What does the Crowne Plaza Preopening Support Fee of $8,500 cover?
Crowne_Plaza Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
e you up to $5,000, plus expenses, for each extension, re-evaluation and re-inspection.
PRE-OPENING SUPPORT:
The Openings program provides services and support required to open a hotel in the Brand System. The related Preopening Support Fee is $8,500 and covers support from license execution to hotel opening provided by the Hotel Lifecycle + Growth organization (included but not limited to Franchise Openings, Design Review, Construction). In the event additional onsite training is required at the hotel, additional costs may be incurred which currently range from $1,500-$6,000 depending on the scope of additional learning needs for the hotel.
During the hotel opening process, you may be required to pay additional fees for pre-and post-opening consultations and inspections conducted by SCH or designated representatives. These additional fees that are payable to SCH, and are associated with on-site visits rescheduling of those visits or extensions
of your hotel's opening date, will not exceed $5,000 per visit and you must also pay for the expense
Source: Item 5 — INITIAL FEES (FDD pages 27–31)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Crowne Plaza's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Preopening Support Fee is $8,500. This fee covers services and support from the time the license is executed until the hotel opens. This support is provided by the Hotel Lifecycle + Growth organization and includes assistance from Franchise Openings, Design Review, and Construction teams.
In practical terms, this means that Crowne Plaza franchisees receive guidance and assistance throughout the entire pre-opening phase. This encompasses various aspects, such as ensuring the hotel design aligns with brand standards, overseeing the construction process, and providing support during the franchise opening.
However, the FDD also notes that additional onsite training may be required at the hotel, incurring extra costs ranging from $1,500 to $6,000, depending on the scope of learning needs. Furthermore, franchisees may be required to pay additional fees, not exceeding $5,000 per visit, for pre- and post-opening consultations and inspections conducted by SCH or designated representatives, along with covering their travel, living, and lodging expenses. Therefore, while the initial $8,500 covers a broad range of support, franchisees should be prepared for potential additional expenses related to training and consultations during the hotel opening process.