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Best Western just extended its long-running Best Western status match program for another year. Travelers with elite status at another hotel brand can match their status to Best Western. All they need to do is submit the required information.
Unlike many of its competitors — which require travelers to meet specific requirements to keep their status — Best Western offers a no-catch match with no requirements to hold on to your status. And we'll show you how to request a Best Western status match.
How to Request a Best Western Status Match
Matching your hotel elite status to Best Western is quick and easy. Members based in North America should submit the following information by email to StatusMatch@bestwestern.com. However, if you are based in Europe, you must submit your Best Western status match information to the following email address: bwr.service@bestwestern.com.
- Full Name
- Full Address
- Email Address
- Phone Number
- Best Western Rewards® Member Number
- Proof of elite status in another hotel program via an image of your physical card or screenshot showing your name and status
Once you are approved and granted status, you will maintain your status through December 31, 2026. Remember that the match will only apply to your elite status, not your point balances.
Traditional Best Western elite status requirements
Typically, outside of the Best Western status match, you need the following number of nights to reach status:
- Gold Elite Status: five (5) qualifying nights.
- Platinum Elite Status: Seven (7) qualifying nights.
- Diamond Elite Status: 15 qualifying nights.
- Diamond Select Elite Status: 25 qualifying nights.
Thus, it goes without saying that status matching to Best Western is the quickest way to elite status — unless you'd rather pick up a co-branded Best Western credit card.
Is Best Western Elite Status Worth It?
Determining whether it is worth pursuing a Best Western status match will depend on how much you value the perks. Bear in mind that there are not many differences between the perks of Best Western elite status. For instance, all members from Blue and up receive the following benefits:
- Bonus points for qualifying nights
- Points never expire
- No blackout dates
- Exclusive reservation line
- Free night redemptions count towards elite status
- Exclusive member rates
- Pay with points
Gold Elite members and above receive the following additional benefits:
- Complimentary water upon arrival
- 500 bonus points upon arrival
The only other differentiator is that Platinum Elite members and above receive:
- Early check-in and late checkout
The main difference between tiers is how many bonus points members earn per qualifying night:
- Gold Elite members earn 10% bonus qualifying points.
- Platinum Elite members earn 15% bonus qualifying points.
- Diamond Elite members earn 30% bonus qualifying points.
- Diamond Select members earn 50% bonus qualifying points.
Final Thoughts
This Best Western status match is as simple as it gets to earn elite status — and enjoy perks for the better part of two years. It should take no more than 10 minutes of your time, and you are done. Jumping on this opportunity makes perfect sense whether you plan to stay at just one of Best Western's properties or if you are a regular visitor to BW hotels but don't have enough stays to gain top elite status.
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It’s interesting that they don’t even ask for proof. Simplified process and can serve as a springboard for other loyalty programs.
Yes, I can also attest to the fact that a simple, quick phone call was all it took. There was no request to email documentation. Thanks, AW!
Wonder what are the benefits of BW status?
I truly wonder why the major hotel chains (Hilton, etc.) continue to accept this Mickey Mouse status as a competitor worth matching.
Good for travel hacking though…
Best Western has become rather active with its promotions lately because it sees the travel demands will return really soon?
I’ve had best western diamond status for many years. I only stay with them several nights each year. I’m not sure how many nights one has to stay each year to maintain their diamond status?
Requested the status match a couple of times in the past. Very easy, quick and its free!
When did the previous status match promotions take place?
Pro-tip: Use Amex Plat to get Hhonors gold, status match to BW diamond, stay 1 night at a BW hotel, use BW diamond and stay receipt to status match back to Hhonors diamond.
That’s like “Da Vinci Code” kind of knowledge. It is truly amazing LOL.
Does anyone know if BW status match is only good until the expiration date shown on the other program’s loyalty ID card? If that be the case, will it be better to just provide BW a hotel stay invoice showing your loyalty number in the other program?
Thanks.
I’m not quite sure about this but if you have a card like the Chase IHG mentioned in the article, you would maintain your status as long as you still have that card. If, like me, you’re saving up for an extended stay in Bora Bora, this offer will keep you in BW’s good graces for quite a while.
When BW offered a status match a few years ago, I jumped. I’ve not stayed at many BW since then, but they never rescinded the status, and I’ve used it to match to other programs.
Same for me 🙂
I noticed on their website it states “Activity required per calendar year to achieve or maintain status.” Have you stayed in a BW on a yearly basis, earn points another way or transfer in points to maintain it? Thanks!
Some years, I’ve stayed once or twice, some years not at all.
I’ll ask later and then maybe use it to ask a status to another hotel chain.
Used the status match and am now Best Western Diamond!