Besides the transfer fee, are the other fees paid to Caption By Hyatt refundable?
Caption_By_Hyatt Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Except for the transfer fee, all fees are non-refundable. In some cases we might negotiate some of the fees that some franchisees will pay, such as franchisees agreeing to develop multiple Brand Hotels or acquiring existing Brand Hotels. Otherwise, except as described below, all fees are uniform or are calculated on a uniform basis. There currently are no franchisee advertising cooperatives in the Brand Hotel network.
Source: Item 6 — Other Fees (FDD pages 20–36)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Caption By Hyatt's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, most fees are non-refundable, with the exception of the transfer fee. The document specifies that all fees paid to Caption By Hyatt and its affiliates are generally non-refundable.
However, there is an exception related to the transfer fee. The transfer fee is associated with control transfers, and while there is no specific transfer fee, the applicant must pay the current change of ownership application fee. If Caption By Hyatt disapproves the transfer, the change of ownership application fee will be refunded, less $7,500.
Prospective Caption By Hyatt franchisees should be aware that all other fees, such as the Royalty Fee (5% of Gross Rooms Revenue), General Manager University fee (currently $2,700), Operator approval fee ($10,000 to $20,000), Fee for review of offering materials ($5,000), PIP fee ($10,000), Royalty fee upon termination ($5,000 per day), Liquidated damages upon termination, Audit expenses, Late fee and interest ($225 late fee), Costs and attorneys’ fees, Commercial Services Fee, Digital Acquisition Fee, GDS and Other Reservations Services, Quality Assurance and Compliance Program fees, and FIP fees are non-refundable. This policy is typical in the franchise industry, as these fees cover services and resources provided to the franchisee.