1946
4700
$573,200
$45,000
$30,179,258
No
Best Western Hotels & Resorts stands as a beacon of reliability and quality in the global hospitality industry. Founded in 1946 by M.K. Guertin in California, the brand began as a network of independent hotel operators sharing referrals among each other. This collaborative spirit laid the foundation for what would become one of the world's largest hotel chains. Today, Best Western operates over 4,700 hotels across nearly 100 countries, with more than 2,000 properties in North America alone .
Operating under a unique nonprofit membership model since 2018, Best Western is owned by its franchisee members, ensuring that decisions are made with the interests of hotel owners in mind. This structure fosters a strong sense of community and shared purpose among franchisees. The brand's diverse portfolio includes 19 distinct hotel brands, catering to a wide range of traveler preferences and budgets .
In the USA, Best Western continues to be a dominant force in the hospitality sector, offering franchisees a proven business model, comprehensive support, and a globally recognized brand.
Investing in a Best Western franchise offers numerous advantages:
Established Brand Recognition: Benefit from the global recognition of the Best Western name, which is synonymous with quality and reliability.
Diverse Brand Portfolio: Choose from a range of brands within the Best Western family, including Best Western®, Best Western Plus®, and Best Western Premier®, to match your investment goals and target market .
Nonprofit Ownership Model: As a member-owned organization, Best Western prioritizes the interests of its franchisees, ensuring decisions are made with their success in mind.
Comprehensive Support: Receive extensive training and operational support to ensure your hotel's success.
Global Network: Leverage Best Western's worldwide network for marketing, reservations, and operational support.
Established Year:
Best Western was founded in 1946 by M.K. Guertin in California, USA. It started as a network of independent hotel operators who shared referrals among each other, creating a cooperative system to ensure travelers had reliable accommodations.
Founders & Brand Journey:
Founder: M.K. Guertin, a visionary in the hospitality industry.
Brand Journey: The original concept of “referral hotels” evolved into one of the largest hotel chains globally. The cooperative model allowed independent hotel owners to benefit from shared branding, marketing, and operational support.
Evolution: Over the decades, Best Western expanded rapidly across the USA and internationally, introducing tiered brands such as Best Western Plus and Best Western Premier to cater to different market segments.
Franchise Units & Ownership:
Global Presence: Over 4,700 hotels worldwide, with 2,000+ properties in North America.
Ownership Model: Since 2018, Best Western operates as a nonprofit, member-owned organization, meaning franchisees collectively own the brand. This ensures decisions are made with the interests of franchisees in mind, fostering a collaborative environment.
Market Presence in the USA:
Best Western has a strong footprint across all 50 states, including major cities, tourist destinations, and highway corridors.
The brand serves both leisure and business travelers, offering a reliable and recognizable hospitality experience.
Industry Category:
Sector: Hospitality – Hotel Franchising.
Category Strength: Known for consistent quality standards, competitive pricing, and strong brand loyalty, Best Western is considered a top midscale hotel franchise in the United States.
Other Information:
Best Western emphasizes diverse brand offerings, from budget-friendly to premium options, catering to a broad audience.
Its franchise model provides autonomy for owners while supplying centralized support in marketing, operations, and technology.
The brand’s long history and global recognition make it a trusted choice for investors seeking a stable, scalable hospitality business.
Best Western offers a robust support system for its franchisees:
Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, design, and construction to ensure your property meets brand standards.
Operational Training: Comprehensive training programs covering all aspects of hotel operations, from front desk management to housekeeping.
Marketing Support: Access to Best Western's global marketing resources, including advertising materials, digital marketing strategies, and promotional campaigns.
Ongoing Education: Continuous learning opportunities through the BWH Hotels Academy, offering courses on hospitality management and customer service
Technology Tools: Utilization of Best Western's advanced property management systems and reservation platforms to streamline operations and enhance guest experience.
Operational Assistance: Ongoing support from Best Western's corporate team to address any operational challenges and ensure consistent service quality.
