What is the deadline for a Crowne Plaza hotel to commence implementing non-hosted updates after receiving notice from FreedomPay, according to the FDD?
Crowne_Plaza Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
FreedomPay may implement a hosted update on the FreedomPay Solution at such time as it determines, and Hotel shall have the flexibility to commence implementing non-hosted updates according to the schedule of IHG, which implementation shall be commenced no later than twelve (12) months after notice from FreedomPay and completed no later than twenty-four (24) months after such notice, unless such non-hosted update is required by Law, network requirements or PCI requirements, or other applicable authority, in such case Hotel shall implement such non-hosted update in accordance with the date required in such Law or requirement.
If Hotel fails to implement any nonhosted update when required as set forth herein, FreedomPay reserves the right to terminate operational support for the prior release (even if Hotel continues to rely on the prior release) and will not be deemed in breach for doing so.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 100–424)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Crowne Plaza's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a Crowne Plaza hotel must commence implementing non-hosted updates to the FreedomPay system no later than twelve months after receiving notice from FreedomPay. The implementation must be completed no later than twenty-four months after such notice. This timeline allows hotels some flexibility in scheduling and executing these updates.
However, there is a significant exception to this general rule. If the non-hosted update is required due to legal, network, or PCI (Payment Card Industry) requirements, or by another applicable authority, the Crowne Plaza hotel must implement the update in accordance with the date specified in the relevant law or requirement. This means the hotel may have a much shorter timeframe to comply with mandatory updates.
Failure to implement the non-hosted updates as required gives FreedomPay the right to terminate operational support for the prior release, even if the hotel continues to use the older version. This could disrupt payment processing and other essential services, so franchisees must carefully track and adhere to update deadlines to avoid potential disruptions and maintain compliance.