What is the dependency between the various training programs and the Learning & Development allocation for Atwell Suites?
Atwell_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Where the amount of the value-add and specialist training exceeds 2% of your Hotel's total salaries and wages budget, the Learning & Development allocation should be capped at 2% of the Hotel's total salaries and wages budget. This estimated budget amount is required for the consumption of IHG Value-Add and Specialist learning offers and the personal development of Hotel employees through other various training programs, which also includes virtual and e-learning.
Note 4: IHG University: Your General Manager, Front Office Manager, Director of Sales, Executive Housekeeper and Hotel Experience Champion (or their equivalent roles) must each complete initial certification training. All required core certification training is included in the annual subscription for IHG University. For in-person classes, you must pay for your trainees' travel expenses or any training expenses incurred from any optional or supplemental courses that your trainees attend. You may be required to purchase subsequent training materials to fulfill the ongoing training of new employees.
Learning categorized as "core" is included within the subscription model and includes critical learning designed to effectively onboard team members, support the operational needs of a Hotel, and comply with brand standards to deliver a branded guest experience. Hotels should allocate annual predetermined amounts per full-time employee for optional value-add and specialist courses: Managers/Department Heads - $650; Assistant Managers/Supervisors - $450; Frontline colleagues - $250.
Source: Item 6 — OTHER FEES (FDD pages 30–56)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Atwell Suites's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Learning & Development allocation is related to the hotel's total salaries and wages budget and is intended for IHG Value-Add and Specialist learning offers, as well as other training programs, including virtual and e-learning, for hotel employees.
The document specifies that if the cost of value-add and specialist training exceeds 2% of the hotel's total salaries and wages budget, the Learning & Development allocation is capped at 2% of the hotel's total salaries and wages budget. This means that while Atwell Suites encourages investment in employee development, there is a limit on the allocation to manage costs.
Furthermore, the FDD mentions IHG University, where the General Manager, Front Office Manager, Director of Sales, Executive Housekeeper, and Hotel Experience Champion (or equivalent roles) must complete initial certification training, which is included in the annual subscription. While core training is covered, franchisees must budget for travel expenses for in-person classes and any optional or supplemental courses. The FDD also recommends allocating specific amounts per full-time employee for optional courses: $650 for Managers/Department Heads, $450 for Assistant Managers/Supervisors, and $250 for Frontline colleagues.