Must an Embassy Suites franchisee comply with the brand's standards for the training of personnel?
Embassy_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Unless we specify otherwise, you may purchase products from any authorized source of distribution; however, we reserve the right, in our business judgment, to enter into exclusive purchasing arrangements for particular products or services and to require that you purchase products or services from approved suppliers or distributors;
- 5.1.4 install, display, and maintain signage displaying or containing the Brand name and other distinguishing characteristics in accordance with Standards we establish for System Hotels;
- 5.1.5 comply with our Standards for the training of personnel involved in the operation of the Hotel, including completion by your (or your Management Company's) key personnel of the Hotel of a training program for operation of the Hotel under the System, at locations we designate. You will pay us all fees and charges, if any, we require for your personnel to attend these training programs. You are responsible for selecting the personnel to attend such training programs. You are also responsible for all travel, lodging and other expenses you or your employees (or your Management Company's personnel) incur in connection with attending these programs. You acknowledge and agree that when we provide training, we provide the training content that we deem necessary and appropriate for the business functions of the Hotel so that it may operate in accordance with our Standards; and we do not direct or supervise your personnel, or have, retain, or exercise any control over your (or your Management Company's) personnel or personnel policies or procedures in any manner;
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 97)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Embassy Suites's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must comply with the brand's standards for personnel training. Specifically, franchisees must ensure that key personnel complete a training program for operating the hotel under the Embassy Suites system at locations designated by the franchisor.
The franchisee is responsible for selecting the personnel who will attend these training programs. The franchisee is also responsible for paying any fees or charges that Embassy Suites requires for personnel to attend the training programs. Additionally, the franchisee bears the costs for travel, lodging, and other expenses incurred by the franchisee or their employees (or their Management Company's personnel) in connection with attending these programs.
Embassy Suites provides the training content it deems necessary and appropriate for the hotel's business functions, ensuring the hotel operates according to brand standards. However, the FDD clarifies that Embassy Suites does not direct, supervise, or control the franchisee's personnel, personnel policies, or procedures. This means that while the franchisee must adhere to the brand's training standards, they retain control over their employees' day-to-day management and employment conditions.
For franchisees operating an "eforea" spa as part of their Embassy Suites hotel, compliance extends to the spa's staff as well. Franchisees must ensure that each member of the spa's staff completes the training program for operating the spa under the Embassy Suites system, at a site designated by the franchisor. The franchisee is responsible for the wages, room, board, and travel expenses of their personnel attending the eforea spa training programs, in addition to any fees charged by Embassy Suites.