Best Western Logo
Best Western is a global chain of hotels founded by M.K. Guertin. Originally established in California, USA, it was created as a network for independently owned hotels to help each other book guests. The brand stands out for offering comfortable, affordable lodging with a personal touch, catering to travelers seeking reliable accommodations. Over the decades, Best Western has evolved, expanding its reach worldwide, showcasing a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction in the hospitality industry.
Meaning and history
Best Western began in 1946, created by M.K. Guertin. It started in California. The idea was unique: hotels helping hotels. Initially, it was a network, not a chain. It aimed to ensure bookings for member hotels. By the 1960s, Best Western became the largest chain in the U.S. It expanded globally in the 1970s. It operates worldwide. The brand has diversified, offering various hotel types. It emphasizes quality, affordability, and comfort. Best Western remains committed to hospitality and innovation. Its evolution reflects changing travel needs.
What is Best Western?
Best Western is a pioneering global hospitality network, born from the innovative idea of collaboration among independent hotels. It blossomed from a regional booking service into an expansive brand, renowned for blending comfort with value across various lodging types worldwide.
1946 – 1950
The logo is a vintage hallmark of hospitality, showcasing the words “The Best Western Motels” in a bold, black font. The typeface is playful yet confident, with a friendly curvature to the letters that evokes a sense of welcome and tradition. The word “Best” sits prominently at the top, slightly smaller than “Western” which anchors the logo with its weight, suggesting both the best in quality and a nod to the classic American West. The phrase “Motels” is straightforward, reflecting a no-frills, honest service approach.
1950 – 1961
This logo radiates a more vibrant personality with its vivid yellow backdrop and a red border that mimics a neon light’s glow. “The Best Western Motels” text pops in contrasting black, enveloped by a playful, undulating outline that suggests a welcoming Americana vibe. The addition of “Member” above hints at exclusivity and community, while the “B.W.M.” acronym in its own bubble speaks to a proud abbreviation of the brand’s identity. It’s a nostalgic emblem, echoing the golden era of road trips and motor lodges.
1961 – 1966
In this evolution, a regal crown now perches atop, infusing a sense of royalty into the Best Western identity. The crown’s red and gold hues magnify the logo’s visual appeal, suggesting a superior experience. This addition crowns the familiar yellow and red motif, retaining the “Member B.W.M.” declaration, reinforcing the brand’s proud legacy in hospitality. The playful outlines and neon-like glow remain, yet the crown distinctly elevates the logo’s stature, aiming to entice travelers with the promise of a king-like stay.
1966 – 1974
The logo maintains its royal crown but streamlines the design, discarding the “Member B.W.M.” element for cleaner aesthetics. “BEST WESTERN” is now centralized, emphasizing the brand name with greater prominence, while “MOTELS” directly below adopts a subtler stance. The background keeps its sunny yellow, and the crown continues to wear its regal red, dotted with playful jewels. The logo’s new simplicity speaks to modernity, suggesting a refreshed identity while honoring its majestic past.
1974 – 1984
In this rendition of the logo, “MOTELS” is removed, placing full focus on “Best Western”, now written in two lines. The font is larger and bolder, enhancing readability and brand recall. The crown maintains its position but features a slightly simplified design, with fewer jewels and more uniformity in its red and gold scheme. The yellow square backdrop remains a constant, a bright canvas that makes the black lettering and the ornate crown stand out sharply. This logo iteration embraces minimalism while still celebrating its distinguished motif.
1984 – 1993
The logo has transformed into a striking black-bordered rectangle, framing the now-familiar yellow square and red crown. “Best Western” remains the focal text, yet now it’s underlined by “WORLDWIDE LODGING,” highlighting the brand’s global presence. The typography is cleaner, crisper, and the addition of the registration mark signals trademarked assurance. This iteration is a clear nod to the 1980s’ sleek design trends, blending the brand’s warmth with professional, cosmopolitan flair.
1993 – 2012
Transitioning from the rectangle, the logo now sports a softened, curved-edge shield in a deep navy blue. Atop, the crown has morphed into a stylized, streamlined version, predominantly red with subtle highlights. “Best Western” is emblazoned in bold, yellow font, capturing attention against the blue. This design shift suggests a blend of tradition with modernity, conveying stability and reliability. The shield shape reinforces the idea of protection and commitment to service, and the overall look exudes a classic yet contemporary feel.
2015 – Today
Gone is the shield; a sleek, gradient blue orb takes its place, with “BW” inscribed in white, emphasizing modernity and simplicity. Below, “Best Western” is spelled out in a sans-serif, deep blue font, evoking a contemporary, streamlined image. This design sheds historical elements for a minimalist and more corporate appearance, reflecting a new era for the brand. The emphasis on the initials “BW” in the sphere suggests a fresh, abbreviated identity, aligning with a more global, digitally focused market.
