What is the HITS Agreement for an Embassy Suites By Hilton?
Embassy_Suites_By_Hilton Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We will provide you with the HITS Agreement (which will be countersigned by HSS) before you open your Hotel.
The HITS Agreement governs your access to and use of OnQ, Hilton's proprietary computerized business system which is an integral part of the System we license to you (see Computer System below.) The HITS Agreement also governs the installation and on-going support and maintenance of your Guest Internet Access (HITS Agreement, Exhibit G).
About 90 to 120 days before your Hotel opens, you must sign the agreement for OnQ (HITS Agreement) and/or other related agreements we require, which will govern your access to and use of the OnQ system. The current HITS Agreement is attached as Exhibit G. You must also purchase certain software licenses such as Windows Server operating systems and related client access licenses, database applications, and virus detection and removal tools. Where applicable, these licenses must be purchased through existing enterprise agreements HSS has in place with vendors such as Microsoft. HSS will invoice the Hotel for such purchases. You may purchase other software not covered by enterprise agreements from other third-party suppliers. Costs of these licenses may vary based on the number of users or computers at your Hotel and other factors.
OnQ Connectivity. The cost for OnQ connectivity is billed to you by HSS, and costs between $400 and $600 per month. Billing will begin when your Hotel's internet access circuit is installed, about 45 days before opening. These fees are not refundable (see HITS Agreement, Order Document Section 1.7).
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 53–67)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Embassy Suites By Hilton Franchise Disclosure Document, the HITS (Hilton Information Technology Standards) Agreement governs a franchisee's access to and use of OnQ, Hilton's proprietary computerized business system. This system is integral to the System that Embassy Suites By Hilton licenses to its franchisees. The HITS Agreement also covers the installation, ongoing support, and maintenance of the Guest Internet Access.
Prospective Embassy Suites By Hilton franchisees should note that they must sign the HITS Agreement approximately 90 to 120 days before their hotel opens. The current HITS Agreement is included as Exhibit G in the FDD. The franchisee is also responsible for purchasing certain software licenses, such as Windows Server operating systems, database applications, and virus detection and removal tools. These licenses, where applicable, must be purchased through existing enterprise agreements that HSS (Hilton Supply Management) has in place with vendors like Microsoft, and HSS will invoice the hotel for these purchases.
Additionally, the cost for OnQ connectivity, which is billed to the franchisee by HSS, ranges from $400 to $600 per month. This billing commences when the hotel's internet access circuit is installed, approximately 45 days before the hotel's opening. These fees are non-refundable, as specified in the HITS Agreement, Order Document Section 1.7.