When it comes to finding the perfect hotel for your next vacation or business trip, there are an overwhelming number of options available. One hotel chain that many travelers turn to is Best Western, which spans a variety of offerings, from budget-friendly to upscale properties. Two of their most popular brands are Best Western Plus and Best Western Premier, but what is the difference between the two?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the features and amenities that set Best Western Plus and Best Western Premier apart, so you can make an informed decision when planning your next trip.
The Basics: Best Western, Best Western Plus, and Best Western Premier
First, let’s briefly touch on the Best Western brand as a whole. Best Western is a global hotel chain with over 4,700 properties in more than 100 countries. The chain originally started in 1946 as a referral system among members of the California-based National Association of State Motorcycle Patrols, and has since grown to become one of the world’s largest hotel chains.
Best Western divides their properties into three main categories: Best Western, Best Western Plus, and Best Western Premier. Best Western properties are typically budget-friendly with basic amenities, while Best Western Plus and Best Western Premier properties offer more upscale features and amenities.
Features of Best Western Plus
Best Western Plus properties are a step up from the basic Best Western model, offering extra amenities in categories like fitness centers, breakfast options, and even pet-friendly accommodations. Here are a few key features you can expect to find at a Best Western Plus location:
Larger Rooms
One of the biggest benefits of Best Western Plus properties is that the rooms are typically larger than those at basic Best Western locations. This provides more space for guests to spread out and relax during their stay.
Expanded Fitness Centers
Best Western Plus hotels typically have expanded fitness centers, complete with upgraded cardio and weight machines, and sometimes even a pool or spa. This is a great option for travelers who want to maintain their fitness routine while on the road.
Hot Breakfast
While basic Best Western properties may only offer a continental breakfast, Best Western Plus locations typically offer a hot breakfast with more options for guests to choose from. This can include items like eggs, bacon, waffles, and more.
Features of Best Western Premier
Best Western Premier properties take things to the next level, offering guests even more upscale amenities and features. Here are a few highlights:
Prime Locations
Best Western Premier properties are usually located in prime downtown or resort locations. This means that guests will typically have easy access to local attractions, restaurants, and nightlife.
Luxury Amenities
In addition to the amenities you’ll find at Best Western Plus locations, Best Western Premier hotels often offer luxury features like on-site spas, restaurants, and room service. These properties are designed to provide guests with a high-end experience that rivals luxury hotel chains.
Enhanced Comforts
Rooms at Best Western Premier locations often come with enhanced comforts like plush bedding, high-end toiletries, and robes and slippers for guests to use during their stay. These added touches make the hotel stay feel more like a luxury experience.
Final Thoughts
Both Best Western Plus and Best Western Premier offer their own unique features and amenities, and the right choice will depend on your travel needs and budget. Best Western Plus will likely be a great option for travelers who want updated amenities without breaking the bank, while Best Western Premier is ideal for those who want a high-end hotel experience with all the luxuries that come with it.
Ultimately, both brands are part of the larger Best Western family of hotels, which means guests can expect the same level of customer service and commitment to quality regardless of the specific brand they choose. With thousands of Best Western properties to choose from around the world, there’s a hotel to fit every need and budget.
FAQ
What are the different levels for Best Western Rewards?
The Best Western Rewards program is designed to reward loyal customers for their continued stays at Best Western hotels. The program is divided into five levels: Blue, Gold, Platinum, Diamond and Diamond Select.
The Blue level is the entry-level membership that everyone can join for free. As a Blue member, you will earn 10 points per dollar spent on eligible stays at Best Western hotels. You will also have access to exclusive discounts and promotions, as well as the ability to earn bonus points through Best Western branded credit cards and partners.
Gold level is the next tier in the Best Western Rewards program. To achieve Gold status, you need to make 10 eligible stays or accumulate 10,000 points in a calendar year. As a Gold member, you will earn 10% bonus points per dollar spent on eligible stays, which means you will earn a total of 11 points per dollar. You will also have access to a dedicated customer service line, early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability), and a welcome gift at check-in.
The Platinum level is a higher tier in the Best Western Rewards program. To achieve Platinum status, you need to make 15 eligible stays or accumulate 15,000 points in a calendar year. As a Platinum member, you will earn 15% bonus points per dollar spent on eligible stays, which means you will earn a total of 11.5 points per dollar. You will also have access to all the benefits of Gold membership, plus room upgrades (subject to availability) and a 30% bonus on base points earned on eligible stays.
The Diamond level is an elite tier in the Best Western Rewards program. To achieve Diamond status, you need to make 30 eligible stays or accumulate 30,000 points in a calendar year. As a Diamond member, you will earn 30% bonus points per dollar spent on eligible stays, which means you will earn a total of 13 points per dollar. You will also have access to all the benefits of Platinum membership, plus a welcome amenity, guaranteed room availability, and executive lounge access (where available).
