Best Western International Inc. is THE WORLD'S LARGEST HOTEL CHAIN with 4,200* independently owned and operated hotels. Based in Phoenix, Ariz., Best Western employs 1,076 people and offers more than 316,095 quality guest rooms located in 80* countries and territories throughout the world.

Best Western was founded in 1946 by M.K. Guertin, a California-based hotelier with 23 years of experience in the lodging industry. Best Western International began as an informal referral system among member hotels. By 1963, Best Western was the largest chain in the industry, with 699 member hotels and 35,201 rooms. In 1964, when Canadian hotel owners joined the system, Best Western took the first step toward global expansion. Best Western entered Mexico, Australia and New Zealand in 1976, further establishing its international presence.

At the end of the 2006 fiscal year, Best Western had 2,395 hotels in North America.

Best Western has 19 international affiliate offices and property-direct relationships with another six regions. Recently, Best Western welcomed the new countries and territories of Malaysia and Suriname. Best Western International provides reservation and brand identity services for all of its 4,200 hotels worldwide.