Best Western hotels have gone through a major shake up over the last 5 years. Many of the "bad" hotels that didn't keep up with renovations and quality standards were terminated from the brand. Every BW hotel is independently owned and operated. Most chains are that way also. BW is different in that it is a membership organization so every owner has a say in how the entire organization is operated. What I enjoy about being a BW is that if I want to go above and beyond "brand standards", such as have a pillow bar, or complimentary breakfast room service, or placing a Welcome Basket filled with snacks in all our rooms, then I can do that. Most franchises won't allow that, they want you to be "cookie cutter" with all the others within that brand. So as a BW hotel you have a lot more flexibility to wow and impress your guests. With the launch a few years back of our I CARE I program, and most recently with I CARE II & III, guests have seen a big change in guest service. Our mission is to be the best in what I call "heroic hospitality", or as corporate would call it, "Lead the industry in customer care". With three different types of Best Westerns, (Best Western, Best Western Plus, & Best Western Premier) you can take your pick of how you want your hotel experience. I hope that helps answer your question.