hotels were required to replace cathode ray tube (CRT) televisions with compliant televisions by December 31, 2012. Second, all televisions in Best Western branded hotels had to comply with updated Television Guidelines by December 31, 2024. These guidelines mandate commercial-grade LCD, LED, or plasma flat-panel televisions with HDMI, Proidium chip, and VGA ports.
For franchisees, this means budgeting for television replacements to meet brand standards. Flat panel televisions purchased before July 1, 2011, that did not meet the Television Guidelines were acceptable for Best Western and Best Western Plus hotels until seven years after their manufacture date, after which they had to be replaced.
The brand standards also specify minimum television sizes for different areas of the hotel, such as a minimum of 50" for lobby, breakfast area, and guest rooms in Best Western Plus hotels, with guest room televisions also requiring streaming/casting capabilities. These requirements ensure a consistent and modern guest experience across all Best Western properties.