How often must Crowne Plaza franchisees upgrade the equipment to accommodate enhanced versions of PMS?
Crowne_Plaza Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
you own Hotel. The Reservation System software is custom configured to SCH's requirements. You may install only computers, components or peripheral devices and equipment meeting SCH's specifications for the PMS and Reservation System. You may obtain the hardware from SCH or any third -party vendor that meets SCH's specifications. You must periodically upgrade the equipment to accommodate enhanced versions of PMS, as provided in the Master
Technology Services Agreement. SCH will provide or arrange for training and implementation support, as described in the Master Technology Services Agreement, and has entered into agreements with service providers for maintenance for the PMS. SCH or the provider will bill you for these services. See Item 7 for expenses relating to travel and on-site support.
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 69–81)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Crowne Plaza's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must periodically upgrade their equipment to accommodate enhanced versions of the Property Management System (PMS), as specified in the Master Technology Services Agreement. Additionally, SCH requires franchisees to refresh PMS hardware and software every 48 months.
Crowne Plaza, Holiday, and SCH have the right to require immediate upgrades, supplements, or replacements of computer equipment or software if they determine it has become obsolete. The FDD specifies that there are currently no contractual limitations on the frequency or cost of these upgrades, supplements, or replacements of equipment or software, outside of the 48 month refresh requirement.
For a prospective franchisee, this means that maintaining up-to-date technology is a condition of the franchise agreement. Franchisees should budget for regular technology upgrades and be prepared for potential unexpected costs if Crowne Plaza, Holiday, or SCH deems an immediate upgrade necessary. It is important to review the Master Technology Services Agreement for further details on these obligations.