Is the Embassy Suites franchisor obligated to provide maintenance or updates for the GRO system?
Embassy_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
cost of the original installation (but not including any elements that were needed for the original installation only).
GRO System
You must install our required Global Revenue Optimization ("GRO") system. The GRO system is an online application that utilizes third-party software to provide pricing recommendations for your Hotel based on robust data analytics and forecasting. The GRO system integrates with the OnQ system for ease of operation. You are not required to adopt the pricing recommendations provided by GRO. Currently, the GRO system is based on a solution provided by Integrated Decisions and Systems, Inc. ("IDeaS"), which provides maintenance and customer support services for the application. We may provide additional support. There are no other approved vendors at this time. We are not obligated to provide any maintenance or updates for the GRO system. The system is updated and maintained centrally by IDeaS. We will have independent access to your Hotel's information stored in this system. There are no contractual limitations on our right to access this information. Currently, you must pay for a portion of the installation costs o
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 53–67)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Embassy Suites' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisor is not obligated to provide maintenance or updates for the Global Revenue Optimization (GRO) system. The GRO system is an online application that uses third-party software to provide pricing recommendations for the franchisee's hotel. The system integrates with the OnQ system.
The FDD states that Integrated Decisions and Systems, Inc. (IDeaS) provides maintenance and customer support services for the GRO application, and that Embassy Suites may provide additional support, but they are not obligated to do so. IDeaS centrally updates and maintains the system.
Franchisees are responsible for a portion of the GRO system's installation costs, which is approximately $3,800. Currently, franchisees are not required to pay an ongoing fee to use the GRO system. Embassy Suites retains independent access to the hotel's information stored within the GRO system without any contractual limitations.