For Embassy Suites, what certification is required regarding accessibility laws before plan approval?

According to the 2025 Embassy Suites Franchise Disclosure Document, before Embassy Suites approves a franchisee's hotel plans, the franchisee's architect or another certified professional must certify that the plans comply with all laws related to accessibility, accommodations, and facilities for those with disabilities. The franchisee is responsible for ensuring that the plans and designs comply with Embassy Suites' current standards, manuals, package requirements, and all applicable laws.

This requirement ensures that all Embassy Suites hotels meet legal accessibility standards, protecting both the brand and the franchisee from potential legal issues. It also ensures that the hotel is accessible to all guests, which can improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Embassy Suites' consent to the plans and designs does not warrant the depth of their analysis, nor does it assume responsibility or liability for the suitability of the plans and designs or the resulting hotel work. This means that while Embassy Suites reviews the plans, the franchisee ultimately bears the responsibility for ensuring the plans are compliant and suitable for the project.

This is a fairly standard practice in the franchise industry, as franchisors typically want to ensure that their brand standards and legal requirements are met, but the franchisee is still responsible for the execution and compliance of the project.