What is the deadline for a Crowne Plaza hotel to complete implementing non-hosted updates to the FreedomPay Solution after notice from FreedomPay?
Crowne_Plaza Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
FreedomPay may implement a hosted update on the FreedomPay system at such time as it determines, and (b) Hotel shall have the flexibility to commence implementing non-hosted updates according to IHG's schedule, 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 nonhosted 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 hotel must complete the implementation of non-hosted updates to the FreedomPay system within twenty-four months after receiving notice from FreedomPay. However, the hotel is expected to commence these updates no later than twelve months after receiving the notice.
There is an exception to this timeline. If the non-hosted update is mandated by law, network requirements, PCI requirements, or another relevant authority, the Crowne Plaza hotel must implement the update by the date specified in the law or requirement.
Failure to comply with the update requirements can result in FreedomPay terminating operational support for the previous software version, even if the hotel continues to use it. This could leave the Crowne Plaza franchisee without necessary support, potentially disrupting payment processing and other related services.