Under what circumstances is written approval from IHG required for changes to the Atwell Suites Hotel?
Atwell_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
igned to provide a distinctive, high quality hotel service to the public under the name Atwell Suites™. High standards established by IHG are the essence of the Brand System. Future investments may be required of Licensee under this License. Licensee desires to enter into this License in order to obtain a license to use the Brand System in the operation of a hotel located at the "Location" identified on Attachment "A" and defined in paragraph 2.A. below (the "Hotel").
A. The Hotel.
The Hotel comprises all structures, facilities, appurtenances, furniture, fixtures, equipment, entry and exit rights, parking, pools, landscaping and other areas from time to time located on the land identified by Licensee to IHG in anticipation of this License, or located on any land from time to time approved by IHG for additions, signs or other facilities. The Hotel must include the facilities listed on Attachment "A" hereto. No change in the number of approved guest rooms or suites and no other significant change in the Hotel or in the manner in which the Hotel rooms and services are offered to the public (including timesharing and condominium hotel projects and other projects not involving short term stays by transient guests) may be made without IHG's written approval. Licensee represents that it is entitled to possession of the Hotel during the entire License Term without restrictions that would interfere with anything contemplated in this License.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 99–486)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Atwell Suites' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, written approval from IHG is required in several instances related to the hotel's construction, design, and operation. Specifically, franchisees must obtain IHG's written consent before making changes to the final plans, FF&E (furniture, fixtures, and equipment) specifications, and fire alarm and sprinkler systems. This requirement applies both before construction begins and even after initial approvals if changes occur during the actual construction process.
Prior to commencing construction, franchisees must secure IHG's approval of the final plans and provide a properly executed pre-construction ADA Certificate. Any subsequent modifications to these approved final plans necessitate prior written consent from IHG. Similarly, franchisees must submit signage, shop drawings, guest room FF&E, and public area FF&E plans to IHG for review and approval within 30 days of the ground break. Changes to the FF&E specifications also require IHG's prior written consent. Furthermore, franchisees must submit life safety shop drawings (fire alarm and sprinkler plans) for IHG's review and approval within 30 days after the ground break, and any alterations to these systems necessitate prior written consent from IHG.
Beyond the physical structure and design, IHG's approval is also needed for significant changes to the hotel's core offerings. Franchisees cannot make changes to the number of approved guest rooms or suites, nor can they implement significant changes to the hotel or the manner in which rooms and services are offered to the public without IHG's written approval. This includes ventures like timesharing and condominium hotel projects that deviate from the standard short-term stay model. These stipulations ensure that all Atwell Suites hotels maintain brand consistency and adhere to IHG's standards, protecting the brand's reputation and customer expectations.
These requirements are typical in franchising, as they allow the franchisor to maintain uniformity and quality control across all locations. For a prospective Atwell Suites franchisee, this means that any deviation from the approved plans or standards will require IHG's explicit consent, potentially adding time and complexity to any renovation or modification projects. It is crucial for franchisees to maintain open communication with IHG and adhere to the established approval processes to avoid potential breaches of the license agreement.