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1946 Best Western Motels was founded by M. K. Guertin
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1962 Best Western began using the crown logo with a rope border to identify member properties.
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1966 A major expansion of Best Western services was announced. Changes included: Establishing new headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona; a new hotel reservation center offering toll-free service for business commuters, travel agents and vacationers through arrangements with American Express; expanding into Europe, the Caribbean and the Pacific; establishing tie-ins with airlines and representatives from other transportation industry members and investigating stronger infiltration of tour and business
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1974 Best Western Hotels decided to drop its referral organization image, eliminated the word "motel" from its name and began competing directly with other full-service hotel lodging chains.
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1980 Agreements were signed bringing 19 properties in Denmark, 120 properties in France, 19 properties in Finland, 23 properties in Spain, 19 properties in Sweden and 93 properties in Switzerland into the international hotel chain.
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1993 The brand identity study, now complete, recommended the adoption of a new Best Western logo and identity. On Nov. 30, the members approved the adoption of a new logo and officially retired the Gold Crown logo.
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2010 Best Western introduces three descriptors - BEST WESTERN®, BEST WESTERN PLUS® and BEST WESTERN PREMIER®.
