OVERVIEW

Best Western International claims to be the largest hotel company operating under a single brand name, based on distribution and number of locations. It consists of approximately 4000 hotels in 80 countries and territories worldwide.

Each of the hotels is independently owned and operated so retaining its own character and local appeal, and through affiliation to the international consortium it is linked to a global reservations system and is committed to common standards of quality, service and value.

Best Western describes itself as the most distinctive brand in the industry. Nowhere else, it says, will you find hotels that were formerly castles built by Napoleon or hotels that comprise part of a drive-in movie theatre.

More than 90 percent of those in Europe have three or four-star ratings. In the UK there are over 280 hotels for city breaks, peaceful coastal retreats or golfing holidays, all “dedicated to providing excellent standards of care and a unique environment that makes every stay a real pleasure”.

 GREEN FEATURES  

At a corporate level Best Western says carbon footprints and sustainable resources are two areas that it takes extremely seriously. “We feel that as the largest independently owned and managed hotel consortium in Great Britain it is our duty as individuals and as a group to show our commitment to our future environment with positive actions and not merely with lip service.”

Member hotels pride themselves in buying from local suppliers, wherever possible and are involved in the many charities and organisations that support and benefit their local communities. According to Best Western’s corporate social responsibility statement, “Recycling is another area where we actively promote the reduction of energy consumption – especially with the use of linen and towels – while still being able to give our customers the highest standards of quality and service.”  

Some Best Western Hotels have received gold, silver and bronze awards for their initiatives including certification by the Green Tourism Business Scheme.