Can a Surestay Hotel By Best Western be used as a homeless shelter?
Surestay_Hotel_By_Best_Western Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
System Hotels operating under the "SureStay by Best Western" Brand appeal to leisure and business travelers and compete in the upper economy hotel segment with average daily rates in the range of $45 to $70. SureStay by Best Western System Hotels provide a welcoming environment, clean and comfortable rooms, free continental breakfast, free high-speed Internet access and great service for a great value. A typical System Hotel operating under the "SureStay by Best Western" Brand will have 60 rooms.
System Hotels operating under the "SureStay Plus by Best Western" Brand appeal to leisure and business travelers looking for upgraded or "Plus" standards and amenities. SureStay Plus by Best Western System Hotels compete in the lower midscale and upper economy segment with an average daily rate in the range of $65 to $100. SureStay Plus by Best Western System Hotels and their rooms are stylish and well-appointed and provide upgraded amenities that include a free hot breakfast, free high-speed internet access and exceptional service. A typical System Hotel operating under the "SureStay Plus by Best Western" Brand will have 80 rooms.
System Hotels operating under the "SureStay Studio by Best Western" Brand appeal to leisure and business travelers looking for the perfect combination of hotel and home, with studios thoughtfully designed to provide dedicated spaces for sleeping, dining, work and relaxation. "SureStay Studio by Best Western" System Hotels compete in the lower midscale and upper economy segment with an average daily rate in the range of $65 to $100. A typical System Hotel operating under the "SureStay Studio by Best Western" Brand will have 100 rooms.
Source: Item 16 — Restrictions on What the Franchisee May Sell (FDD pages 64–65)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document for Surestay Hotel By Best Western does not specifically address whether a property can be used as a homeless shelter. However, the FDD does describe the brand's target customers and the standards required for its hotels.
According to the FDD, Surestay Hotel By Best Western hotels aim to attract leisure and business travelers by providing a welcoming environment, clean and comfortable rooms, free continental breakfast, free high-speed internet access, and great service. Surestay Plus by Best Western hotels target similar travelers but offer upgraded standards and amenities, including free hot breakfast and stylish, well-appointed rooms. Surestay Studio by Best Western hotels cater to travelers seeking extended-stay lodging with dedicated spaces for sleeping, dining, work, and relaxation.
Given these descriptions, using a Surestay Hotel By Best Western as a homeless shelter could potentially conflict with the brand's standards for attracting its target customer base. Prospective franchisees should directly ask the franchisor about any restrictions or guidelines regarding the use of their hotels for purposes other than typical guest lodging to ensure compliance with franchise agreements and brand standards.