When submitting an Application for Membership to Best Western, what proof regarding the proposed site must be included?
Best_Western Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must propose a site when you submit the Application for Membership and include information that the Board requires to evaluate the proposed site. The Application for Membership must include proof of land ownership, lease agreement, or contingent right to purchase. The Board considers several factors when evaluating an Application for Membership and a proposed site, including but not limited to: location, presence in the market, applicant brand, number of guest rooms, operational experience of applicant, funding ability of the applicant to complete the project, potential impact on existing Members (if any) in the market, demand generators and projected market growth, market competition, and, if a conversion, the extent of the required renovation. The Board will approve or reject the Application for Membership, which includes the proposed site, within approximately 60 days of receiving the Application for Membership. If the Board rejects the Application for Membership, we will not enter into a Membership
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, when submitting an Application for Membership, franchisees must include information that the Board requires to evaluate the proposed site. Specifically, the Application for Membership must include proof of land ownership, a lease agreement, or a contingent right to purchase.
The Best Western Board considers several factors when evaluating an application and proposed site. These factors include the location, presence in the market, the applicant's brand, the number of guest rooms, the applicant's operational experience, and the applicant's funding ability to complete the project. The Board also considers the potential impact on existing Best Western members in the market, demand generators and projected market growth, market competition, and, if the property is a conversion, the extent of the required renovation.
The Board will either approve or reject the Application for Membership, including the proposed site, approximately 60 days after receiving the application. If the Board rejects the application, Best Western will not enter into a Membership Agreement with the applicant. In the event of a rejection, Best Western will refund the Impact Study Fee, if applicable, and the Affiliation Fee.