What Best Western Plus is and how it differs from other hotel chains

Best Western Plus is a mid-range hotel brand owned and operated by Best Western Hotels & Resorts, a privately held company based in Phoenix, Arizona. Unlike chains where a corporation owns and runs each location, Best Western Plus properties are independently owned and operated by franchisees who pay to use the brand name, standards, and reservation system.

This franchise model means each Best Western Plus hotel is run by a different owner, so the quality, amenities, and service can vary significantly from one location to another — even within the same city. The brand sets minimum standards that all properties must meet to keep their affiliation, but a property in Denver may look and feel quite different from one in Miami.

Best Western Plus sits in the middle tier of the Best Western family. The parent company also operates Best Western (the base brand with fewer amenities) and Best Western Premier (higher-end properties with more services). Best Western Plus properties typically offer free breakfast, a fitness center, and free Wi-Fi as standard features, but the specific offerings depend on the individual hotel.

Key Takeaways

  • Best Western Plus properties are independently owned franchises, so amenities and quality vary by location even though all must meet brand standards.
  • The brand includes free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and a fitness center at most locations, but you should confirm what each specific hotel offers before booking.
  • Best Western Plus sits between the base Best Western brand and the higher-end Best Western Premier in terms of price and services.
  • Booking directly through Best Western's website or calling the property may offer different rates and perks than third-party booking sites.
  • Best Western Rewards is a free loyalty program that tracks nights stayed and offers points toward free rooms and upgrades.

Room types and standard amenities at Best Western Plus

Most Best Western Plus hotels offer standard rooms, suites, and sometimes specialty rooms like king beds or accessible rooms for guests with mobility needs. The exact room inventory depends on the individual property — a smaller location may have only standard rooms and one suite type, while a larger hotel might offer five or more room categories.

Standard amenities across the brand typically include a flat-screen television, air conditioning or heating, a private bathroom, and a work desk. Many properties include a microwave and refrigerator in the room, though this varies. Free Wi-Fi is standard at Best Western Plus locations, though connection quality depends on the hotel's infrastructure.

Most Best Western Plus hotels include a complimentary hot breakfast in the room rate — usually a continental or hot buffet served in a dedicated breakfast area. A fitness center is standard, though the size and equipment vary widely. Many locations have a business center with computers and printing, and some offer a small indoor pool or hot tub, but this is not may provide.

How pricing works and what affects your rate

Best Western Plus room rates vary based on location, season, day of the week, and how far in advance you book. A room in a major city during peak season costs significantly more than the same room type in a smaller town during the off-season. Weekend rates are typically higher than weekday rates in most markets.

The rate you see on the Best Western website may differ from rates on third-party sites like Expedia, Booking.com, or Google Hotels. Best Western often runs promotions on its own site that do not appear elsewhere, and booking directly sometimes includes perks like room upgrades or late checkout that third-party bookings do not. Conversely, a third-party site may occasionally show a lower base rate, though you lose any brand-specific benefits.

Best Western Rewards members receive a discount on most bookings — typically 10 percent off the best available rate. The program is free to join and tracks every night you stay, earning points that convert to free room nights. Members also receive other perks like free breakfast upgrades or room upgrades at participating properties, though not every location honors every benefit.

How to book and what to confirm before you arrive

You can book a Best Western Plus hotel through the Best Western website, by calling the property directly, or through third-party booking platforms. Booking directly through Best Western's site or by phone gives you access to member discounts and brand-specific promotions that third-party sites do not show.

Before you complete your booking, confirm the following details with the property: check-in and check-out times (standard is 3 p.m. check-in and 11 a.m. checkout, but some properties differ), whether breakfast is included in your rate, pet policies if you are traveling with animals, and parking fees (most Best Western Plus hotels offer free parking, but some in urban areas charge). If you need a specific room type — ground floor, high floor, away from the elevator — note this in the special requests field, though the hotel cannot may provide it.

If you book through a third-party site, the property may not have your Best Western Rewards number on file, so your stay might not earn points. Contact the hotel directly after booking to provide your Rewards number, or call Best Western's customer service line to have it added to your reservation.

