If the Best Western Board rejects an Application for Membership, what fees, if any, will be refunded?

According to Best Western's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if the Best Western Board rejects an Application for Membership, the franchisor will not enter into a Membership Agreement with the applicant. In this case, Best Western will refund the Impact Study Fee, if applicable, and the Affiliation Fee to the applicant.

This refund policy is important for potential franchisees to consider, as it mitigates some of the financial risk associated with the application process. While other fees may not be refundable, the return of the Impact Study Fee and Affiliation Fee can provide some financial relief if the application is not approved.

It is important for prospective franchisees to understand the factors that the Best Western Board considers when evaluating an Application for Membership. These factors include location, presence in the market, applicant brand, number of guest rooms, operational experience of applicant, funding ability of the applicant to complete the project, potential impact on existing Members (if any) in the market, demand generators and projected market growth, market competition, and, if a conversion, the extent of the required renovation. Understanding these factors can help applicants present a stronger case for approval and increase their chances of success.