Is the Application Fee for an Atwell Suites franchise refundable?
Atwell_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Payment of the Application Fee must be made when you submit your Application. The Application Fee becomes non-refundable upon IHG approval of your Application.
For a New Development, Conversion, Re-licensing, and Change of Ownership Application, please calculate your Application Fee as follows (all fees are in US Dollars):
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 99–486)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Atwell Suites Franchise Disclosure Document, the application fee is non-refundable once IHG approves the application. Payment of the application fee must be made when the application is submitted. The FDD also specifies that the applicant should not sign or submit the application or payment of the application fee until at least the fourteenth day after the date the receipt of the Franchise Disclosure Document was signed and dated.
This means that a prospective Atwell Suites franchisee will lose the application fee if IHG approves their application, regardless of whether the franchisee ultimately signs the franchise agreement or opens an Atwell Suites hotel. The application fee compensates IHG for the time and expense of reviewing the application and assessing the applicant's suitability as a franchisee.
It is important for potential Atwell Suites franchisees to carefully consider their decision before submitting an application and paying the fee, as it is non-refundable after approval. Franchisees should ensure they have thoroughly researched the opportunity and are confident in their ability to meet IHG's requirements before proceeding with the application process. Waiting the recommended 14 days after receiving the FDD allows ample time for review and consultation before committing to the non-refundable fee.