What is the dependency for Embassy Suites By Hilton approving the opening of a hotel?
Embassy_Suites_By_Hilton Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Before we permit you to proceed with your plans for construction or remodeling of the hotel, and any time you make changes that affect usability or access to your Hotel, your architect or other applicable certified professional must certify to us that the hotel's plans and specifications comply with all Laws related to accessibility/accommodations/facilities for those with disabilities, as further described in the Manual. You may be required to complete an ADA Survey in conjunction with an approved ADA consultant and in the form required by us, to determine if the hotel is in compliance with the ADA within 30 days of our request. The process for completing the survey, and other requirements related to it, will be set forth in the Manual. If requested, you must arrange for us and/or our affiliates to participate in all progress meetings during the development and construction of the hotel, to have access to all contract and construction documents for the hotel and to have access to the hotel during reasonable business hours to inspect the hotel and its construction, completion, furnishing and equipment for conformity to the finally-approved construction documents. However, we and our affiliates have no obligation to participate in progress meetings or to inspect the hotel. Our approval is not a representation of the adequacy of the plans and specifications, the structural integrity, or the sufficiency of the mechanical and electrical systems for the hotel. When you begin construction or conversion of the hotel and before your Hotel opens for business, both you and your architect or general contractor must provide us with a certificate stating that the plans and as-built premises comply with all applicable legal requirements relating to accessibility/accommodations/ facilities for those with disabilities, as is further described in the Manual. If the hotel does not comply with the ADA, you must submit a plan to the ADA consultant detailing the plan to bring the hotel into compliance in accordance with the process set out in the Manual. We may not approve your opening if your Hotel is not compliant with the ADA.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 45–50)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Embassy Suites By Hilton's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the hotel's compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a condition for approval to open. Before construction or remodeling plans proceed, the architect or a certified professional must certify that the plans comply with all laws related to accessibility for those with disabilities.
If requested by Embassy Suites By Hilton, the franchisee may be required to complete an ADA survey with an approved ADA consultant to determine compliance within 30 days. Embassy Suites By Hilton retains the right to participate in progress meetings and inspect the hotel for conformity to approved construction documents, although they are not obligated to do so.
Prior to opening, both the franchisee and their architect or general contractor must provide a certificate confirming that the plans and premises comply with all applicable legal requirements related to accessibility. If the hotel does not comply with the ADA, the franchisee must submit a plan detailing how they will bring the hotel into compliance. Embassy Suites By Hilton may withhold approval for the hotel to open if it does not meet ADA standards.
This requirement ensures that all Embassy Suites By Hilton hotels meet accessibility standards, protecting both the brand's reputation and ensuring compliance with federal law. Franchisees need to factor in potential costs and time for ADA compliance during construction and pre-opening phases.