What standards must Best Western stairway lighting and handrails comply with?
Best_Western Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 700.35 Every Best Western Property shall provide repair and maintenance of all facilities, equipment, machinery, paving, lighting, electrical systems, plumbing, heating, airconditioning, guest room interior, bathrooms, exterior walls, stairways, swimming pools and equipment, keys and locks, roofs and guttering.
- 500.25 Best Western Members shall comply with all prevailing laws, ordinances and regulations pertaining to the operation or construction of a hotel/motel or resort property.
- 300.17 The Member is cautioned that it is the Member's responsibility to ensure that all branded signs comply with prevailing laws and ordinances. Compliance with the standards and criteria of Best Western does not assure compliance with state and local laws and ordinances.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 108–413)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
Based on the 2025 Best Western Franchise Disclosure Document, specific standards for stairway lighting and handrails are not detailed in the provided excerpts. However, Best Western does mandate general maintenance and safety standards that would apply to stairways.
The FDD states that every Best Western property must maintain all facilities, equipment, machinery, paving, lighting, electrical systems, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, guest room interiors, bathrooms, exterior walls, stairways, swimming pools and equipment, keys and locks, roofs, and guttering in good repair. This implies that stairway lighting must be functional and regularly maintained. Additionally, Best Western requires compliance with all prevailing laws, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to the operation or construction of a hotel/motel or resort property. This means franchisees must ensure their properties, including stairways, adhere to local building codes and safety standards.
Prospective franchisees should inquire with Best Western about specific guidelines or manuals that address stairway lighting and handrail requirements in detail. They should also consult local building codes to ensure full compliance, as Best Western emphasizes that adherence to their standards does not guarantee compliance with local laws and ordinances.