401(k) Investment Plan

It’s never too early—or too late—to start planning for your future. The BWH® Hotels 401(k) Investment Plan makes it easy to save for retirement while taking advantage of valuable tax benefits. Both you and Best Western can contribute to your account, helping your savings grow faster over time.

Save (Pre-Tax) or after taxes (Roth) depending on what works best for you.

  • Pre-Tax Contribution
    • Contributing pre-tax reduces your current taxable income. You’ll defer paying tax on your contributions and associated earnings until you withdraw the money from your account.
  • Roth (Post-Tax) Contribution
    • The Roth option allows you to contribute on a post-tax basis. The benefit of making Roth 401(k) contributions is that earnings on contributions can be withdrawn income tax-free provided certain criteria are met.
    • Starting 1/1/2026, if you made more than $150,000 in FICA wages in 2025, and you’re making catch-up contributions, any catch-up contributions must be made as Roth (after-tax) contributions.
Your Contributions

You decide how much to save from each paycheck—anywhere from 1% to 75%, up to IRS limits.

2026 Contribution

  • $24,500
  • $32,500 (if you are over 50)
  • $35,750 (if you are ages 60 to 63)
BWH Hotels' Contributions
  • Beginning the first fiscal quarter after you have worked at least 1,000 hours and been employed by BWH Hotels for at least one year, the company will contribute 3% of your eligible earnings to your account each pay period.
  • This contribution will be made regardless of whether or not you contribute to the 401(k) plan.
  • Fiscal quarters begin March 1, June 1, September 1 and December 1. (e.g., hired full-time January 11, 2026; company contribution begins in March 2027.)

Matching Contribution

  • The company match is a discretionary contribution that the Board of Directors must approve each year
  • If approved, BWH Hotels will match your contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 6% of your eligible compensation.
  • The company match, if approved, is made in December for contributions made during the prior 12 months ending November 30.
  • You must have made paycheck contributions, be employed on the last day of the plan year (November 30), and have worked at least 1,000 hours during the plan year to be eligible for the company match.
How to Enroll
  • You can enroll in the plan immediately by going to www.principal.com
  • Approximately 45 days after your hire date, you are automatically enrolled at a 4 percent contribution rate
  • You may change this contribution amount at any time
Get More Information

Through Principal®, you have access to a variety of investment options designed to help you meet your long-term financial goals. You can choose how your money is invested based on your timeline, risk tolerance, and personal preferences. If you’re unsure which mix is right for you, consider speaking with a financial advisor for guidance.

If you don’t make an active selection, your contributions—and any company match—will automatically default to the BlackRock Lifepath Index Fund aligned with your expected retirement year.

To learn more, visit www.principal.com for access to educational tools and plan details, including:

  • How to roll over a qualified retirement account

  • Vesting schedule and plan rules

  • Fund and investment performance information

  • Budgeting tools to help you save for retirement

  • Calculators to estimate how much you’ll need in retirement

If you’d like personal assistance, you can also contact the Retirement Service Center at 1-800-986-3343.