How Much Does a Best Western Franchise Cost?
Data from the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document
Investment Summary
Total Investment
$582K – $32.5M
Franchise Fee
$45K
Royalty
3.5%
Ad Fund
1.6%
Cost Breakdown
Initial Franchise Fee
The initial franchise fee for Best Western is $45K. This one-time payment covers the right to operate under the brand, access to proprietary systems, and initial training programs.
Total Investment Range
Opening a Best Western franchise requires a total investment of $582K – $32.5M. This range typically includes real estate or leasehold improvements, equipment and fixtures, initial inventory, signage, insurance, and working capital to sustain operations during the ramp-up period.
Working capital alone ranges from $270K to $545K.
Ongoing Costs
Beyond the initial investment, Best Western franchisees pay ongoing fees. The royalty fee is 3.5% of gross sales (Percentage of Property Room Revenue). The advertising or brand fund contribution is 1.6% of gross sales.
Net Worth & Liquid Capital Requirements
Best Western requires working capital of $270K – $545K to cover initial operating expenses. This is the liquid cash you should have available beyond the franchise fee and buildout costs.
What Can You Earn?
Best Western does not disclose earnings data in Item 19 of its Franchise Disclosure Document. Not all franchisors choose to publish financial performance representations, though this is a data point many prospective franchisees consider important.
How Do Banks View Best Western?
SBA Loans Issued
418
Default Rate
8.8%
The SBA (Small Business Administration) tracks loan performance for franchise brands. Best Western has 418 SBA-backed loans on record. The default rate is 8.8%, which is below the franchise industry average, indicating relatively lower lending risk. A lower default rate generally indicates that lenders view the franchise as a safer investment, though past performance does not guarantee future results.
Next Steps
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