For a Best Western property with a PMS Install Base of 50, what is the monthly Certification Fee?
Best_Western Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| PMS Install Base (Total Number of Properties) | Hotel Support Fee | Certification Fee * | Total Monthly Fee per Property |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | $38 | $88 | $126 |
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 108–413)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Best Western's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the monthly Certification Fee for a property with a PMS Install Base of 50 is $88. This fee contributes to the overall cost of maintaining the Best Western Two-Way Interface certification for Property Management Systems (PMS). The Two-Way Monthly Support Fee includes both a Hotel Support Fee and this Certification Fee.
The Certification Fee is calculated by dividing the annual total cost for ongoing certification ($53,000 per PMS product) by the number of endorsed PMS products. This cost is then distributed evenly among the properties that use each PMS product. The recalculation occurs semi-annually and is billed in June and December. The lowest possible Certification Fee is $1 per month, regardless of the number of installations.
For a Best Western franchisee, this means that the Certification Fee can fluctuate based on the install base of their specific PMS product. A smaller install base results in a higher individual fee, while a larger install base lowers the fee. This fee, along with the Hotel Support Fee ($38 per month), contributes to the total monthly expenses for operating a Best Western property. Franchisees should consider these ongoing technology-related costs when evaluating the financial viability of a Best Western franchise.