What is Lodging Link and why is it required for Surestay Hotel By Best Western franchisees?

According to Surestay Hotel By Best Western's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to purchase Lodging Link, a product offered by Comtrol Corporation. Lodging Link provides connectivity and integration of the Property Management System (PMS) into other guest and hotel service systems, such as call accounting, PBX, in-room entertainment, and key card systems.

The requirement to purchase Lodging Link ensures that the Surestay Hotel By Best Western hotels can integrate their PMS with other essential systems, which is crucial for efficient hotel operations and guest services. This integration streamlines various processes, from managing guest communications to controlling access and entertainment options. By mandating the use of Lodging Link, Surestay Hotel By Best Western aims to maintain a consistent standard of technological integration across all its franchised locations.

Surestay Hotel By Best Western, AutoClerk, and Comtrol Corporation are the only approved suppliers of certain PMS-related installation, maintenance, and licensing services. Franchisees are required to make payments to Surestay Hotel By Best Western or AutoClerk for these services. This restriction on suppliers ensures that the PMS and related systems are properly installed and maintained, which is vital for the smooth operation of the hotel and the delivery of consistent services to guests. Prospective franchisees should consider these required purchases and supplier restrictions as part of their initial and ongoing investment.