From the filings
Best Western requires its member hotels to run the AutoClerk Atlas PMS and its own proprietary BWI Two-Way connect software; its affiliate AutoClerk is the sole approved PMS supplier, and Best Western the sole approved supplier of the Two-Way software. That mandate spans 1,750 U.S. hotels — 1,748 franchised, 2 company-owned.
For software vendors selling into US franchise brands.
Live signals
3.5% component; full terms unconfirmed
Complete royalty terms are not confirmed for the selected filing.
These are recorded percentage components. Each has its own base and conditions; the chart does not state the total payment or confirm ad-fund completeness.
1recorded components (FY2026)
15% reference
Mandated & recommended tech
2 technology requirements are recorded in this filing. A required choice lists alternatives for one obligation. Read each cited clause for its conditions.
On or about July 31, 2019, we acquired all of the outstanding shares of AutoClerk, Inc. (“AutoClerk”). AutoClerk is now the sole approved supplier of the property management system (“PMS”) for new System Hotels. AutoClerk has a principal business address of 1900 N. California Boulevard, 8th Floor #1139, Walnut Creek, California.
Each of these training fees is fully earned and non-refundable upon completing the applicable training program. Property Management System (“PMS”) Installation Fee New System Hotels are required to use the AutoClerk Atlas PMS from our affiliate, AutoClerk, which includes the Canary Guest Management System (“GMS”). You will be required to pay AutoClerk an installation/implementation fee of $1,500 for the AutoClerk Atlas PMS.
Point of Sale Hardware (2 EMV Devices, $4,000 Installation, PMS Interface) Telephone System $35,000 Secure Printing (Public Space) $6,000 Guest Wireless Solution (WIFI) (Gateway, $23,000 Switches, UPS, Cabling, etc.) Electronic Door Locking System (Onity $30,000 preferred) Televisions (Public Space) $7,000 Hotel Managed Security Service (HMSS) One- $2,100 - $3,500 Time Installation Fee
Franchisor behaviours
19 requirements the franchisor states in this filing, each in its own words; 5 explicit no's; 10 questions the text does not settle, which is not a no.
Accounting
Does the franchisor have direct or independent electronic access to the franchisee's financial, sales or customer records?
YesItem 11
We will have independent access to the information that will be generated by or stored in the Computer System.
How the franchisor buys
Is the franchisor or an affiliate itself a supplier of required products, services or systems?
YesItem 8
We and AutoClerk are the only approved suppliers of certain PMS-related installation, maintenance and licensing, and you will be required to make payments to us/AutoClerk for those services.
Is there a franchisee advisory council, association or committee?
YesItem 11
There is currently a Sales Advisory Committee (SAC), a Marketing Advisory Committee (MAC) and a Reservations Technology Advisory Committee (ResTech) composed of current Members that provide advice on sales, marketing and technology matters.
Does the franchisor reserve the right to change designated suppliers or systems at any time?
YesItem 8
We may require you to purchase products or services from us or another supplier we designate and/or with our prior approval and/or according to our specifications.
Does the franchisor or an affiliate receive rebates, commissions or other revenue from designated or approved suppliers?
YesItem 8
Designated suppliers did, however, make payments (i.e., commissions and rebates) to us in 2025 in connection with required and discretionary purchases by Members and our and our affiliates’ licensees and franchisees operating under other hotel brands (collectively referred to as “BW Hotel Operators”).
Item 8 gives this proportion in one of two shapes: separate percentages for establishing the business and for operating it, or one figure covering "establishing and operating" together. Where they are separate, answer with the operating percentage; where the passage gives only the combined figure, answer with that. What percentage of the franchisee's purchases must come from designated or approved suppliers?
40Item 8
Collectively, the purchases and leases described above are approximately 75% - 85% of your overall purchases and leases in establishing a System Hotel and approximately 40% - 50% of your overall purchases and leases in operating a hotel operating under the Best Western Identifying Marks.
Does the franchisor charge a fee to evaluate a proposed supplier?
YesItem 8
We may charge you or the supplier a reasonable fee for the evaluation, or require the supplier to participate in a brand marketing or rebate program, and will decide within a reasonable time (no more than 120 days).
Can a franchisee propose a new supplier for the franchisor's approval?
YesItem 8
If you would like to purchase any items you are required to purchase from approved suppliers from any supplier or distributor we have not yet approved, you must submit to us a written request for approval of the proposed supplier or distributor.
Data and IT
Must the franchisee comply with PCI, data-security or cybersecurity standards set by the franchisor?
YesFranchise agreement
2. Member shall be responsible for complying with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (“PCI-DSS”) and all applicable data privacy/security laws.
Franchise management
Does the franchisor conduct periodic inspections, audits or evaluations of the franchised business?
YesItem 11
Administer a quality assurance program for System Hotels that may include conducting periodic inspections and audits (at least once every 12 months upon at least 24 hours’ notice) of the Property to ensure compliance with our operating standards.
Can the franchisor change the operations manual and brand standards unilaterally?
YesItem 11
References to the Manuals include the “Standards”, which include all standards, specifications, requirements, criteria, and policies that have been and are in the future developed and compiled by us in our sole business judgment
Marketing
Must the franchisee participate in a regional advertising cooperative when one exists?
YesItem 11
There are regional advertising cooperatives defined by region in which you are required to participate.
Operations
Must the franchisee buy products from a designated distributor?
YesItem 8
We may require you to purchase products or services from us or another supplier we designate and/or with our prior approval and/or according to our specifications.
Must equipment be purchased from designated or approved suppliers?
YesItem 8
You are currently required to purchase from approved suppliers initial and, from time to time, additional and/or replacement: (i) signage from suppliers we designate and other signage from approved suppliers who meet our criteria, (ii) linens, terry products, and bath amenities (e.g., soaps, shampoos, conditioners…
Payments
Are royalties and other fees collected by automatic bank debit (ACH or electronic funds transfer) from the franchisee's account?
YesItem 6
You agree to allow us to automatically debit your bank account each month in the amount owing us and you agree to electronic monthly statements.
People
Does the franchisor require minimum staffing levels or specific roles?
YesItem 11
Your General Manager, voting member, the sales manager (if applicable), and all front desk, housekeeping, and maintenance personnel must successfully complete initial training to our satisfaction before you may open and begin operating the Property.
Point of sale
Does the franchisor have independent access to the data in the franchisee's POS or computer system?
YesItem 11
We will have independent access to the information that will be generated by or stored in the Computer System.
Training
Can the franchisor charge the franchisee for additional, refresher or remedial training?
YesItem 11
However, we may in the future designate other required ongoing training programs or refresher training programs for your General Manager and/or other employees and may charge you a fee for those programs.
Is attendance at an annual convention or conference mandatory for the franchisee?
YesItem 6
Charge for one Annual Attendance and payable Convention registration per upon statement year, whether or not receipt. attended.
Complete royalty terms are not confirmed.
Questions vendors ask
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Operator footprint
1,745 operators run 1,792 mapped locations. 39 of them are multi-unit. Aggregate counts from the filing; no names.
Operators by units owned
Top states by locations
| CA | 240 |
|---|---|
| TX | 227 |
| FL | 78 |
| IL | 56 |
| WA | 56 |
Related Lodging brands
Primary franchise filings · updated September 2026. Read the original filing for definitions, conditions, and qualifications.