BEST WESTERN PLUS Design Highlights

BEST WESTERN PLUS Design Highlights

BEST WESTERN PLUS CONTENTS Introduction 1 Exterior Architecture Exterior Design 2 Landscaping 2 Porte Cochere 3 Awning 3 Pavers 3 Outdoor Furniture 4 Entry Door 4 Interior Architecture Lobby 5 Front Desk 6 Breakfast Area, Meeting Facilities 7 Recreation Areas Fitness Center, Swimming Pool 8 Business Center & Supplemental Facilities Business Center, Sundry & Vending Areas 9 Public Spaces Elevators & Elevator Lobbies, Interior Stairways, Guest Laundry 10 Public Corridors, Public Restrooms, Guestroom Corridors 11 Guestrooms 12

BEST WESTERN PLUS BEST WESTERN PLUS is an upper mid-scale AAA 3-Diamond level hotel. From well-appointed rooms to standard amenities expected in the mid-market offerings, each hotel is thoughtfully designed throughout to suit the needs of any traveler. It all add up to an enhanced level of comfort for guests. This quick highlight reference guide will help you understand the requirements to successfully have a BEST WESTERN PLUS hotel. These are in are in addition to the Design Guidelines for Conversion and New Construction Properties, which are available on bestwesterndevelopers.com. ~1~

EXTERIOR ARCHITECTURE Exterior design The building architecture is a well-executed high-quality classic or contemporary design that features a signature element. Outstanding coordination among all of the elements on the grounds, e.g., architectural finishes, awnings or overhangs, monument signs, fencing, out buildings, etc. The exterior must have three or more colors or coordinating materials for walls, trim and the visible pitched roof. Dated or budget exterior design will require a redesign. Design that ties the property to another hotel affiliation must also be redesigned. Landscaping Multiple materials and colors are essential to the well-executed architecture of the hotel. Integrated architectural awnings and porte cochere bring a cohesive design esthetic to the building. Every area of the grounds consistently exhibits the same professionally conceived and executed level of quality landscaping. Decorative landscape lighting professionally designed and installed. Seasonal flowers to be incorporated in landscape scheme. ~2~ Manicured grounds with seasonal plantings convey a sense of quality and attention to detail to the guest.

EXTERIOR ARCHITECTURE Porte Cochere The Porte Cochere is an architecturally unique or significant visual element and is harmonious with the building architecture. The columns should have architecturally significant detailing for example well-scaled corbels, bases, capitals, and/or decorative outdoor drapery panels are required. Awning The Porte Cochere offer a great opportunity to introduce a signature element. Where Awnings are required, they must be high quality and must coordinate with the building. All guest entrances must be covered by a coordinating, high-quality awning or overhang, subject to design approval. The scale and architectural elements of the Awning or overhang to be in proportion to and in keeping with the design of the building. The Awning design can liven up the end of the building that often lacks character. PAVERS Pavers, stamped concrete, or similar quality materials, appropriate in scale, are found under the Porte Cochere and at building entrances. Quality contrasting materials like pavers or stamped concrete set-off the Porte Cochere from the rest of the paved areas. ~3~

EXTERIOR ARCHITECTURE Outdoor Furniture Site furnishings are provided at exterior patios or other gathering spaces, and arranged to blend well with the landscape design. Site furnishings should be high-quality, exterior grade cast aluminum, finished high-quality wood, or concrete with style and theme that is coordinated with the building and site architecture. Entry Door Market umbrellas and/or other shade structures offer guests respite from the sun. Outdoor furnishings that blend well with the architecture provide continuity. Automatic sliding doors are required. Entry vestibule are recommended for PLUS properties, but not required. Matting in the entry is allowed only during inclement weather. A permanently recessed mat is acceptable. ~4~ Guest appreciate being able to enter the property without having to struggle with the doors.

LOBBY LOBBY The Lobby theme must be welcoming and impactful to the guest with a cohesive design that relates well to all other public spaces. Furnishings must be contract quality, and display a high-end residential feel. Ceiling should be designed with multiple heights and use a mix of ceilings types and color to create interest in the overall space design. Create a compelling backdrop for the Front Desk area. Main entry doors shall be fully automatic entry doors. Provide a high quality, professional, coordinated art package. High-quality signature element, e.g. waterfall indoor garden, fireplace, dimensional panel. 24 hour coffee bar. A minimum of one Community Element must be part of the Lobby experience. Community tables Lobby bar Well scaled, high-quality accent pieces, e.g. console tables, display pieces, benches, etc. An open floor plan makes the most of the square footage devoted to public area. Lobbies that provide a sense of place and bring regional flare enhance the arrival experience for guests. ~5~

