What must all Crowne Plaza branded hotels utilize for their Keycard System?
Crowne_Plaza Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
epending on the vendor. Upon circuit disconnection, all vendor equipment must be returned within 30 days or the Hotel will be subject to fees covering the cost of hardware (Managed Router, NIDS, etc.).
Keycard System: All Crowne Plaza branded hotels must utilize an approved Keycard System that meets brand requirements. The estimated initial cost for the Keycard System solution purchase and installation will range from $11,000 to $16,500 for a hotel with up to 100 rooms; $11,000 to $22,000 for a hotel with up to 200 rooms; $11,000 to $27,500 for a hotel with more than rooms. This cost includes the server, key encoders, installation, and support. It does not include the cost of the locks for the doors themselves. You must obtain ongoing maintenance and support for the required Keycard System software, including upgrades and new versions. You must also obtain ongoing equipment maintenance for the Keycard System hardware. The Keycard System provider will bill and collect the fee from you for the required Keycard System hardware / software support. The cos
Source: Item 7 — Estimated Initial Investment (FDD pages 51–59)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Crowne Plaza's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, all Crowne Plaza branded hotels must utilize a Keycard System that meets brand requirements. The Keycard System must also interface with the Property Management System (PMS). The initial investment for the Keycard System, including purchase and installation, ranges from $11,000 to $16,500 for hotels with up to 100 rooms, $11,000 to $22,000 for hotels with up to 200 rooms, and $11,000 to $27,500 for hotels with more than 200 rooms. This cost covers the server, key encoders, installation, and support, but excludes the cost of the door locks themselves.
Franchisees must secure ongoing maintenance and support for both the Keycard System software, including updates, and the hardware. The Keycard System provider will directly bill the franchisee for this required support. The exact costs for maintenance and support will vary based on the hotel's specific technology needs, such as the number of key encoders and servers.
For a prospective Crowne Plaza franchisee, this means budgeting not only for the initial investment in the Keycard System but also for the ongoing maintenance and support costs. It is important to factor in the size of the hotel when estimating these costs, as larger hotels will likely incur higher expenses. Additionally, franchisees should ensure that the chosen Keycard System is compatible with their Property Management System to ensure seamless integration.