Bikers Can Rest at Over 1,000 Best Westerns in North America
APRIL 23, 2008. More than 1,000 Best Western hotels in the United States and Canada have been identified as "rider-friendly," the company announced today, offering motorcycle riders wipe-down towels at check in and access to a wash station at no additional cost . In addition, some properties offer designated parking, tar remover, sunscreen and lip balm.
The hotel chain's commitment to designating participating hotels as "rider-friendly " is part of a multi-year agreement between Best Western and the Harley-Davidson Motor Company to bring travel benefits to Harley-Davidson enthusiasts.
"Best Western recognizes that Harley-Davidson and motorcycle enthusiasts have unique needs when on the road, and we're committed to providing them with amenities that make their rides more enjoyable," said Dorothy Dowling, Best Western's senior vice president of marketing and sales. "We're thrilled that more than 1,000 Best Western hotels are 'rider-friendly,' and we will add to this total throughout the year."
Harley(R) riders can also register for the Gold Crown Club International Ride RewardsTM program, a free, specially-themed rewards program for Harley-Davidson enthusiasts. Harley-Davidson(R) owners or enthusiasts can register by going to www.bwrider.com. Once registered online as Ride Rewards members, Harley-Davidson(R) riders will earn 10 points for every U.S. dollar (or Canadian equivalent) spent on qualified room rates, or 250 airline miles per qualified stay, at any of the 4,000 Best Western hotels worldwide, including the 1,000 "rider-friendly" properties in North America. By joining Best Western's Gold Crown Club International Ride Rewards loyalty program online, Harley-Davidson enthusiasts will automatically receive Gold Elite status, which includes 10 percent bonus points on every Best Western stay and the ability to purchase points for award redemption, along with other signature benefits.
As a complement to Ride Rewards, Best Western will also serve as a preferred hotel chain for Harley-Davidson's interactive Web application "Ride Planner", found at www.harley-davidson.com/experience. Using Microsoft(R) Virtual EarthTM technology, the application maps out a variety of picturesque U.S. "Great Roads" and shows Best Western hotels and Harley-Davidson(R) dealerships along the way. Each property listing features hotel descriptions along with a directory of services and amenities. A 10 percent savings is available to customers who book their Best Western reservations through this Web site, or by calling 1-888-224-BIKE.
For more information on the Ride RewardsTM program, or to search for Best Western's "rider-friendly" hotels, visit www.bwrider.com or www.harley-davidson.com/experience.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
