Best Western Rewards - an introduction

Best western is one of the largest hotel chains in the world and is represented in over one hundred countries today. Independent hotels are marketed under the brand name, all of which retain their individuality. Best western also has a loyalty program, best western rewards, with which free nights can be collected.

Best western the hotel chequamegon, ashland, wisconsin, USA

Best western – history

Best western was founded in 1946, when hotelier M.K. Guertin came up with the idea of marketing independent hotels under one roof. The first best western was one of its own hotels, the beach motel in long beach. M.K. Guertin, who is also known as "mr. Motel", sought out various hotels that he invited to join best western. This included both motels and city hotels, they all just had to commit to meeting the chain's high standards.

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By the way, the name best western comes from the fact that all hotels were initially located in the western part of the USA. Later, an attempt was also made to create a best eastern chain, but this was not successful, so the original name was now used everywhere. The chain expanded abroad for the first time as early as 1964, when hotels were added in canada. Best western then began to operate globally from 1976, when hotels were added in mexico, australia and new zealand. Even today, best western is a pure franchise company and does not operate its own hotels. The brand itself is run as a non-profit company.

Best western plus marina star hotel, lindau, bavaria

Best western came to germany in 1986 and is now represented throughout the country with around 200 city, conference and vacation hotels. The hotels of the brand can also be found in austria and switzerland. Even today, all hotels are individually managed, but must meet uniform quality standards.

Best western hotel rebstock, rorschacherberg, switzerland

Best western – hotel brands

Until 2001, all hotels were operated simply under the best western name and were mostly in the three- and four-star range. In the meantime, best western includes a whole family of hotel brands, ranging from simple motels to luxury hotels. The brands are intended to offer hotel operators, developers and investors the opportunity to select the right concept for their own hotel in each case. Today there are thirteen different hotel brands to choose from.

Best western – the best western rewards loyalty program

Best western rewards is the loyalty program of all best western hotels worldwide. Anyone could sign up for free and earn points with their stays. Best western rewards also offers different status levels, which provide additional benefits.

Best western rewards – status level

Who signs up for best western rewards, is initially in the level blue. Membership alone suspends points expiration at best western and offers the opportunity to book discounted room rates. The other levels are gold, platinum, diamond and diamond select, which can be achieved through appropriate stays. Each level offers more benefits such as additional bonus points, room upgrades or welcome gifts. Best western gives more information. Tip: in 2022, status is especially easy to achieve because the requirements have been cut in half.

By the way, best western also offers a status match. That means, you get with a status of another hotel chain also the respective best western status. Registration can be done online via this page.

Best western rewards – collect stays

Each best western rewards member has their own online account. Of course there is also an app. In the account you can find all activities, especially an overview of past stays. These are listed here, including the points received.

Points can be collected with every stay that is booked through the best western site. You just have to enter your membership number when booking. Reservations made through third-party providers, on the other hand, are not taken into account.

Best western rewards – points or miles

In addition to earning points that can be redeemed for free nights, best western also gives you the opportunity to earn miles on a variety of mileage programs. These include lufthansa miles & more and the british airways executive club. However, collecting miles and points at the same time is not possible, only one of the two options works. But you can change your mind at any time. This requires only the log-in to the account. Under the "profile and settings" tab, there is a sub-item called "collection method".

Best western rewards – redeeming points

Points collected at best western rewards can be redeemed for free nights or travel cards up to a certain euro value. Furthermore, there is also the possibility to use your points for the purchase of gift cards. However, I would not recommend this option as the value is much lower here.

Best western pioneer inn, lahaina, maui, hawaii, USA

Best western – reviews on betty's vacation

I have stayed at many best western hotels during my travels. This included high-quality hotels in prime locations as well as simple motels in the middle of nowhere. If there is no other hotel chain, you can almost always find a best western.