Are Best Western members required to participate in Refurbishment Programs adopted by the Board or Best Western Members?
Best_Western Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
oses of Best Western Rule 500.21, such programs
are individually and collectively referred to as "Refurbishment Programs." Any Refurbishment Program adopted by the Board or Best Western Members is applicable to all Members, and shall include requirements for specific brands. Any Refurbishment Program adopted by the Board shall, prior to implementation, be submitted to the Members for their vote and approval, in accordance with the Bylaws, if (i) the cost of required item(s) is more than $150 per room, per Member Property if purchased through Best Western Supply (the "Expenditure Limitation"), or (ii) the Board should reasonably expect that most Member Properties will need to hire a "trade person" to install the item(s). With regard to any such System Hotel vote, an affirmative vote of a
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, any Refurbishment Program adopted by the Board or Best Western Members applies to all members and includes requirements for specific brands. However, programs adopted by the Board require a member vote and approval before implementation if the cost exceeds $150 per room when purchased through Best Western Supply, or if the Board anticipates that most members will need to hire a tradesperson for installation.
For a System Hotel vote, a majority is required for passage, provided that at least 33 1/3% of all System Hotels vote in favor of the proposal. This means that while participation in Refurbishment Programs is generally mandatory, members have a say in programs that involve significant costs or require professional installation.
This process ensures that Best Western maintains consistent standards across its properties while also giving franchisees a voice in decisions that affect their investments. Prospective franchisees should be aware of these requirements and the potential costs associated with refurbishment programs when considering a Best Western franchise.