Under what conditions is a Specialized 2-Day Property Visit required for Best Western franchisees?
Best_Western Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Change of Ownership Fee – Prior to Activation (less than 25% ownership remains) | Then current Entrance Fee. | Within 20 days of change of ownership. | Change of Ownership Fee required when ownership changes prior to activation on reservations systems and less than 25% of ownership remains. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer of Membership to Another Designated Property | $15,000 plus the difference in the then current Entrance Fee if the designated System Hotel has more rooms. | At time of request of transfer. | Fee when membership is transferred to another designated property and ownership does not change more than 50%. |
| Non- | $2,400 per visit. | Due and payable | Fee for training to improve hotel |
| Compliance/Critical | upon statement | performance that we determine is | |
| Care Visits | receipt. | required or that you request. | |
| Overall Experience Threshold Fee | $2,500 if placed in probation after cure period; $500 per month for each month of continued non-compliance. | Due and payable upon statement receipt. | Fee for Property’s failure to improve overall experience score during a 12-month cure period. |
| Voting Representative Brand Orientation (2 days) | $500 per course. To audit only, $100. | Due and payable upon statement receipt. | Required new Voting Representative brand orientation. You are responsible for all related travel and living expenses and wages incurred in connection with such training. |
| General Manager Professional Development Training or Leadership Training (5 days) | $1,500 for General Manager Professional Development Training and $1,700 for General Manager Leadership Training. |
Source: Item 6 — Other Fees (FDD pages 24–37)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Best Western's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a Specialized 2-Day Property Visit is not explicitly mentioned. However, the FDD does mention a 'Voting Representative Brand Orientation (2 days)' which costs $500 per course, or $100 to audit. This orientation is required for new Voting Representatives. The franchisee is responsible for all related travel, living expenses, and wages incurred in connection with this training.
Additionally, Best Western franchisees may be required to attend Non-Compliance/Critical Care Visits. The fee for these visits is $2,400 per visit. These visits are for training to improve hotel performance that Best Western determines is required or that the franchisee requests.
While the document details fees and conditions for various training programs and visits, it does not specifically outline the conditions under which a 'Specialized 2-Day Property Visit' is mandated. A prospective franchisee should inquire with Best Western about the specifics of any specialized property visits, including the circumstances that trigger them, the content covered, and any associated costs beyond those listed in the FDD.