What must an Embassy Suites franchisee do before starting construction of the hotel?
Embassy_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Before you retain or engage an architect, Interior designer, general contractor and major subcontractors, we will review your selection, and you must obtain our prior written consent (Franchise Agreement, Section 6.1.1).
We will review the plans, layouts and specifications, drawings and designs for constructing and furnishing your Hotel, including guest suite areas, and grant or deny approval, which may be conditioned on your architect or other certified professional certifying to us that the Plans comply with all laws related to accessibility, accommodations and facilities for those with disabilities.
You may not start construction until you receive our approval.
Once you receive our approval, you may not make any changes to the plans without our advance consent (Franchise Agreement, Sections 6.1.2, 6.1.3 and 6.1.4).
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, before starting construction of the hotel, a franchisee must take several key steps to ensure compliance with the brand's standards and legal requirements. First, the franchisee must have Embassy Suites review their selections of an architect, interior designer, general contractor, and major subcontractors, and obtain the franchisor's prior written consent. This ensures that qualified professionals are involved in the project from the outset.
Next, the franchisee must submit the plans, layouts, specifications, drawings, and designs for constructing and furnishing the hotel, including guest suite areas, to Embassy Suites for review and approval. This approval may be conditional, requiring the franchisee's architect or another certified professional to certify that the plans comply with all laws related to accessibility, accommodations, and facilities for those with disabilities. This step is crucial for ensuring that the hotel meets all legal requirements for accessibility.
Finally, the franchisee cannot commence construction until they receive Embassy Suites's approval of the plans. Once approval is granted, the franchisee is prohibited from making any changes to the plans without obtaining advance consent from Embassy Suites. These measures are in place to maintain brand consistency and ensure that the hotel meets the franchisor's standards for quality and design. Failing to follow these guidelines could result in delays, additional costs, or even the disapproval of the project.