Under what condition is a Best Western member allowed to refer Best Western guests to non-member properties?
Best_Western Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| 300.13 | All branded signs including outdoor billboards, | 400.4 | No Member shall permit the referral of |
|---|---|---|---|
| shall conform to quality standards, design specifications, and approved art in accordance with the Brand Identity Manual. | Best Western guests to non-member properties unless all available Best Western rooms in a given area are filled. | ||
| 300.14 | All branded signs, including supporting | 400.5 | Future reservations shall be solicited of each |
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 member is permitted to refer guests to non-member properties only when all available Best Western rooms in the surrounding area are fully booked. This policy ensures that Best Western prioritizes its own network of hotels and aims to maximize occupancy rates within the Best Western system.
This condition is in place to encourage guests to stay within the Best Western brand whenever possible, reinforcing brand loyalty and ensuring that members benefit from the reservation system. By directing guests to other Best Western properties first, the franchise aims to maintain a consistent quality and service experience for travelers.
For a prospective franchisee, this means that they are expected to prioritize filling rooms at other Best Western locations before referring guests elsewhere. This requirement highlights the collaborative nature of the Best Western membership, where members are encouraged to support each other and maintain the strength of the overall brand. It also implies that franchisees should be aware of the occupancy levels at nearby Best Westerns and maintain communication to facilitate referrals when necessary.