Investing in a Best Western franchise requires a combination of business acumen, financial capability, and passion for hospitality. The ideal franchisee profile includes the following characteristics:
1. Business Background:
Should have experience in hospitality management, hotel operations, real estate, or general business management.
Familiarity with managing a team, overseeing daily operations, and maintaining high customer service standards is highly valued.
2. Passion for Hospitality:
A genuine interest in providing exceptional guest experiences.
Commitment to upholding the brand standards and service quality that Best Western is known for.
3. Investment Capability:
Must have the financial resources to cover initial investment costs, working capital, and ongoing operational expenses.
Ability to secure financing if needed, as franchise costs can vary widely depending on property size, location, and brand tier (Best Western, Best Western Plus, or Best Western Premier).
4. Entrepreneurial Mindset:
A proactive and innovative approach to enhancing hotel performance and driving guest satisfaction.
Willingness to adhere to brand guidelines while exploring opportunities for local marketing initiatives and operational improvements.
5. Location Preference:
Ideal franchisees are often interested in high-traffic areas, such as:
Urban centers and downtown locations
Tourist destinations and resorts
Major highway corridors for travelers
Understanding of local market dynamics and guest demographics is an advantage.
6. Commitment to Long-Term Growth:
Should have a vision for sustainable growth and the patience to achieve long-term profitability.
Willingness to actively participate in franchisee associations and training programs, contributing to the collective success of the network.
7. Personal Traits:
Strong leadership and communication skills.
Attention to detail and operational discipline.
Customer-focused mindset and problem-solving abilities.
Summary:
The ideal Best Western franchisee is an experienced, financially capable, and hospitality-oriented entrepreneur who values brand standards, seeks long-term growth, and thrives in a supportive, collaborative network. This combination ensures the franchisee can maximize the potential of their property while contributing to the overall reputation and success of the Best Western brand.
1. Total Investment Required:
Range: $573,200 – $30,179,258
Factors Influencing Investment: Property size, brand tier (Best Western, Best Western Plus, Best Western Premier), location, construction or renovation costs, and local market conditions.
2. Minimum Investment:
Approximately $573,200, covering franchise fees, infrastructure, and working capital for smaller or existing properties.
3. Franchise Fee:
Typically ranges from $45,000 to $60,000, depending on brand tier and property specifics.
4. Royalty Fees:
5% of Gross Room Revenue (GRR), payable to Best Western for ongoing brand use and operational support.
5. Advertising/Marketing Fees:
Approximately 2.1% of GRR, which contributes to national and international marketing campaigns.
Local marketing initiatives may require additional budget allocation.
6. Infrastructure Costs:
Costs vary depending on:
New construction vs. existing property renovation
Hotel size (number of rooms and amenities)
Interior design and brand standard compliance
Detailed estimates are provided during the site selection and development process.
7. Working Capital:
Recommended to cover initial operational expenses such as staffing, inventory, and utilities until the hotel reaches profitability.
Typically ranges from $50,000 to $250,000 depending on property size and location.
8. Expected ROI (Return on Investment):
ROI varies based on location, market demand, operational efficiency, and brand tier.
Franchisees often see positive returns within 3–5 years under optimal conditions.
9. Break-Even Time:
Typically ranges from 3 to 5 years, depending on occupancy rates, operational efficiency, and market conditions.
10. Potential Revenue Streams:
Room Bookings: The primary revenue source from overnight stays.
Food & Beverage Services: Revenue from in-house restaurants, bars, or breakfast services.
Event Hosting: Meeting rooms, conferences, weddings, and special events.
Ancillary Services: Parking, laundry, spa, and other guest services.
Loyalty Programs: Additional revenue from membership and promotions through Best Western Rewards.
Summary:
Investing in a Best Western franchise provides a scalable and profitable business model with multiple revenue streams. The combination of established brand recognition, robust support, and diversified services ensures that franchisees can achieve sustainable growth and long-term profitability.
