The York-based company, part of the American business Best Western International has added the two hotels, both newly-built, to the four-star portfolio. The Best Western Plus Maldron Hotel in Cardiff and the Best Western Plus Park Grand London Heathrow Gateway have added over 300 bedrooms to the brand.
Repositioning
Keith Pope, managing director of Best Western, said the addition was proof the repositioning of the business's hotels into Best Western, Best Western Plus and Best Western Premier had been a good move.
“It’s very encouraging that these newly-built hotels have chosen Best Western over other international hotel brands to be their partner. We’re now attracting new, bigger, high-quality hotels into membership as a result of the significant investment we’ve made into marketing and repositioning Best Western over the past two years," he said.
“These are two lovely new hotels that offer great facilities for both business and leisure travellers. It’s particularly encouraging to welcome them into Best Western at our Plus category, the first ones to join at this level, and bringing our portfolio of Plus hotels up to 18,” Pope added.
Independently owned
Best Western launched its three-tier brand enhancement strategy in autumn last year citing giving customers more choice and clarity and increasing customer satisfaction as the reason behind the decision. The Plus hotels offer 'extra style, comfort and service', including bigger beds, an extended breakfast range and increased comfort and technology.
Two other venues in Burnley and Tamworth also joined Best Western in the first quarter of the year. The company now has 280 hotels as members, nine of which are at Premier level and 18 of which are at Plus level. At the time of the repositioning last year Best Western said ten hotels were currently at Plus level and it was hoping to double this by the end of 2011.
Best Western hotels continue to be independently owned and managed but must meet strict criteria set by the company.