Are Even Hotels franchisees required to use IHG Merlin for communication with Holiday and SCH?
Even_Hotels Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
, and for other systems which interface to the POS; such as the PMS system, the Sales and Catering system or other specialized sales software. Hardware and software maintenance fees may vary based on the number of rooms at the hotel and your technology fees.
IHG Merlin System:
SCH has designed a communication service, (http://ihgmerlin.com) known as "IHG Merlin", and its messaging tool, currently known as "Hotel Bulletin", which are the primary means of sending information from Holiday and SCH to licensees and in some cases, this may be the only manner in which Holiday and SCH communicate with Hotels and licensees. IHG Merlin and Hotel Bulletin will require you to access the Internet via third-party computer network communications service ("Internet Service Provider" or "ISP").
IHG Merlin is an electronic information library providing up-to-the-minute information and documentation from SCH at your fingertips. IHG Merlin was created solely for Holiday's various brand groups of hotels and their employees. In some cases, information may be distributed to Brand System hotels only through IHG Merlin. Information may include: the Standards, PMS Manual, newsletters and informational memos from Holiday or SCH, Marketing Solicitations, etc.
To access IHG Merlin, you must select and pay a monthly fee for an ISP which meets the minimum specifications established by SCH. The monthly fee will include Internet access and support. This access will provide you with an e-mail account and access to sites on the Internet and World Wide Web. You may select an ISP from any source as long as it meets SCH's exact specifications.
Source: Item 8 — Restrictions on Sources of Products and Services (FDD pages 59–68)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Even Hotels' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to use IHG Merlin, including its messaging tool Hotel Bulletin, as a primary means of communication. Specifically, IHG Merlin is the way that Holiday and SCH send information to licensees, and in some cases, it may be the only way Even Hotels franchisees receive communications from Holiday and SCH.
To use IHG Merlin, Even Hotels franchisees must have Internet access through a third-party Internet Service Provider (ISP). The ISP must meet the specifications set by SCH. Franchisees are responsible for paying the monthly ISP fee. They also need a Microsoft Windows-based PC (Windows 10 Professional or newer) and a printer that meets SCH's specifications. Franchisees can buy this equipment from any source, as long as it meets SCH's standards. Ongoing maintenance and support services are required for the equipment, even if purchased from a third party.
IHG Merlin contains proprietary information belonging to Holiday and its brands. Even Hotels franchisees can only use the information they get from IHG Merlin to fulfill their obligations under their license with Holiday for their IHG-branded hotel. All information from IHG Merlin must be treated as confidential and proprietary to Holiday and SCH. Access to and use of this information is limited by the terms and conditions set by Holiday or SCH.