What must an Even Hotels franchisee do before starting any upgrading or remodeling of the hotel?
Even_Hotels Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
In addition to your obligation to repair and maintain the hotel on an ongoing basis, and regardless whether Holiday has required you to establish a Capital Reserve, you must complete significant renovations of the Hotel, including, but no limited to, the public areas, guest rooms and guest room corridors. The mandatory renovations include replacement of Soft Goods at least every seven (7) years after such Soft Goods were installed and replacement of Case Goods at least every fourteen (14) years after such Case Goods were installed, although earlier or more frequent renovations or replacements may be required to maintain compliance with the Standards, quality and guest satisfaction programs or to remove risk of injury to persons or property and to comply with legal requirements.
If the Hotel experiences a change of ownership, the dates of these obligations may be adjusted at the time a change of ownership License is signed. You must submit your plans for such upgrading and remodeling to Holiday for its review and approval before you start upgrading or remodeling and upon completion of the upgrading or remodeling, you must provide to Holiday a written opinion from your architect, licensed professional engineer, or other third-party expert on the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA") certifying that the hotel as renovated complies with the ADA and with any other applicable laws, codes, ordinances, or regulations governing accessibility to persons with disabilities.
Source: Item 10 — FINANCING (FDD pages 69–70)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Even Hotels' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must submit plans for upgrading and remodeling to Holiday for review and approval before starting any work. Upon completion of the upgrades or remodeling, the franchisee must provide Holiday with a written opinion from a qualified expert, such as an architect or licensed professional engineer, certifying that the renovated hotel complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws and regulations regarding accessibility for people with disabilities. This ensures that all renovations meet the brand's standards and legal requirements.
This requirement is in addition to the franchisee's ongoing obligation to maintain and repair the hotel. Significant renovations are mandatory, including replacing soft goods (like carpets and drapes) at least every seven years and case goods (furniture) at least every fourteen years. These timelines may be adjusted if there is a change of ownership. The franchisor can also mandate earlier or more frequent renovations to maintain brand standards, ensure guest satisfaction, or comply with legal requirements.
Submitting plans for approval before starting any work is a common practice in franchising, allowing the franchisor to maintain consistency and quality across all locations. The additional requirement to provide an expert opinion on ADA compliance is particularly important, as it helps protect both the franchisee and the franchisor from potential legal issues related to accessibility. Franchisees should factor in the time and cost associated with these requirements when planning and budgeting for renovations.