Best Western International Reached Industry Milestone, Welcoming 4,200th Property into Membership
Lodging Giant Continues to Build upon Role as World's Largest Hotel Chain(R)
PHOENIX, AZ, December 12, 2005. Best Western International announced today that it has welcomed its 4,200th property into the membership, maintaining its leading role in the industry as The World's Largest Hotel Chain(R) operating under a single brand name.
With the addition of the 50-room Best Western Chester Inn & Suites in Richmond, VA, Best Western further expands its unique business model, featuring a diverse and distinctive portfolio of independently owned and operated hotels.
"The value and quality of the Best Western brand is defined by its true global presence," said David Kong, president and CEO of Best Western. "As we prepare to celebrate our 60th anniversary in 2006, we continue to look ahead with an eye toward innovation and a commitment to customer care, led by the entrepreneurial spirit of our membership."
Located in 80 countries and territories, Best Western welcomes more than 300,000 guests to its hotels every night. Properties range from the 14-room Best Western Grandma's Feather Bed in Juneau, AK - a quaint Victorian-style farmhouse; to the 672-room Best Western Plaza International Orlando, located between Universal Orlando and Sea World Adventure Park. The company also features the "world's only movie motel," the Best Western Movie Manor in Monte Vista, CO, where guests can view films on a large drive-in screen with piped-in sound from the comfort of their own rooms; to the historic Best Western Ruthin Castle in Wales, situated on 38 acres of gardens amidst 12th Century ruins.
In 2004, the company became the first hotel chain to offer free high-speed Internet access at all of its 2,400 North American properties. As the first-ever Official Hotel of NASCAR, Best Western also provides race fans with a variety of exclusive programs and promotions throughout the year.
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 
