Big changes are coming for Best Western Rewards members. Starting January 5, 2027, Best Western Rewards and WorldHotels Rewards will merge into a single loyalty program, bringing more than 4,000 hotels under one rewards umbrella.

The newly combined program will operate under the WorldHotels Rewards name. It will also include a simplified elite status structure and more opportunities to earn and redeem your points.

Here’s what we know so far.

 

What’s Changing With Best Western Rewards?

On October 27, 2026, BWH Hotels announced that it’s bringing its 18 hotel brands together under the WorldHotels name. The move includes combining Best Western Rewards and WorldHotels Rewards into a single loyalty program that will serve a whopping 70 million members (give or take).

One of the biggest changes is the elite-status structure. Currently, both programs offer five membership levels, including a base tier and four elite tiers. The new WorldHotels Rewards program will make things easier with just three tiers.

Members can also expect:

• More hotel options: Access to a combined portfolio of more than 4,000 hotels across 100 countries.
• More ways to earn points: New earning opportunities, including milestone rewards and app-exclusive offers.
• More ways to redeem points: Options will include free nights, Points + Cash bookings, and rewards through select partners.
• A streamlined experience: A new website and redesigned mobile app aimed at making it easier to manage rewards and book stays.

However, WorldHotels hasn’t yet shared exactly what the new elite tiers will look like or how members will qualify.

 

What Happens to Existing Points and Elite Status?

If you’re already a member, you should be able to just sit back and relax. WorldHotels has confirmed that your existing points will automatically carry over to the new program, and they won’t be losing their value. Plus, points will continue to never expire.

Existing elite members will also automatically transition to a corresponding tier in the new program, and benefits such as member rates and status matching will remain.

There’s also no need to worry about existing reservations. Your upcoming reservations will carry over to your new account, along with your stay history and points balance.

 

What Does This Mean for Members?

On the surface, the merger looks promising, especially for travelers who want more hotel options when earning and redeeming points.

But there are still some important unanswered questions. We don’t yet know how the new elite tiers will compare to the current ones, whether earning rates will change, or how award nights will be priced.

WorldHotels plans to share more details on November 16, 2026. Until then, it’s business as usual for members of both programs.