Who bears the cost of purchasing and installing then-current approved Software and approved Hardware described in the Minimum Configuration for Atwell Suites?

According to Atwell Suites's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee, referred to as the Licensee, is responsible for the costs associated with purchasing and installing approved software and hardware that meets the minimum configuration standards. Specifically, within 90 days of any update to the Minimum Configuration by IHG, the Licensee must purchase and install the then-current approved software and hardware. The Licensee is also responsible for decommissioning any hardware and software that is no longer approved. All these actions must be completed at the Licensee's expense.

This requirement ensures that all Atwell Suites locations maintain a consistent and up-to-date technology infrastructure, which is crucial for brand uniformity and operational efficiency. However, it also means that franchisees must be prepared to invest in technology upgrades periodically. These costs can impact the profitability of the franchise, especially if updates are frequent or require significant hardware or software changes.

Prospective Atwell Suites franchisees should carefully consider the potential costs of these technology upgrades and factor them into their financial projections. It would be prudent to discuss with the franchisor the typical frequency and estimated costs of Minimum Configuration updates to better understand the ongoing technology expenses associated with the franchise. Understanding these costs upfront will help in making an informed decision about investing in an Atwell Suites franchise.