What factors may hardware and software maintenance fees vary on at a Crowne Plaza?
Crowne_Plaza Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must also pay support fees for the other components of property-level systems, such as PMS equipment maintenance, and for other systems which interface to the Opera PMS system; such as the telecommunications system, the electronic door locking and keycard system, and the specialized sales software. Hardware and software maintenance fees may vary based on the number of rooms at the Hotel.
Source: Item 6 — OTHER FEES (FDD pages 31–51)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Crowne Plaza's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, hardware and software maintenance fees can fluctuate based on the number of rooms at the hotel. This is specifically in reference to the Property Management System (PMS), which Crowne Plaza hotels are required to use. The FDD specifies that the costs associated with the PMS hardware and software maintenance can vary based on the hotel's technology needs, with the number of rooms being a key factor.
This means that larger Crowne Plaza hotels with more rooms will likely face higher hardware and software maintenance fees compared to smaller hotels within the same brand. The fees cover ongoing maintenance and support for the PMS software, including upgrades, new versions, and equipment maintenance. These services are typically arranged through approved vendors, adding another layer of potential cost variation depending on the vendor selected and the specific technology requirements of the hotel.
For prospective Crowne Plaza franchisees, this implies that the initial investment and ongoing operational costs related to technology infrastructure will be directly influenced by the size of the hotel. It's crucial to carefully assess the technology needs and associated costs based on the number of rooms to accurately project expenses. Franchisees should also inquire about the range of potential maintenance fees and the factors that could cause these fees to fluctuate to avoid unexpected costs.