What is included in the Best Western 'Standards' as referenced in the Manuals?
Best_Western Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Issue to you or make available a copy of the Manuals. The Manuals are confidential. References to the Manuals include the "Standards", which include all standards, specifications, requirements, criteria, and policies that have been and are in the future developed and compiled by us in our sole business judgment for use by System Hotels in connection with the design, construction, renovation, refurbishment, appearance, equipping, furnishing, supplying, opening, operating, maintaining, marketing, services, service levels, quality, and quality assurance of System Hotels, including the Property, and for Hotel advertising and accounting, whether in the Manual or in the Membership Agreement or other written communication. The Board may adopt and implement programs and requirements to (i) provide regular maintenance of System Hotels, (ii) maintain a fresh and high quality appearance of System Hotels, (iii) conform to design, appearance, or operating criteria for System Hotels, and (iv) refurbish and renovate System Hotels, to help ensure that each System Hotel offers the public fresh and high quality accommodations that are competitive with other lodging available to the public and are current with lodging industry trends. For purposes of Best Western Rule 500.21, such programs
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 66–77)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Best Western's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the 'Standards' are a comprehensive set of guidelines found within the Manuals. These Standards encompass all the specifications, requirements, criteria, and policies that Best Western has developed and will continue to develop. These standards are determined by Best Western in its business judgment for use by System Hotels.
These 'Standards' relate to various aspects of the System Hotels, including the design, construction, renovation, refurbishment, appearance, equipping, furnishing, supplying, opening, operating, maintaining, marketing, services, service levels, quality, and quality assurance of System Hotels, including the Property. The standards also apply to hotel advertising and accounting practices. These 'Standards' can be found in the Manual, the Membership Agreement, or other written communication.
Best Western has the ability to adopt and implement programs and requirements to ensure regular maintenance, maintain a high-quality appearance, conform to design and operating criteria, and to help ensure that each System Hotel offers fresh and high quality accommodations that are competitive and current with lodging industry trends. These programs are referred to as "Refurbishment Programs".
Prospective franchisees should carefully review the Manuals and Membership Agreement to fully understand the scope and implications of these Standards, as compliance is mandatory and impacts nearly every facet of hotel operations. Understanding these standards is crucial for maintaining brand consistency and meeting customer expectations, which ultimately affects the success and reputation of the Best Western franchise.