What is the range of setup costs for the Delphi.fdc system that Embassy Suites franchisees must use?
Embassy_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
and $1,062 per month ($8,652 to $12,744 per year). These costs are normally not refundable.
Delphi System
You must use Delphi.fdc, a cloud-based sales and events system powered by Amadeus Hospitality, in a configuration we approve. The set-up costs of this system are between $900 and $41,000. Additional set-up costs may apply, depending on the implementation approach you choose and the specific needs of your Hotel. You will pay the set-up costs to the vendor directly. You must also pay annual license fees and maintenance costs of $858 per user per year. You will pay all Delphi system fees to HSS, which are passed through to the vendor. The optional onproperty license fee includes a 10% mark-up, which we keep to help cover our costs in developing and maintaining the Delphi system for Network Hotels. Depending on your Hotel's technology configuration, you may be required to utilize the MeetingBroker lead distribution platform, which integrates with Delphi.fdc and other group booking systems. MeetingBroker is also powered by Amadeus Hospitality. There are no separate fees for the MeetingBroker lead distribution platform, although you may be required to sign a separate license agreement with Amadeus Hospitality to use it. We are not obligated to provide any maintenance or updates for either of these systems. You must maintain and update them at your cost to remain in compliance with the Standards. There are no limits on the frequency or cost of this obligation. We will have independent access to your Hotel's event sales information stored in these s
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, franchisees are required to use the Delphi.fdc system, a cloud-based sales and events management tool. The setup costs for this system range from $900 to $41,000. These costs are paid directly to the vendor.
In addition to the initial setup costs, Embassy Suites franchisees must also budget for ongoing expenses. The annual license and maintenance fees for the Delphi system are $858 per user. These fees are paid to HSS, which then passes them through to the vendor. The FDD notes that an optional on-property license fee includes a 10% markup retained by the franchisor to cover development and maintenance costs.
Depending on the hotel's technology configuration, franchisees may also be required to utilize the MeetingBroker lead distribution platform, which integrates with Delphi.fdc. While there are no separate fees for MeetingBroker, a separate license agreement with Amadeus Hospitality may be necessary. It is important to note that Embassy Suites is not obligated to provide any maintenance or updates for either the Delphi.fdc or MeetingBroker systems, and franchisees are responsible for these costs to remain compliant with brand standards. Embassy Suites retains independent access to the hotel's event sales information stored in these systems without contractual limitations.