Final answer:
STR identifies Best Western as a family of brands under the Best Western Hotels & Resorts parent company, with each chain offering different styles and amenities.
Step-by-step explanation:
STR, also known as Smith Travel Research, classifies Best Western not as a single brand, but as a family of brands under a parent company, also called Best Western Hotels & Resorts. This parent company oversees a variety of chains that differ in terms of style, amenities, and price points.
There are distinct brand names within the Best Western family, such as Best Western, Best Western Plus, and Best Western Premier, which cater to different market segments. In this context, STR recognizes these various chains as individual entities that contribute to the overall diversity and market presence of the Best Western parent company.