Best Western Hotels & Resorts has acquired the
WorldHotels collection of independent properties for an undisclosed sum.
WorldHotels represents approximately 300 hotels and resorts
around the world, spanning the upscale, upper-upscale and luxury segments. The
brand was previously owned by Associated Luxury Hotels, which acquired
WorldHotels in February 2017.
Notable WorldHotels properties include
the Empire Hotel in New York, Hotel Grand Palace in Tokyo, Courthouse
Hotel in London and Hotel Pont Royal in Paris.
As part of the Best Western portfolio, WorldHotels will be
integrated into the Best Western Rewards loyalty program, as well as benefit
from access to the company's e-commerce platform, distribution network and
sales and marketing support, among other resources. According to Best Western
president and CEO David Kong, the move is expected to "attract many more
independence-minded, quality hotels" to join the WorldHotels network.
Kong said WorldHotels CEO Geoff Andrew will continue to
serve as head of the brand for the foreseeable future.
WorldHotels marks Best Western's foray into the upper-upscale
and luxury segments. The collection joins Best Western's existing stable of 13
brands, with most playing primarily in the midscale and upper-midscale sectors.
They include Best Western, Best Western Plus, Best Western Premier, Vib, Glo,
Executive Residency by Best Western, Sadie, Aiden, BW Premier Collection by
Best Western, BW Signature Collection by Best Western, SureStay Hotel by Best
Western, SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western and SureStay Collection by Best
Western.