As a family of five, I’m always on the lookout for affordable accommodations for our vacations. For years, I’ve held the view that Best Western hotels were a great budget hotel option, but not necessarily one that provided much luxury or enticing amenities. Until this summer.
While all Best Westerns are independently owned and operated and offer affordable rooms, free high-speed internet and free breakfasts, the chain has two other levels above their standard hotels.
At Best Western Plus hotels, you’ll notice an added attention to design and extra amenities that make them perfect for business or family travel. I once stayed at a Best Western Plus in Carmel, CA and was surprised to find that the room included a gorgeous fireplace and plush robes.
Then, there is the Best Western Premier line which will really challenge any preconceived notions you had of the brand. According to their website, in order to qualify for the Premier designation, the hotels are subject to a special design and quality review, and on average, provide 33 or more amenities and services than already required at standard Best Westerns. Premier hotels include a high attention to detail, modern design, luxurious linens, a deluxe breakfast bar, a fitness room, on-site dining, a shop for snacks, gifts and other travel needs, hi-def TV, mini-fridge and microwave.
I recently had the chance to try out the Best Western Premier Helena Great Northern Hotel in Helena, MT and was really impressed. While the hotel offers rooms with either a single king or double queens, we opted for the family suite which includes an adjoining king room and double queen room. Both rooms had ample floor space for luggage and living, a beautiful bathroom stocked with Bath & Body Works® toiletries, 42″ flat screen TVs, mini fridges, microwaves, sinks and enough counter space for us to easily make sandwiches one day for lunch in the room.
The free deluxe breakfast bar in the morning included a selection of coffees, teas and juices, scrambled eggs, sausage, hash browns, toasts and muffins, waffle bar, dry cereals, hot oatmeal, yogurts and fresh fruit.
There was even a pool, hot tub and fitness room.
Other features that caught my eye at the Best Western Premier in Helena, MT:
– a hangtag that allows you to choose the type of room cleaning you want that day (full clean, trash and towels only, or none) plus a choice of an A.M. or P.M. cleaning.
– Clean Remotes, a TV remote control that has been tested to be 99% cleaner than standard remotes and will help reduce germs, viruses and bodily fluids often found on remote controls.
– beautiful railroad-themed artwork throughout the hotel in honor of the Great Northern Railway
Plus, the hotel is located in a modern “uptown” area of Helena that has a pedestrian-only walking area that includes shops, restaurants, the ExplorationWorks science museum, a movie theater, Great Northern Carousel among others. Perfect for giving families ways to stay amused, entertained and well-fed.
With over 4,000 Best Western hotels in over 100 countries, there’s bound to be one near your next family travel destination. And if you’re looking for a little added luxury, I’d definitely recommend finding a Best Western Plus or Best Western Premier. Happy travels!
Momtrends was not paid for this post. We were provided a one-night stay.