What reservation service or system is a Best Western franchisee allowed to use for outgoing reservations referred by or from the Property to other Best Western properties?
Best_Western Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must participate in and use the required reservation service, including any additions, enhancements, supplements or variants we develop or adopt, and honor and give first priority on available rooms to all confirmed reservations referred to the Property through the required reservation service. The only reservation service or system you may use for outgoing reservations referred by or from the Property to other properties owned, licensed or franchised by us or one of our affiliates will be the reservation service we designate and require.
Source: Item 16 — Restrictions on What the Franchisee May Sell (FDD pages 87–88)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Best Western Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee can only use the reservation service that Best Western designates and requires for outgoing reservations referred from the property to other Best Western properties. This includes properties that are owned, licensed, or franchised by Best Western or its affiliates.
This restriction ensures that all reservations within the Best Western system are managed through a unified platform, allowing for better quality control and brand consistency. By mandating a specific reservation service, Best Western aims to maintain a seamless experience for guests who are referred between different Best Western locations. This also allows Best Western to track and manage reservations across its network, which can be beneficial for marketing and operational purposes.
For a prospective franchisee, this means they must adhere to Best Western's chosen reservation system for all outgoing referrals. They cannot use alternative systems or services for this purpose. It is important for franchisees to become proficient in using the designated reservation service to ensure smooth operations and compliance with Best Western's standards.