When does billing for OnQ connectivity begin for an Embassy Suites hotel?

According to Embassy Suites's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the cost for OnQ connectivity, which ranges from $400 to $600 per month, is billed to the franchisee by HSS. Billing commences once the hotel's internet access circuit is installed, approximately 45 days before the hotel's opening. These fees are non-refundable, as specified in the HITS Agreement, Order Document Section 1.7.

This means that as an Embassy Suites franchisee, you will need to budget for these ongoing OnQ connectivity costs starting about a month and a half before your hotel is scheduled to open. This early billing is to ensure that the system is up and running for the hotel launch. It's important to note that these fees are not refundable, so any delays in opening could result in paying for a service that is not yet generating revenue.

Franchisees should carefully review the HITS Agreement, particularly Order Document Section 1.7, to fully understand the terms and conditions related to OnQ connectivity billing and non-refundability. This will help in planning and managing the pre-opening expenses effectively. Understanding the billing cycle and the implications of potential delays is crucial for financial forecasting and operational readiness.

It is common in the franchise industry for technology-related fees to begin prior to the actual opening date to cover setup, installation, and testing. However, the non-refundable nature of these fees, as highlighted in the Embassy Suites FDD, underscores the importance of adhering to the opening timeline and minimizing any potential delays.