For an Embassy Suites franchise, what professional certifications are required regarding accessibility compliance before plan approval?

According to Embassy Suites' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, before the franchisor approves the franchisee's hotel plans, the plans must be certified as compliant with all laws related to accessibility for people with disabilities. This certification must be provided by the franchisee's architect or another certified professional.

This requirement ensures that all Embassy Suites hotels meet legal accessibility standards, protecting both the franchisee and the franchisor from potential legal issues related to non-compliance. It also aligns with the brand's standards and commitment to providing accommodations and facilities that are accessible to all guests.

The franchisee is ultimately responsible for ensuring that all plans and designs, including those for hotel work, comply with Embassy Suites' current standards, the manual, and all applicable laws. This includes any package requirements specified by the franchisor. This places the onus on the franchisee to select qualified professionals who understand and can certify compliance with accessibility laws.

Embassy Suites does not warrant the depth of its analysis or assume responsibility for the suitability of the plans and designs or the resulting hotel work by consenting to the plans and designs. This highlights the importance of the franchisee's role in ensuring compliance and the need for thorough due diligence in selecting qualified professionals to develop and certify the plans.