Best Western records marginal revenue uptick despite 'challenging market'

Best Western Hotel group recorded a marginal uptick in revenue in Q1 2026 despite “challenging market conditions”, with strong growth in group travel, meetings and events.

The hotel group, which has more than 230 UK hotels, said group travel, meetings and events (M&E) bookings were “driving performance despite softer demand across the market”.  

Group travel and M&E revenue increased by 11% year-on-year, with agent-driven business up 18% year-on-year, supported by the launch of BWH Hotels GB’s agent rewards programme.

Across the group total revenue increased by 1.2% driven by growth in average daily rate (ADR).

Best Western said occupancy in Q1 had been steady year-on-year despite “challenging global market conditions”.

The business said trading conditions “remain mixed”, with growth seen in key regions including central Scotland, the West Midlands, the North East and the Channel Islands.

It added that forward bookings indicate continued momentum, with London pacing 12% ahead and North Scotland and South Wales both up 6%.

Tim Rumney, CEO at BWH Hotels GB said: “We’re operating in a challenging market, but our Q1 performance shows the strength of our model and the value we deliver to our hotel partners.

“Despite wider global uncertainty, our inbound channels continue to perform strongly, particularly across meetings and events, where we’ve delivered double-digit growth.”

Best Western has continued to expand its UK footprint by acquiring independent hotels, including Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa in Chesterfield and Best Western Leicester Oadby.