Best Western, operators of the Best Western Hotels & Resorts, currently operates approximately 4,100 motels and hotels. This chain has its headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona, and has 2,163 hotels spread across North America. This brand was founded in 1946 by M.K. Geurtin. After 1964 when Canadian hotels joined this system, Best Western expanded to Australia, Mexico and New Zealand. In 2002, Best Western opened Best Western Premier in both Asia and Europe and now includes Best Western, Best Western Plus and Best Western Premier. Best Western provides brand identity and reservation services with multilingual reservation centers in Milan, Italy and Phoenix.