What advertising obligations does Embassy Suites have regarding publishing a directory of System Hotels?
Embassy_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We are not required to engage in or maintain any particular advertising program apart from our general obligations to periodically publish and make available to the traveling public a directory of all System Hotels (including your Hotel), to include your Hotel in national or regional group advertising of System Hotels, and to include your Hotel in international, national and regional market programs. (Franchise Agreement, Section 4.4). Most advertising is placed on the internet, as well as in traditional media (such as TV, radio, newspaper, magazine, and direct email),
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 53–67)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Embassy Suites's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Embassy Suites has a general obligation to periodically publish and make available to the traveling public a directory of all System Hotels, which includes the franchisee's hotel. Additionally, Embassy Suites must include the franchisee's hotel in national or regional group advertising of System Hotels, and in international, national, and regional market programs. This inclusion is subject to Embassy Suites's general practices for System Hotels.
However, Embassy Suites is not required to engage in or maintain any particular advertising program beyond these obligations. Most advertising is conducted online, but traditional media such as TV, radio, newspapers, magazines, and direct email may also be used. The advertising is managed by Embassy Suites's in-house marketing department, advertising agencies, and other external vendors.
If a franchisee's hotel is in default, Embassy Suites may suspend its obligations, including removing the hotel's listing from directories and advertising, assessing non-compliance fees, and suspending or removing the hotel from the Reservations Service. Franchisees are responsible for local and regional advertising as specified in the Manual, adhering to Embassy Suites's identity and graphics standards, and must obtain approval for advertising materials not previously approved. Embassy Suites can use franchisee-developed advertising materials without compensation.