Can the Embassy Suites franchisor change the notification address for lenders?
Embassy_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
All notices to Franchisor should be sent to the following address or such other address periodically designated by Franchisor in writing:
Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. Attention: General Counsel 7930 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 1100 McLean, VA 22102
If Lender wishes to send a notice to Franchisor regarding securitizations, Lender may send the notice by any method described above, or by email (with read receipt confirmation) at Lender.Comfort.Letters@hilton.com or such other email address as Franchisor may periodically designate by notice to Lender.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 97–305)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Embassy Suites Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisor, Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., can change the notification address for lenders. The FDD states that all notices to the franchisor should be sent to the specified address or "such other address periodically designated by Franchisor in writing". This indicates that Embassy Suites retains the right to modify the address to which lenders must send notices.
This provision is included in the context of a Mezzanine Lender Comfort Letter, which outlines the agreements between the lender and Embassy Suites regarding the hotel. The ability for Embassy Suites to change the notification address ensures that the franchisor can maintain control over where important communications from lenders are directed. This could be due to internal restructuring, office relocation, or other administrative changes within the Hilton organization.
For a prospective Embassy Suites franchisee, this means that they should ensure that any lenders involved in financing their franchise are aware that the notification address for the franchisor may change. It would be prudent to include a clause in any lending agreements that requires lenders to verify the current notification address with Embassy Suites periodically to avoid any potential miscommunication or missed notices. Franchisees should stay informed of any address changes communicated by Embassy Suites to ensure their lenders remain compliant with the notification requirements.
Additionally, the FDD specifies an email address (Lender.Comfort.Letters@hilton.com) that lenders may use for notices regarding securitizations, or "such other email address as Franchisor may periodically designate by notice to Lender." This provides an alternative method for lenders to communicate with Embassy Suites and highlights the franchisor's ability to update communication channels as needed. Franchisees should ensure lenders are aware of all potential notification methods and any updates to these methods.