Best Western is 60 years old! The World’s Largest Hotel Chain” has been around since the Truman administration. As part of its birthday celebration, the company has released a number of interesting little factoids, some of which may leave you scratching your head. Did you know, for instance, that Best Western was founded in 1946 — the same year as Tupperware and the bikini? Or that there are three Best Western castles — the Best Western Amrutha Castle in India, Best Western Premier Le Mans Country Club in France and the Best Western Canterbury Inn & Suites in Iowa?

You might also be surprised to learn that the Best Western Sunset Motor Inn in Cody, Wyoming is owned and operated by a great grandson of Buffalo Bill.

At any rate, we salute the good folks at Best Western and their loyalty program, Gold Crown Club International.

Best Western is marking its 60th Anniversary by offering lifetime Diamond Elite status to Gold Crown Club International members who stay a total of 60 or more qualified nights at Best Western hotels around the world during 2006. To be eligible, guests must be members of Gold Crown Club, but no registration is required.