Is there a standard Franchise Application Fee for all Embassy Suites franchisees?
Embassy_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
f those additional rooms/suites were part of your original Franchise Application.
While the Franchise Application Fee is usually applied uniformly, we may elect to reduce it after considering criteria which may include: incentives for the development of hotels within the System, a hotel's market position, the property size and the number of hotels in the System operated by a franchisee. In limited and unique circumstances, we may waive part of the Franchise Application Fee or negotiate the Franchise Application Fee for franchisees with whom we have previously dealt but we are not obligated to do so, even for franchisees possessing these characteristics. In 2024, franchisees paid Franchise Application Fees of $7,500 to $200,000 for Change of Ownership.
- For a New Development, you must start construction within 16 months after the date we approve your Application. For a Conversion, Re-Licensing, Change of Ownership, or room addition project, you must start the renovation work by the date we have agreed to in the Franchise Agreement or PIP, which is set on a project-by-project basis. For all projects (including New Development, Conversion, Re-Licensing, Change of Ownership, or room addition project), you must complete the construction or renovation work by the date we have agreed to in the Franchise Agreement or PIP, which is set on a project-by-project basis. If you wish to request an extension of any start date or completion date for your project, you must submit a written request
before that date occurs. If we approve your request, you must pay the extension fee and we will set new project start and completion dates accordingly.
However, in New Development or Conversion projects the start date and completion date will be extended by 30 days on a rolling basis automatically without a fee unless we provide at least 60 days' notice to you that these automatic extensions will end. At that point, if you wish to request any further extension, you must submit a written request before the relevant date occurs. If we approve your request, you must pay the extension fee and we will set new project start and completion dates accordingly. These automatic extensions will not apply to any Relicensing, Change of Ownership, or room addition projects.
- You must use our required business computer systems, which we may periodically change. Currently, we require you to acquire and install the hardware and software for our required OnQ system, Guest Internet Access system, GRO System, Delphi system, Connected Room system, Digital Floor Plan, Digital Key system, and the Hilton Opening Transition Tool. You must pay our affiliate, HSS, certain initial set up fees for some of these systems but not all of them, as described below.
OnQ System. Currently, we require you to use the "OnQ®" system, which connects System Hotels to Hilton's reservation offices and travel planners worldwide. OnQ is comprised of proprietary components for reservations, property management, revenue management, rate & inventory management, forecast management, learning management, and other components for the operation of the Hotel. The complete OnQ package currently includes certain hardware, software, installation, and support.
Source: Item 5 — INITIAL FEES (FDD pages 22–27)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Embassy Suites's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Franchise Application Fee is not uniformly applied and can vary. While there is a standard fee, Embassy Suites may elect to reduce it based on criteria such as incentives for hotel development, a hotel's market position, property size, and the number of hotels a franchisee operates within the system. In certain unique cases, Embassy Suites may waive part of the Franchise Application Fee or negotiate it, especially with franchisees they have previously worked with, although they are not obligated to do so.
For a New Development or Conversion, the Franchise Application Fee is $100,000, plus $400 for each additional guest room or suite over 250. For a Change of Ownership, the Franchise Application Fee is $200,000. For Re-licensing, the Franchise Application fee is $100,000. These fees are due with the application.
Prospective franchisees should note that the Franchise Application Fee is generally non-refundable once the application is approved. However, if the application is withdrawn before approval or denied by Embassy Suites, the fee will be refunded, less a $7,500 processing fee, which may be waived or reduced at Embassy Suites's discretion. If the application is for a Change of Ownership that does not occur, a refund will also be issued, less the $7,500 processing fee. Franchisees should clarify the specific fee applicable to their situation and any potential for reductions or waivers with Embassy Suites during the application process.