The third annual Best of the Best awards formally recognize Best Western hoteliers that demonstrate and best exemplify exceptional levels of quality, service and value. Recipients were chosen based on strict criteria including two quality assurance reviews conducted during the year. Best of the Best winners received two perfect scores on those quality assurance inspections, while the properties that received an Honorable Mention received one perfect score and at least 975 out of 1000 on their second inspection. The program is open to all Best Western hotels in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean.

Best Western International�s Board of Directors made the final selection of properties to be honored this year. The Best Western Blue Ridge Plaza hotel (property link) is one of only 20 Best Westerns, out of more than 2,300 eligible hotels, to receive this designation in 2003.

�The Best of the Best awards recognize leading North American properties,� said Lowell Cruse, chairman of Best Western�s Board of Directors. �The award is based upon a number of factors, and reflects the Best Western Blue Ridge Plaza�s dedication and achievement as one of the outstanding hotels in our brand.�

The Best Western Blue Ridge Plaza offers 73 guest rooms equipped with refrigerators and microwaves. The property features complimentary deluxe continental breakfast and high-speed Internet access in every room. Guests will enjoy an indoor swimming pool, game room and a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains.

Best Western is THE WORLD�S LARGEST HOTEL CHAIN® with more than 4,100 independently owned and operated hotels in more than 80 countries and territories. It is a membership association of independently owned and operated hotels that provides marketing, reservations and operational support to its members.

Visit Best Western�s newsroom at www.bestwestern.com/newsroom.

Media Contacts:
Carolyn Marion
Public Relations Director
(602) 957-5668
carolyn.marion@bestwestern.com
or
David Trumble
Director, External Communications
(602) 957-5753
david.trumble@bestwestern.com