From what sources can a Crowne Plaza franchisee purchase equipment, furnishings, and supplies, excluding Renewal Work and brand refresh work?
Crowne_Plaza Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ine to fund your purchases from approved suppliers and then invoice you. You must reimburse SCH for these purchases. If Holiday funds your purchase before your Hotel opens, Holiday will not receive fees from approved suppliers.
Suppliers:
If Holiday requires you to purchase equipment, furnishings, supplies or other products for the Hotel from a designated or approved supplier or service provider in the License, the Standards, or other communication to you, then you must purchase the mandated product unless you receive prior approval from Holiday to purchase such products from another source whose products meet such specifications. Holiday can designate the type and brand of products to be used at your Hotel to comply with the Standards.
Source: Item 8 — Restrictions on Sources of Products and Services (FDD pages 59–68)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 FDD, Crowne Plaza franchisees have some flexibility in sourcing equipment, furnishings, and supplies, provided they meet brand standards. Generally, franchisees can purchase these items from any source, as long as the products comply with the specifications outlined in the Crowne Plaza Standards. However, there are exceptions where Holiday designates specific or approved suppliers.
For certain items, Crowne Plaza mandates purchases from approved suppliers to ensure brand consistency. This includes bath amenities, bedding components like mattresses and pillows, and the required property management system (PMS), specifically the Opera PMS solution. Franchisees must also use SCH-approved Wi-Fi equipment and integrators for Guest Internet Access (GIA) hardware. Additionally, the total signage package must be purchased from a Holiday-approved sign vendor.
Crowne Plaza estimates that the Standards and specifications will apply to 90% to 95% of a franchisee's purchases and leases. If a franchisee wishes to use equipment or supplies not previously approved, they can submit a written request for approval, which Holiday expects to respond to within 45 to 60 days. Holiday may require tests, certifications, and inspections as part of the approval process. While franchisees have some sourcing flexibility, adhering to brand standards and approved suppliers is crucial for maintaining consistency and avoiding potential issues, such as being required to remove non-approved products at their own expense.