FRONT DESK FRONT DESK Upon arrival, the check-in experience sets the tone for your guests stay. Creating a high quality welcoming space in keeping with the rest of the property is reassuring to the guest. The backdrop for the Front Desk should be a unique texture that provides interest to the desk area. Create a compelling backdrop for the Front Desk area; clad in millwork to complement Lobby area walls. Incorporate flush overlay, wood veneer cabinet doors with accent lighting. The Front Desk may not be constructed with a plastic laminate on the top or face. Certain types and/or applications of laminate may be acceptable with Design approval. If provided, signage at and behind the Front Desk must be coordinated with the Lobby décor. Placement of the signs to be coordinated with other items on the same wall. Creating a compelling backdrop with contrasting color, texture and artwork. Coordinating the design of the Front Desk with Public Areas. Contemporary ~6~ Transitional Classic

BREAKFAST AREA & MEETING FACILITIES BREAKFAST & MULTI-FUNCTION AREA A high-quality breakfast presentation is required. Ceramic or high-quality tile or premium quality wood look vinyl flooring is required. Provide a minimum of one 37 or larger flat-panel television in the Breakfast Area. Enhanced lighting over the buffet should include decorative lighting fixtures such as pendants, wall sconces, recessed can and wall washers. Dimmers are to be utilized to allow for multiple lighting effects. A commercial toaster and microwave are required at the breakfast counter. Countertop and backsplash must be stone or solid surface or approved equal. Enhanced lighting over the buffet. Breakfast is required to be provided on-site in a dedicated area. An adjacent space or restaurant is not acceptable. Whether contemporary, traditional or transitional, a well-executed design speaks volumes to your guests. Seating in the Breakfast Area must equal a minimum of 20% of the number of beds in the property. Tables in the Breakfast Area are to have a decorative edge such as complementary hardwood. Quality frame chairs with upholstered seat cushions and/or upholstered lounge chairs or other approved decorative chair. MEETING & BANQUET ROOMS Provide high-speed Internet access for all meeting rooms Door viewers must be provided to allow service staff to view into meeting rooms. Boardroom style meeting room set with ergonomic chairs and a fixed table that includes power and data. PTACs are not acceptable for heating/cooling in rooms of 500 sq. ft. or more. ~7~ Even small meeting rooms can communicate style and quality to your guests through the effective use of finished, accessories and color.

RECREATION AREAS FITNESS CENTER Fitness Centers are required for properties. Two 32 or larger flat-panel LCD or plasma televisions are required. High-quality framed artwork and/or fitness instructions should be incorporated to enhance the room. 275 sq. ft. minimum for up to 100 rooms; 50 sq. ft. minimum for each piece of equipment. Add 50 sq. ft. of floor space for each additional 50 rooms. A minimum of four pieces of equipment is required, and must include cardio and strength training equipment. Health club quality equipment is required. Life Fitness, Matrix, Vision Fitness, Pro Maxima, or equal. Equipment to include one bike, one treadmill, one elliptical and a minimum two-station gym. Add one piece of equipment for each additional Natural light is desirable. A view of the pool is also a consideration when locating a Fitness room. High-quality artwork can 50 rooms. complete a the ambiance. Towels must be available on a high-quality towel rack. Commercial rubber tile or rubber sheet flooring. Carpet is not acceptable. SWIMMING POOL HVAC at indoor pool areas are to be maintained to prevent mold and mildew growth and to prevent chlorine odors from the adjacent public spaces. If walls are painted drywall, a 4 high ceramic tile wainscot is required around entire perimeter of the pool area. Provide high-quality furnishings such as market umbrellas, cast aluminum furniture, and/or high-quality wood furniture. Upgraded lighting and landscaping to be provided at outdoor pool. Upgraded landscaping and seating provide a welcoming place to relax. ~8~

BUSINESS CENTER & SUPPLEMENTAL FACILITIES Business Center One computer station for 1-49 rooms, two stations for 50-99 rooms and one additional over 100 rooms. One space should be available for a guest to use their own computer, and be able to connect to the printer. Sundry & Vending Areas Well executed Business Center provides a professional and functional area for guests to work or print boarding passes. A Sundry Area is required in new construction. Required to be in a defined space with finishes to complement adjacent areas and show evidence of professional design and execution. Quality composition tile, quarry or ceramic in a 12 x 12 minimum size or 6 x 18 plank style size, is required for all flooring. Carpet base or vinyl cove base is not acceptable. Architectural-millwork style vinyl profile base is recommended for Vending and Sundry Areas. A dedicated area should have good flow and visibility from the Lobby or other Public Areas. Vending Areas should be consistent and coordinated with adjacent guest corridor. ~9~

