Hotels International

Specialist Reports Holiday by Accommodation Hotels International Best Western 

	Best Western
tel: UK tollfree (08457) 74 74 74; US tollfree 0800 393 130

Where

The largest hotel brand in the world with more than 4,100 hotels in 83 countries. There are approximately 1,000 members in Europe (325-plus in Britain), the majority however are in the US.

Style

All are independently owned and run and are inspected annually both by Best Western and a local inspectorate (in the UK the AA) to ensure standards are adhered to - whether two, three or four-star. The majority are three-star and the best properties within each star rating are recognised within the group by a Connoisseur Shield.
Runs a Getaway Breaks programme offering leisure and special interest breaks in Britain, the hotels categorised as rural, city, coastal, leisure, historic or activity hotels. More than 100 members offer leisure facilities and as a group has more swimming pools than any other UK hotel group. In Britain has also formed a partnership with Highlife Breaks.

Facilities

Most members welcome children, providing special menus or half adult portions and baby listening. Special facilities for children are indicated at around one in five member hotels in the Europe directory but the US directory only indicates whether there is a playground on the premises - not common. Around half the hotels offer babysitting and/or baby listening. A handful also have crèches playgrounds or children's swimming pools.
In the UK there are inclusive breaks including to Alton Towers, Cadbury World, Chessington World of Adventures, Madame Tussauds and the Planetarium and the Royal Armouries.
Getaway Breaks also include vouchers for reduced or free entry to a range of attractions including leisure parks, English Heritage properties, heritage centres and historic houses and gardens.
In the US there are often summer promotions, one for example featuring Batman and Superman featured a free disposable camera, themed activity book, and special offers on
videos and theme parks.

Sample Price

Say £56.50 per person in high season. UK Getaway breaks start from ?31 per person per night dinner b&b.

Child Prices

In the UK up to two children under 16 stay and travel by rail free when sharing a room with two adults. Meals are charged as taken. A discount of at least 25% is offered for additional children under 16 staying in their own room and some hotels only charge 50% of the normal rate.
Further offers may be available at certain hotels, such as free meals for up to two children aged up to 10 and sharing a room with their parents.
In the US Best Western offers free accommodation to children up to 12 staying with a parent or grandparent.