Best Western vs Motel 6
Best Western vs Motel 6: Best Western costs $510K–$2.8M to open; Motel 6 costs $195K–$8.2M. Best Western has 702 units, Motel 6 has 1,195. SBA loan history: Best Western = 882 loans (9.0% default); Motel 6 = 613 loans (2.3% default). The franchise with more SBA-funded units, lower default rate, and lower royalty load is the safer financing bet — see the comparison below.
Health & Performance
FPI Score | 41/100 | 69/100 |
Health Tier | Fair | Strong |
Confidence | N/A | N/A |
Lending Trend | Declining | Declining |
SBA Lending
SBA Loans | 882 | 613 |
SBA Volume | — | — |
Default Rate | 9.0% | 2.3% |
Peer Tier | major | major |
Investment & Costs
Total Investment | $510K – $2.8M | $195K – $8.2M |
Franchise Fee | $50K | $25K |
Royalty Rate | N/A | 5% |
Ad Fund | N/A | 3% |
Liquid Capital | N/A | $100K |
Net Worth Required | N/A | N/A |
Financial Performance (Item 19)
Item 19 Status | Not Disclosed | Disclosed |
System Size & Operations
Total Units | 702 | 1,195 |
Franchised Units | 702 | 1,195 |
Company-Owned | — | — |
Term Length | N/A | 15 yrs |
Brand Information
Year Founded | 1946 | 1962 |
Franchising Since | 1960 | 2005 |
Years Franchising | 66 yrs | 21 yrs |
Headquarters | Phoenix, AZ | Carrollton, TX |
Category | Hotels | Hotels |
Website | ||
FDD Year | 2021 | 2026 |
Which Is Better — Best Western or Motel 6?
Lower upfront capital required
Motel 6
Best Western: $510K starting · Motel 6: $195K starting
More SBA lender confidence
Best Western
Best Western: 882 SBA loans · Motel 6: 613 SBA loans
Lower historical default rate
Motel 6
Best Western: 9.0% · Motel 6: 2.3%
Larger system & brand presence
Motel 6
Best Western: 702 units · Motel 6: 1,195 units
More lender financing options
Best Western
Best Western: 275 unique lenders · Motel 6: 192 unique lenders
Decision matrix uses publicly disclosed FDD and SBA loan data. Not a recommendation — your best franchise depends on capital, market, operating capacity, and risk tolerance.
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About These Franchises
Best Western vs Motel 6: Franchise Funding Comparison
Comparing Best Western and Motel 6 is about more than brand preference — it's about which franchise fits your financial profile and funding strategy. Investment ranges from $195K to $8.2M.
Both brands have active SBA lending histories — Best Western with 882 SBA loans and Motel 6 with 613. This means proven lender acceptance and established underwriting paths for franchise buyers.
SBA 7(a) loans are the most common franchise funding vehicle, offering up to $5M with as little as 10% down. PeerSense connects franchise buyers with the specific lenders who have approved loans for these brands — not generic referrals, but lenders with actual franchise lending track records.
Data sourced from SBA loan records, Franchise Disclosure Documents, and public filings. Updated regularly. Not financial advice — consult with a lending professional before making investment decisions.