PHOENIX, March 24, 2011 -- The first Canadian BEST WESTERN PREMIER hotel, which offers guests upscale amenities and a refined experience, opened earlier this month in Calgary.  The iconic hotel chain has opened seven BEST WESTERN PREMIER hotels in North America since launching its three-descriptor strategy in early 2011.

Guests at the newly developed BEST WESTERN PREMIER Freeport Inn & Suites , located just three kilometers from the Calgary International Airport, will enjoy luxurious amenities including on-site dining, complimentary breakfast, an exercise facility, an indoor heated pool with a waterslide and a cocktail lounge.  The hotel also offers free parking, a complimentary airport shuttle, meeting facilities that can accommodate up to 80 guests and a business center.

Located at 86 Freeport Blvd. NE in Calgary, the hotel is near shopping, dining and recreation choices, including popular Calgary attractions such as Canada Olympic Park, Calgary Aero Space Museum and the Calgary Zoo.

"The BEST WESTERN PREMIER Freeport Inn & Suites is a welcome addition to our North American portfolio of hotels," said David Kong, president and CEO of Best Western International.  "Calgary is not only a popular tourist destination, but it serves as a major business travel corridor.  This new hotel is an ideal lodging choice for a refined stay."

Like all BEST WESTERN PREMIER properties, the BEST WESTERN PREMIER Freeport Inn & Suites has features and amenities that exceed CAA's three diamond requirements.

The 97 sophisticated guest rooms and suites feature:

• 42-inch flat screen televisions
• Premium clock radios with a MP3 connection
• Contemporary furnishings and luxury bed lines and towels
• Functional desk with complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access

Rates start at $129.99 CAD. Travelers can contact the property directly for special packages at (403) 264-9650 or book via www.bestwestern.com.

ABOUT BEST WESTERN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Best Western International, Inc. is THE WORLD'S BIGGEST HOTEL FAMILY(SM), providing marketing, reservations and operational support to over 4,000* BEST WESTERN®, BEST WESTERN PLUS® and BEST WESTERN PREMIER® hotels in 90* countries and territories worldwide.  Each Best Western-branded hotel is independently owned and operated.  Now celebrating 65 years of hospitality, Best Western has grown into an iconic brand that hosts 400,000* worldwide guests each night.  Equally committed to the business and leisure traveler, Best Western recently embarked on a mission to lead the hotel industry in customer care.  World Vision is the charity of choice for Best Western in building the world's biggest family, with our hotels and staff sponsoring children in need around the globe.  Our partnerships with AAA/CAA, Michael Waltrip Racing™ and Harley-Davidson® help guests make the most of every trip.  For the fastest way to a free night globally, join Best Western Reward.

For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.bestwestern.com .

*Numbers are approximate and can fluctuate.