Finally, the Diamond Select level is the highest tier in the Best Western Rewards program. To achieve Diamond Select status, you need to make 50 eligible stays or accumulate 50,000 points in a calendar year. As a Diamond Select member, you will earn 50% bonus points per dollar spent on eligible stays, which means you will earn a total of 15 points per dollar. You will also have access to all the benefits of Diamond membership, plus a personalized welcome gift, suite upgrades (where available), and free breakfast at all Best Western hotels in the US and Canada.
The Best Western Rewards program offers a range of benefits and rewards to its members, including discounts, bonus points, room upgrades, and more. By progressing through the different levels, members can unlock more perks and enhance their travel experiences with Best Western hotels.
How many points do I need for a free night at Best Western?
Best Western Rewards is the loyalty program of Best Western Hotels and Resorts. The program offers various rewards to its members, including free nights, room upgrades, and other exclusive benefits. One of the most popular rewards that members can redeem is a free night stay at a Best Western property.
The number of points required to redeem a free night at Best Western varies depending on the type and location of the hotel. The Best Western Rewards program has a tier-based point system, where each hotel’s point requirement is based on its tier level. Hotels are divided into seven tiers, ranging from tier 1 for the lowest category hotels to tier 7 for the highest category hotels.
The point requirement for a free night stay at Best Western starts at 5,000 points for a tier 1 hotel and can go up to 70,000 points for a tier 7 hotel. This means that if you want to redeem a free night at a tier 1 hotel, you will need to have at least 5,000 points in your Best Western Rewards account. Similarly, if you want to stay at a tier 7 hotel, you will need to accumulate 70,000 points.
To earn points in the Best Western Rewards program, members need to stay at Best Western properties, make purchases using their Best Western Rewards credit card, or participate in Best Western’s promotional offers. Members earn 10 points for every dollar spent on qualifying room rates and other eligible hotel expenses.
To redeem a free night at Best Western, you need to have the necessary number of points as per the hotel’s tier level. The points required for a free night start from 5,000 points and can go up to 70,000 points, depending on the hotel’s location and tier level. Joining the Best Western Rewards program and earning points by staying at Best Western hotels or making purchases through Best Western offers can help you accumulate points to redeem free nights and enjoy the exclusive benefits of the program.
How much is 5000 Best Western points worth?
If you are a member of the Best Western Rewards program and have accumulated 5,000 points, you may be wondering how much those points are worth. Well, the good news is that 5,000 Best Western points can actually save you quite a bit of money on your next hotel stay!
To start, it’s important to note that Best Western points can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including free hotel stays, airline miles, gift cards, and more. However, if you’re specifically interested in using your 5,000 points for a hotel stay, here’s what you need to know.
For just 5,000 points, you will save $25 towards the room rate. This means that your hotel stay will be $25 cheaper than it would be if you hadn’t redeemed any points. Additionally, using points to pay for your stay gives you the flexibility to use more points towards the cost of your room. Each additional 1,000 points you redeem will save you an extra $5 off the cost of your room.
So let’s say you’re booking a 3-night stay at a Best Western hotel that costs $100 per night. Without any rewards points, your total cost would be $300. If you choose to redeem your 5,000 Best Western points, you’ll save $25 on the first night of your stay. Then, let’s say you decide to use an additional 3,000 points (which is worth $15) towards the cost of your room. This means that your total cost for the stay would now be $260 ($75 for the first night and $85 for the next two nights).
It’s important to note that the value of your points may vary depending on the hotel you’re staying at, the time of year you’re traveling, and other factors. However, as a general rule, every 1,000 points you redeem towards the cost of your room will save you $5. So if you have 5,000 Best Western points, you can expect to save $25 on your next hotel stay.
Which reward points are worth the most?
When it comes to credit card rewards points, not all points are created equal. The value of points can vary widely based on the issuer, the type of card, and the rewards program as a whole. To determine which reward points are worth the most, let’s take a look at some of the major credit card issuers in the United States.
In a recent study conducted by The Balance, Chase Ultimate Rewards® points were found to be the most valuable credit card rewards points. Depending on the type of Chase card you have, you can get up to 1.5 cents per point in value when you redeem points for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. This means that a 50,000-point sign-up bonus on a Chase card could be worth up to $750 in travel rewards.
Other credit card rewards programs that offer high value include American Express Membership Rewards, which have an average value of 1 cent per point, and Capital One Venture Miles, which have an average value of 1.1 cents per point. However, these programs may not offer as much flexibility or as many redemption options as Chase Ultimate Rewards.
It’s important to note that the value of rewards points can fluctuate over time based on changes to the program, changes in the economy, and changes to the reward redemption options. Additionally, the value of points can vary depending on how you choose to redeem them. For example, redeeming credit card rewards points for merchandise or gift cards may not give you as much value as redeeming them for travel or cash back.
The credit card rewards program that offers the most value for you will depend on your individual spending habits, travel preferences, and financial goals. To determine which rewards program is best for you, consider factors such as sign-up bonuses, earning potential, redemption options, and the annual fee. By doing your research and comparing different credit card rewards programs, you can find the program that gives you the most value for your spending.