Best Western franchise: cost, fees and total investment
Short answer: The Best Western franchise fee is $54,000 to $63,000 and the total initial investment ranges from $6,126,015 to $32,493,745, with about $2,545,000 in liquid cash required, based on franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. Confirm current figures in Items 5 and 7 of the Best Western FDD.
What are the Best Western franchise fees and investment?
The Best Western franchise requires a franchise fee of $54,000 to $63,000 and a total initial investment of $6,126,015 to $32,493,745. The franchise fee is one line inside the total investment, which also covers location, equipment, opening inventory and working capital.
| Franchise fee (FDD Item 5) | $54,000 to $63,000 |
|---|---|
| Total initial investment (FDD Item 7) | $6,126,015 to $32,493,745 |
| Minimum liquid cash | $2,545,000 |
| US locations | 1,770 |
| Industry | Hotels & Travel (Hotels & Lodging) |
| Headquarters | Phoenix, Arizona |
| Founded | 1957 |
| Franchising since | 1976 |
How does the Best Western investment compare with other hotels & travel franchises?
Best Western's minimum investment of $6,126,015 is at or below the median minimum investment of $7,607,385 across the 195 hotels & travel franchises in the SelectFranchiseList database. 109 of the other 194 brands in this industry start at a higher investment. Its franchise fee starting at $54,000 compares with an industry median of $50,000.
By minimum investment, Best Western belongs with franchises over $500,000.
What should you verify in the Best Western FDD?
Verify six parts of the Best Western Franchise Disclosure Document before you sign, because figures change with every annual FDD:
- Item 5 and Item 6: the current franchise fee, royalty, marketing fund and technology fees.
- Item 7: the full investment range by expense line, including working capital.
- Item 19: whether Best Western discloses financial performance data, and which units it covers.
- Item 20: openings, closures and transfers, plus contacts for current and former franchisees.
- Item 21: the franchisor's audited financial statements.
- Item 12: whether your territory is protected.
The full list of Items is in the FDD guide. You must receive the FDD at least 14 calendar days before you sign a binding agreement or pay any money.
Which franchises are similar to Best Western?
These hotels & travel franchises have the closest minimum investment to Best Western:
| Franchise | Franchise fee | Total investment |
|---|---|---|
| Travelodge | $35,000 | $6,101,809 to $10,986,279 |
| Motel 6 | $41,300 | $6,251,265 to $8,239,350 |
| Cobblestone Inn & Suites | $45,000 | $5,960,874 to $15,496,699 |
| Voco | $75,000 | $5,807,501 to $44,464,452 |
| American Idea Hotels | $35,000 | $5,805,250 to $10,012,500 |
See every brand in hotels & travel franchises.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Best Western franchise cost?
The total initial investment for a Best Western franchise ranges from $6,126,015 to $32,493,745, including a franchise fee of $54,000 to $63,000, according to franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. The exact amount depends on location, build-out and working capital, as shown in Item 7 of the FDD.
How much cash do you need to open a Best Western franchise?
Best Western lists a minimum of about $2,545,000 in liquid cash. Lenders usually finance part of the remaining investment, and the franchisor confirms its capital requirements during qualification.
How many Best Western locations are there?
Best Western reported 1,770 US locations in the data compiled in October 2026. Item 20 of the FDD shows openings, closures and transfers for the last three years.
How long has Best Western been franchising?
Best Western started offering franchises in 1976 after the company was founded in 1957.
Figures are compiled from franchise disclosure data and public franchise listings as of October 2026 and may have changed. Best Western and its trademarks belong to their owner; SelectFranchiseList is not affiliated with or endorsed by Best Western. This page is not an offer to sell a franchise. Only the franchisor's current FDD is authoritative.