PUBLIC SPACES Elevator & elevator lobbies Provide an Elevator at all interior corridor properties of two stories or more. It is recommended that the elevator be located near the Lobby. Elevators to have high-quality porcelain tile on the floor. Size to be 12 x 12 or extra space larger or minimum 6 x 18 plank style. Premium quality wood look vinyl flooring is also acceptable. Carpet is not acceptable. Provide public area quality console table, accessories, e.g., telephone, lamp, flowers, and seating at Elevator Lobbies and landings, where possible. Elevator Lobbies to have high-quality artwork that is professionally produced. Low quality, self-matted art, poster style artwork, and mass produced oil paintings are not acceptable. Interior stairways The brief wait in each Elevator Lobby should enhance, not detract from the guests' experience through introduction of furnishing and accessories. The style, finish and colors should transition smoothly from the public corridors. Public Stairways should be visually pleasing and inviting. Style finish and color must coordinate with the building design and finishes. Guest laundry Coin-operated soap/bleach/softener dispenser or available in the Sundry Shop. Minimum 64 sq. ft. to accommodate the laundry equipment, a minimum 24 x 24 folding table, and maneuvering space. Provide a high-quality folding table with HPL (High Pressure Laminate), solid surface or polished stone top. Provide a minimum of one washer, and one dryer, for up to 100 guestrooms, plus one additional set for each additional 100 guestrooms. Finished keeping with the rest of the Public Spaces convey a sense of quality in an often overloaded space - the Guest Laundry. ~10~

PUBLIC SPACES Public Corridors Provide a high quality, professionally framed, coordinated art package. Provide an 8 minimum pattern carpet repeat with border or medallions. Narrow corridors (less that 60 ) may delete boarder. Public Restrooms Carpet details add style to Public Corridors. Minimizing the use of lay-in ceiling tiles elevates the guests impression of the space. Vanity mirror with a decorative frame. Framed mirrors, decorative lighting and optional over-mounted vessel sinks and 48 tall tile wainscoting on the walls provide a residential, style Public Restroom. Provide separate Restrooms for men and women if hotel is over 100 rooms. Tubular vanity lights with or without end caps are not acceptable. No longer accepted as a simply utilitarian Public Space, the overall style of the property should carry into the Public Restroom. Guestroom Corridors Provide an 8 minimum pattern carpet repeat with border or medallions. Narrow corridors (less that 60 ) may delete boarder. Decorative wall sconce fixtures are required near guestroom entry doors. A high quality, professionally framed, coordinated art package is required. Large patterns can have a great contemporary effect on the Guestroom Corridors. ~11~

GUESTROOMS Guestrooms Guestrooms and Suites are a tremendous opportunity for guest impact. All of the elements of the room provide an overall aesthetic to the guest. Popcorn ceiling finish must be removed or offset by a tradeoff, e.g., crown molding. Clothes-hanging area to be enclosed with doors or a wardrobe is to be provided. Each Guestroom must have a thermostatically controlled heat/ cool control that a guest can set to a specific temperature. The temperature control must be located on the unit or the wall. Digital or analog are acceptable. Upholstered luggage bench is required in all suites. High-quality, upscale oversized headboard, e.g., upholstered. Armoires are not acceptable. Minimum desk size: 24 x 48. Nightstand height to be comparable to the bed height (within 4 ). Provide at least one sofa or chair for TV viewing. A minimum of two pieces of artwork, 24 x 30 or larger professionally matted and framed pieces of artwork are required. Television must be clearly viewable from the sleeping and sitting area. And must have HDMI and VGA ports. Provide a minimum of one 37" or larger LCD or plasma flat-panel television in all rooms. Suites without a full wall and door separator will have a minimum of one 42 or larger LCD or plasma flat-panel television. Provide a minimum of two 37 or larger LCD or plasma flat-panel televisions in suites with a full wall or door separator. Valance, cornice or architectural treatment to conceal top of drapery and hardware or decorative rod with prior approval. Table lamps or hard-wired wall lamps are required. Floor lamps where appropriate. Wall-mount lamps with cord covers do not comply. Guestroom telephone must have voice mail. A decorative floor-to-ceiling partition can be utilized to visually divide the sleeping and sitting areas. High-quality, upscale casegoods, lighting, furnishings and accessories. ~12~

GUESTROOMS Guestrooms continued Beds to be made up with triple sheeting and decorative pillows. Additional decorative bed coverings must include either a duvet with insert or a decorative throw with scarf. See TOP OF BED worksheet online at bestwesternsupply.com. To choose Bed Sets, refer to the Descriptor Program Supply Ratings Guide under the BEST WESTERN PLUS column. These can be found online at bestwesternsupply.com. Minimum bed-set height to be 18, overall bed height to be 25. Provide a mini-refrigerator or mini-bar in all rooms, enclosed in a cabinet that matches the case goods or built-in. Guestroom Bathroom Customized case goods and artwork give a property a unique flair. A soffit over the Guestrooms headboard or other enhancements adds dimensions to the room. Vanity top to be granite or approved equal. Sink to be an under mount, vessel style, or approved equal. Multi-bulb Hollywood or cloud type fixture is not acceptable. Lighting is required in shower stall or bathtub area for new construction only. ~13~ Stone vanities with undermount or vessel sinks contribute to a distinct guestroom space.

BEST WESTERN PLUS Questions about products? Call Supply, we can help! Do your existing products meet the new PLUS requirements? Call us with the brand, model number and we will check to see if the product is approved. Supply U.S. - 800.528.3601 Supply Canada - 800.297.8775 bestwesternsupply.com ~14~ Revised 6/12