Which employee roles at an Atwell Suites hotel must complete initial certification training?
Atwell_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Your General Manager, Front Office Manager, Director of Sales, Executive Housekeeper, F&B colleagues, 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.
Your General Manager and Hotel Experience Champion must each complete the Leading the Brand Training for New Hotels certification prior to the Hotel opening. The cost for the training event is included in the annual subscription for IHG University.
Your General Manager and other individuals designated as the system experts for your Hotel must attend the RAMP UP: Pricing, Activating and Fueling New Hotels training program ("RAMP UP Program"). This program provides basic instruction on the Reservation System and revenue management and the cost for this program is included in the annual subscription for IHG University. There are no additional fees for your General Manager and your Hotel's designated system experts to attend this program, however participants from all Hotels are responsible for their own expenses for travel, meals and lodging if they attend the program in person.
Source: Item 5 — INITIAL FEES (FDD pages 27–30)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Atwell Suites' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, several key employee roles are required to complete initial certification training. These positions include the General Manager, Front Office Manager, Director of Sales, Executive Housekeeper, F&B colleagues, and the Hotel Experience Champion (or equivalent roles). This training is a mandatory part of onboarding and ensuring brand standard compliance. All required core certification training is included in the annual subscription for IHG University.
This initial certification training is crucial for ensuring that the hotel staff is well-prepared to meet the operational needs of the hotel and deliver the branded guest experience that Atwell Suites aims to provide. The training covers critical aspects of hotel management and operations, ensuring that employees are knowledgeable and capable in their respective roles. By requiring these specific roles to undergo initial certification, Atwell Suites is investing in the quality and consistency of its service delivery across all franchise locations.
For in-person classes, the franchisee is responsible for covering the travel expenses of their trainees. Additionally, any optional or supplemental courses will incur separate training expenses. Franchisees should also be prepared to purchase subsequent training materials to facilitate the ongoing training of new employees, ensuring that all staff members are adequately trained and up-to-date with the latest brand standards and operational procedures. This ongoing investment in training is essential for maintaining the quality and consistency of the Atwell Suites brand.
Furthermore, the General Manager and Hotel Experience Champion must complete the Leading the Brand Training for New Hotels certification before the hotel opens. The cost for this training is included in the annual IHG University subscription. Additionally, the General Manager and other designated system experts must attend the RAMP UP: Pricing, Activating and Fueling New Hotels training program, which focuses on the Reservation System and revenue management. While there are no additional fees for these individuals to attend the RAMP UP Program, the hotel is responsible for covering their travel, meals, and lodging expenses if they attend in person.