Are the pre-opening training and services costs for a Springhill Suites By Marriott refundable?
Springhill_Suites_By_Marriott Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Opening Training and Services
The costs for pre-opening training and services provided by us (not including costs discussed elsewhere in this Item 5 or costs incurred when purchasing an existing SpringHill Suites by Marriott hotel, see Section 3 below) generally range from $34,000 to $60,000, are subject to change, and are non-refundable. This amount includes: training on the use of the property management system, management and executive training, pre-opening on-site task force training, virtual training, the opening authorization process, associate orientation materials, pre-opening operations and sales and marketing support, and pre-opening revenue management/reservation system rate loading and consultation, as well as an estimate of the travel, meal, and lodging expenses for our trainers, which you must pay. We used the average travel, meal, and lodging expenses for our trainers last year in the range above. The range above excludes, and you must pay for the cost of, travel, meal, and lodging expenses incurred by you and your designated attendees to complete training programs that are not conducted on site. The total cost of preopening training and services may vary based on the size and location of your hotel, your experience, and the experience of your associates, as determined by us.
Pre-opening training and services costs include the following:
- A team of one to two trainers, as determined by us, will conduct approximately 5 to 14 days of on-site training, along with virtual support to be conducted during the period before and shortly after the opening of the hotel. We estimate that these on-site costs generally will range from $10,000 to $25,000 based on the experience level and prior experience of your associates and the size
of your hotel. You must retain a general manager and sales directors/managers at least six to nine months prior to hotel opening to participate in pre-opening training and to
Source: Item 6 — B. Other Fees That May Apply to Your Transaction (FDD pages 32–64)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Springhill Suites By Marriott's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the costs for pre-opening training and services are generally non-refundable. These costs typically range from $34,000 to $60,000, but are subject to change. This range covers various aspects of pre-opening support, including training on the property management system, management and executive training, on-site task force training, virtual training, the opening authorization process, associate orientation materials, operations, sales and marketing support, and revenue management/reservation system rate loading and consultation. The estimate also includes the travel, meal, and lodging expenses for Springhill Suites By Marriott's trainers, which the franchisee is responsible for paying.
The total cost can fluctuate based on factors such as the size and location of the hotel, as well as the experience levels of the franchisee and their associates. On-site training, conducted by a team of one to two trainers, may last approximately 5 to 14 days, with costs ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 depending on the hotel size and the experience of the staff. It is essential for franchisees to retain a general manager and sales directors/managers at least six to nine months before the hotel opening to ensure their participation in pre-opening training and to adequately prepare the hotel for its launch.
Prospective Springhill Suites By Marriott franchisees should be aware that while the initial franchise fee may be refundable under certain conditions, the pre-opening training and services costs are explicitly stated as non-refundable. This means that even if the franchisee decides not to proceed with the opening of the hotel, these costs will not be reimbursed. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully consider these expenses and the commitment they represent before entering into a franchise agreement with Springhill Suites By Marriott.