What does 'Best Western Property' refer to?
Best_Western Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ship where the Best Western Property does not qualify for an automatic transfer "reaffiliation," or due to a requirement of a conditional extension that has been granted as part of the hearing process or Board evaluation because of past due Membership conditions.
Best Western International, Inc. Descriptor Program
Approved April 2010 and Amended December 2011 - The Descriptor Program is a marketing strategy that includes the use of different names to communicate to guests the types of hotel products and amenities to expect at Best Western Properties (the "Descriptor Program"). Having been approved by the Membership, Best Western Properties will qualify for, be assigned and use one of three descriptors: "Best Western", "Best Western Plus" or "Best Western Premier." Each descriptor has Member approved Design Guidelines and Brand Standards. The Descriptor Program will have no effect on membership fees, dues or Best Western's one class of voting membership.
As approved, the Descriptor Program operates as follows:
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- Best Western Properties will use one of three descriptors: "Best Western", "Best Western Plus" or "Best Western Premier."
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- Best Western's current design requirements remain the fundamental requirements for all Properties. Design Guidelines for each descriptor are established as referenced in Exhibits A-1, A-2 and A-3 (the "Design Guidelines"). The Brand Standards for each descriptor are established as referenced in Exhibit B (the "Brand Standards").
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- Best Western Properties are required to meet the Descriptor Program's Design Guidelines by February 1, 2014, or earlier if required by a Property Improvement Plan ("PIP") deadline.
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- Best Western Plus Properties are required to meet the Descriptor Program's Design Guidelines within three years of activation on the reservation system as Best Western
Plus (e.g., if activated on February 1, 2011, the deadline is February 1, 2014), or earlier if required by a PIP deadline.
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- Best Western Premier properties shall comply with the Design Guidelines at all times.
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- AAA/CAA ratings no longer apply to the Descriptor Program (i.e., the assignment of descriptors).
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Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 108–413)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Best Western's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a 'Best Western Property' refers to a property that has been approved by the Membership to qualify for, be assigned, and use one of three descriptors: 'Best Western', 'Best Western Plus', or 'Best Western Premier.' These descriptors are part of a marketing strategy designed to communicate the types of hotel products and amenities guests can expect at different Best Western locations. Each descriptor is associated with specific Design Guidelines and Brand Standards approved by Best Western members.
Best Western Properties are required to meet certain design standards by specific deadlines, often driven by a Property Improvement Plan (PIP). For example, the FDD states that in 2010 Best Western Properties were required to meet the Descriptor Program's Design Guidelines by February 1, 2014, or earlier if required by a PIP deadline. Furthermore, Best Western Plus Properties had three years from their activation on the reservation system to meet these guidelines, while Best Western Premier properties must comply with the Design Guidelines at all times.
To maintain brand standards, every Best Western Property must maintain at least a AAA/CAA 2-Diamond rating. If a property falls below this rating or fails an assessment, it must undergo a design review and complete any resulting PIP within six months. Properties can also apply for a higher descriptor, such as 'Best Western Plus' or 'Best Western Premier,' by requesting a design review and meeting the respective Design Guidelines and Brand Standards. This system ensures that all Best Western Properties maintain a consistent level of quality and service, aligning with guest expectations for each descriptor level.