The Best Western Plus and Best Western Core Brands

The Best Western Hotels and Resorts brand is one of the largest hotel chains in the world. There are more than 4,700 Best Western hotels worldwide. This chain has a well-established international presence, including hotels in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. There are also a number of franchised properties, including many Best American locations. Its franchised locations have over 2,000 properties. In North America, the chain has more than 500 hotels.

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Here’s a breakdown of the key brands within Best Western Hotels & Resorts (part of the larger BWH Hotels umbrella), with a focus on Best Western (core brand) and Best Western Plus — what they mean, how they differ, and where they fit in the overall portfolio.

Overview of Best Western’s Brand Portfolio

• BWH Hotels states it operates approximately 18 unique brands spanning every lodging segment — from economy to luxury.
• The Best Western family (under “Best Western Hotels & Resorts”) includes the core brand Best Western®, Best Western Plus®, Best Western Premier®, and others (boutique, collection, extended stay) in addition to the economy segment brands like SureStay®.
• In short:
  • Best Western is the legacy/midscale brand.
  • Best Western Plus is positioned as an upper-midscale offering with enhanced amenities. (Best Western)
  • The “core” brand term often refers to the foundational Best Western brand (or the mainline brand) in contrast to the upgraded tiers.

Brand: Best Western® (Core Brand)

Positioning & Features

• Called “a truly exceptional value” and “the legacy brand” of Best Western Hotels & Resorts.
• Provides comfortable accommodations, widely available, generally in the mid-scale segment: “warm welcome, rewarding stay and a truly exceptional value.”
• Typical amenities include complimentary breakfast (in many locations), free Wi-Fi, in-room coffee/tea makers, guest computer/printer in lobby.
• Because it is widely available and established, it tends to serve budget-conscious travelers who still want brand recognition and loyalty program linkage.

Best For

• Travelers looking for dependable accommodations with standard amenities.
• Business or leisure travelers who want economy/mid-scale level comfort with the backing of a known brand.
• Those wanting to use the loyalty program (Best Western Rewards®) and prefer to stay within the Best Western network without premium upgrades.

Key Notes

• Because it is the baseline brand in the Best Western family, differences between Best Western and higher tiers like Plus often revolve around the scale of amenities, design refresh, property quality, etc.
• If you are value-seeking and are okay with standard mid-scale service, Best Western represents a solid choice within the brand portfolio.

Brand: Best Western Plus®

Positioning & Features

• According to Best Western’s website: “Best Western Plus goes beyond the expected, offering everything from well-appointed guest rooms to upgraded amenities.”
• Described as blending “stylish, modern design meets exceptional service and value.”
• Highlighted amenities include:
  • Complimentary breakfast
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • In-room mini-refrigerator
  • In-room work desk
  • In-room coffee/tea maker
  • Stylish bath amenities
  • Fitness center
  • Business center
  • On-site guest laundry and/or same-day dry-cleaning services. (Best Western)
• This brand is described as “upper-midscale” in several reviews and brand breakdowns. (UpgradedPoints.com)

Best For

• Travelers who want “more than standard” mid-scale: better room finishes, more amenities, typically newer/refreshed properties.
• Business travelers needing better workspace (desk, business center) and amenities.
• Families or longer-stay guests who appreciate mini-fridges, laundry services, etc.
• Guests who are willing to pay a bit more for the upgrade in comfort and features relative to the core brand.

Key Notes

• Not all Plus properties are identical — the “Plus” designation signals the property has met brand-criteria for upgraded amenities and design, but individual property quality will still vary.
• If your budget allows and you want more comfort, going with Best Western Plus over the core Best Western makes sense in many markets.
• If you are traveling where only the Best Western (core) and Best Western Plus options are available under the brand umbrella, then comparing the differential in nightly rate vs. benefit is wise.

How They Compare: Best Western vs Best Western Plus

Here’s a handy side-by-side summary of key differences:

From user feedback on forums, people often note that the “Plus” brand feels like a larger property, better breakfast, newer room furnishings, etc. (Reddit)

Practical Travel Tips When Choosing Between Them

• Check the property age / condition: Even within the same brand, the quality can vary. For Plus you want to verify the hotel has recently been renovated or meets the brand criteria.
• Compare rate uplift vs benefit: Sometimes the nightly price difference between Best Western (core) and Best Western Plus is minimal — in such cases the upgrade may be worth it. In other markets the uplift is large and the benefit may be less significant.
• Amenities you care about: If you require a work desk, mini-fridge, laundry services, or a stronger breakfast, then Best Western Plus is more likely to offer those features. If you only need a comfortable bed and basic amenities, the core brand suffices.
• Location matters: In some locations, only one of the brands might be available. Availability in your travel destination may dictate your choice more than brand alone.
• Loyalty points value: Both brands count under Best Western Rewards — so if you’re loyalty focused, staying within either gets you earning/redeeming benefits. (NerdWallet)
• Book direct & check brand info: Booking via the official Best Western site often gives you member rates and clearer brand descriptions. For example, the Best Western Plus page specifically highlights the “upgraded amenities” promise. (Best Western)