For Crowne Plaza, who designates the acceptable third-party vendors for property-level technology and telecommunications systems?

According to Crowne Plaza's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must acquire equipment, software, and services for property-level technology and telecommunications systems from third-party vendors that Holiday designates or that meet Holiday's specifications. This requirement ensures that all Crowne Plaza hotels maintain consistent technology standards and compatibility with the brand's systems.

This mandate has several implications for prospective franchisees. First, it limits the franchisee's choice of vendors, potentially impacting costs and contract terms. While Holiday designates approved vendors, franchisees do have the option to request a waiver to use an alternative source for the Property Management System (PMS). Second, franchisees must ensure that the chosen systems meet Holiday's specifications, adding a layer of compliance to the procurement process. Item 11 of the FDD provides further details on these specifications.

Overall, while the franchisee is responsible for purchasing and maintaining these systems, Holiday maintains control over vendor selection and system standards. This approach allows Crowne Plaza to maintain brand consistency and ensure that all hotels can effectively integrate with the brand's reservation and management systems. Franchisees should carefully review the list of approved vendors and understand the specifications to ensure compliance and manage costs effectively.