What Best Western Premier Is

Best Western Premier is a hotel chain that operates under a membership model rather than direct corporate ownership. Individual hotel owners join the Best Western brand and agree to meet certain standards in exchange for access to the chain's reservation system, marketing, and loyalty program. When you book a Best Western Premier property, you are staying at a privately owned hotel that has met the chain's requirements for room quality, cleanliness, and guest services.

The "Premier" designation means the property meets higher standards than a standard Best Western location. Premier hotels typically offer more amenities, newer furnishings, and better on-site facilities than the base brand. However, because each hotel is independently owned, the specific features, room types, and services vary significantly from one location to another, even within the Premier tier.

Best Western operates in roughly 100 countries and territories, with thousands of locations worldwide. The chain does not own or operate the hotels directly — it functions as a membership organization that sets standards and provides booking infrastructure. This structure means your experience depends partly on the individual owner's investment in their property.

Key Takeaways

  • Best Western Premier hotels are independently owned properties that meet the chain's standards for amenities and service, not corporate-run locations.
  • Room rates, available amenities, and quality vary by location because each hotel is owned and operated separately.
  • The Best Western Rewards loyalty program lets you earn points on stays that you can redeem for free nights or other benefits.
  • You can book through the Best Western website, phone line, or third-party booking sites, and rates may differ depending on which channel you use.
  • Cancellation policies, pet fees, parking charges, and resort fees are set by each individual hotel owner and are not standardized across the chain.

How to Book a Best Western Premier Hotel

You can reserve a room through several channels: the official Best Western website (bestwestern.com), by calling their central reservations line, through a travel agent, or via third-party booking platforms like Expedia, Booking.com, or Google Hotels. Rates often differ between these channels, so checking multiple sources before booking can save money.

When you search on the Best Western website, you can filter by location, dates, and price range. The site shows room types available at each property, amenities offered, and guest reviews. Before completing your reservation, read the cancellation policy carefully — it varies by hotel and by the rate type you selected. Some rates are non-refundable, while others allow free cancellation up to a certain number of days before arrival.

If you are a Best Western Rewards member, log in before booking to may support your stay is credited to your account and you earn points. Non-members can join for free at the time of booking or before arrival.

Best Western Rewards Loyalty Program

Best Western Rewards is the chain's free membership program. You earn one point per dollar spent on room rates (not on taxes, fees, or incidental charges). Points accumulate in your account and can be redeemed for free nights, room upgrades, or other rewards depending on the redemption options available at the time you book.

Members also receive benefits such as late checkout (subject to availability), room upgrades (when available), and access to member-only rates that are sometimes lower than the public rate for the same dates. The program has no annual fee and no expiration date on points, so you can let them build over time.

To join, visit bestwestern.com, create an account with your email address, and provide basic information. You can also join at the front desk when you check in, though joining beforehand ensures your current stay is credited from the start.

What Amenities and Services Vary by Location

Because Best Western Premier hotels are independently owned, amenities differ widely. A Premier property in one city might include a full-service restaurant, fitness center, and business center, while a Premier hotel in another location might offer only a continental breakfast and gym access. Before booking, check the specific property's amenities list on the Best Western website or call the hotel directly to confirm what is included.

Common amenities at many Premier locations include free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, a business center, and a complimentary breakfast or coffee service. Some properties have pools, hot tubs, or on-site dining. Others do not. Pet policies, parking (free or paid), and resort fees are also set by each individual hotel owner, so these costs are not consistent across the chain.

The hotel's description page on the Best Western website lists what that specific property offers. Guest reviews often mention amenities that were or were not available, which can help you decide whether a particular location meets your needs.

Cancellation Policies and Fees You Should Know

Each Best Western Premier hotel sets its own cancellation policy. Some allow free cancellation up to 48 hours before arrival; others require 72 hours' notice. Some rates are non-refundable from the moment you book. The cancellation terms appear in your confirmation email and on the booking page before you complete your reservation — read them carefully, because they determine whether you can get your money back if your plans change.

Additional fees that may explore include resort fees (charged per night at some properties), parking fees (free at some locations, paid at others), pet fees if you are traveling with an animal, and incidental charges like minibar or room service. These fees are not part of the room rate and are often added to your final bill at checkout or charged to your card after you leave. The hotel's website or your confirmation should list these fees, but calling the property directly is the most reliable way to confirm what you will owe beyond the nightly room rate.

Checking In and What to Expect at the Front Desk

Check-in time at Best Western Premier hotels is typically 3:00 or 4:00 p.m., and checkout is usually 11:00 a.m. or noon. If you need to arrive earlier or stay later, contact the hotel in advance to request early check-in or late checkout. Availability depends on occupancy, and the hotel may charge an additional fee for late checkout.

At the front desk, have your confirmation number and a valid photo ID ready. If you are a Best Western Rewards member, provide your membership number or the email address associated with your account so your stay is credited. The front desk staff will provide your room key, explain how to access Wi-Fi, and answer questions about the property's amenities and local area.

If you encounter a problem during your stay — such as a non-functioning air conditioner, missing amenities, or noise issues — report it to the front desk when ready. Most hotels will attempt to resolve the issue or move you to a different room. If you are not satisfied with how the problem was handled, you can contact Best Western's customer service after checkout to file a complaint.

How Best Western Premier Differs From Other Hotel Chains

Best Western operates as a membership organization, which means individual owners have more control over their properties than they would at a chain where corporate headquarters owns or tightly controls operations. This structure can result in greater variation in quality and amenities between locations compared to chains like Marriott or Hilton, where corporate standards are more uniform.

Best Western Premier is positioned as an upper-midscale option — more upscale than a budget chain but less expensive and less standardized than a luxury brand. If consistency and predictability are important to you, a corporate-owned chain may be a better fit. If you are looking for competitive rates and do not mind checking individual property details before booking, Best Western can offer good value.

The loyalty program structure is similar to other chains: you earn points on stays and redeem them for free nights or upgrades. Best Western Rewards has no annual fee and no point expiration, which is a straightforward benefit compared to some competitors' programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I earn Best Western Rewards points if I book through a third-party website like Expedia?

Points are typically credited only when you book directly through Best Western's website, phone line, or a travel agent affiliated with Best Western. Bookings made through Expedia, Booking.com, or similar platforms usually do not earn points. If you want to earn rewards, book directly through bestwestern.com or call their reservations line.

What should I do if my room is not as described on the website?

Report the issue to the front desk when ready. The hotel may offer to move you to a different room, provide a partial refund, or offer other compensation. If the hotel does not resolve it to your satisfaction, contact Best Western's customer service with your confirmation number and details of the problem. Document the issue with photos if possible.

Are there extra fees I should expect beyond the nightly room rate?

Yes. Resort fees, parking charges, pet fees, and taxes are common additions that vary by location. These should be disclosed before you complete your booking, but calling the hotel directly is the safest way to confirm the total cost. Read your confirmation email carefully to see what fees are listed.

Can I change my reservation after I book?

You can usually modify your reservation (change dates or room type) through your Best Western account online or by calling the hotel directly, as long as your rate type allows changes. Non-refundable rates may not be changeable. Check your confirmation for the specific terms, or contact the hotel to ask whether your booking can be modified.

What happens if I need to cancel my stay?

The refund depends on your rate type and the hotel's cancellation policy. Refundable rates typically allow cancellation up to a set number of days before arrival (often 48 or 72 hours). Non-refundable rates do not return your money. Cancel through your Best Western account or by calling the hotel directly to may support the cancellation is processed and documented.