Check-in, check-out, and cancellation policies

Standard check-in at Best Western Plus properties is 3 p.m., and standard check-out is 11 a.m., though individual properties may vary. If you need early check-in, call the property directly when you book or the day before arrival — the hotel will try to accommodate you if rooms are available, but cannot may provide it.

Cancellation policies vary by property and by the rate you booked. Most Best Western Plus hotels offer a free cancellation up to 24 or 48 hours before arrival on standard rates, but non-refundable rates (which are cheaper) cannot be changed or canceled. Always check the cancellation terms in your confirmation email before you book, as they differ by location and rate type.

If you need to cancel, do so through the same channel where you booked — if you booked on the Best Western website, cancel there; if you booked through Expedia, cancel through Expedia. Canceling through the wrong channel can delay your refund or cause confusion about whether the cancellation went through.

Best Western Rewards membership and loyalty benefits

Best Western Rewards is a free membership program that tracks nights stayed at any Best Western, Best Western Plus, or Best Western Premier property worldwide. You earn points for each night, with the number of points depending on your membership tier and the room rate you paid. Points convert to free room nights, typically at a rate of around 10 points per free night, though this varies.

The program has four membership tiers: Member, Silver Elite, Gold Elite, and Platinum Elite. You move up tiers by staying a certain number of nights in a calendar year — for example, 10 nights earns Silver Elite status. Each tier unlocks additional benefits like free breakfast upgrades, room upgrades, late checkout, or bonus points on stays.

Membership is free to join, and you can sign up on the Best Western website or at any property's front desk. Once you have a Rewards number, provide it when you book so your stays count toward your account. If you forget to provide it at booking, contact the property before check-in and they can usually add it to your reservation.

What to do if there is a problem with your stay

If you encounter a problem during your stay — a broken air conditioner, dirty room, missing amenities, or poor service — report it to the front desk when ready rather than waiting until checkout. The staff can often fix the issue on the spot, move you to a different room, or offer compensation like a discount on your bill.

If the issue is not resolved to your satisfaction, contact Best Western's customer service department within a few days of checkout with your confirmation number, the property name and location, and a description of the problem. Best Western can investigate and may offer points, a discount on a future stay, or other compensation depending on the severity of the issue.

If you booked through a third-party site and the issue involves a rate discrepancy or billing problem, contact that site's customer service first, as they handle disputes on bookings made through their platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is breakfast really free at Best Western Plus, or are there hidden charges?

Breakfast is included in your room rate at most Best Western Plus properties — there is no separate charge. However, some properties in certain markets may not offer breakfast or may charge for premium items like hot entrées. Check your confirmation email or call the property before arrival to confirm what breakfast is included in your specific rate.

Can I get a room upgrade if I book the cheapest rate?

Upgrades are not may provide at any rate, but Best Western Rewards members have a better chance than non-members. Gold Elite and Platinum Elite members receive complimentary room upgrades at many properties when available. Even non-members may receive an upgrade if the hotel has extra rooms and is not fully booked, but this is at the front desk's discretion.

What is the difference between Best Western Plus and Best Western Premier?

Best Western Premier properties are higher-end locations with more amenities, better locations, and higher nightly rates than Best Western Plus. Premier properties typically offer more upscale furnishings, better restaurants or dining options, and additional services like concierge or valet parking. Both use the same Rewards program, so points earned at either brand count toward your account.

Do I have to pay for parking at Best Western Plus?

Most Best Western Plus hotels offer free parking, but some properties in major cities or downtown areas charge a daily parking fee. Check your confirmation email or call the property to confirm whether parking is included in your rate before you arrive.

Can I extend my stay after I check in?

Yes, you can usually extend your stay by contacting the front desk, though availability depends on whether the hotel has rooms available for the additional nights. Call ahead if possible rather than waiting until checkout, as the hotel can confirm availability and lock in a rate. Rates for extended stays may differ from your original booking rate.