Best Western Completes Implementation of 16 Consumer Driven Standards at 2,300 Hotels Throughout North America; Special Room Rates Starting at $49 in Effect Oct. 1 Through Dec. 15.

Business Editors/Travel Writers

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 1, 2001

Best Western International, The World's Largest Hotel Chain(TM), has completed full implementation of BestRequests(TM) 16 amenities and services at each of its 2,300 hotels located in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean.

To showcase these quality and consistency improvements, BestRates(TM) room rates starting at $49 go in effect today through mid-December at participating Best Western hotels from coast-to-coast.

"BestRequests(TM) are the result of a year-long quality and consistency initiative in response to more than $2 million in global consumer and travel industry research. Through our research, we identified the most frequently requested amenities and services that guests look for as they stay at hotels in the U.S. or around the world," said Jim Evans, president and chief executive officer of Best Western International.

BestRequests(TM) amenities and services include:

Available continental or hot breakfast, free local phone calls (up to 30 minutes) and long distance access, data port connections in all guest rooms, iron and ironing boards, hair dryers, coffee/tea makers in all rooms, 50 percent designated non-smoking rooms, complimentary toiletries available upon request (razors, toothpaste, shaving cream, sewing kits), bottled or canned water available on-site, photo copies available on-site during business hours, king-size beds in minimum of 10 percent of rooms, clock in all guest rooms, in-room music, upgraded shampoo size and at least one English speaking TV channel at international locations.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2002, BestRequests(TM) amenities and services will be implemented internationally at more than 4,000 Best Western hotels in 83 countries.

To mark the launch of the BestRequests(TM) program and to encourage consumers to travel, Best Western is offering special BestRates(TM) for the fall.

"We support the President's urging America to travel," said Bob Gilbert, CTC, vice president of Worldwide Marketing and Sales for Best Western. "These rates provide an excellent opportunity for Americans to start traveling again whether it be to visit their families or resume their business travels and provide significant value."

To reserve BestRates(TM), customers can use the Best Western toll-free reservations number by calling 800/WESTERN or book online at www.bestwestern.com. When calling, mention BestRates(TM) or when booking online, look for rooms designated as BestRates(TM). Reservations can also be made by contacting any travel professional.

Best Western International is the world's largest hotel chain with more than 4,000 hotels in 83 countries and territories. It is a membership association of independently owned and operated hotels that provides marketing, reservations and operational support to its members.

For more information about Best Western, visit the Best Western Newsroom at www.bestwestern.com/newsroom.