Why Choose Crowne Plaza?

Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts is an upscale international hotel franchise known for its excellence in catering to business travelers and meeting planners. With headquarters in the UK and a global footprint of over 400 properties, Crowne Plaza is a trusted name within the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG).

Crowne Plaza Franchise Formats

Crowne Plaza offers four distinct sub-brands for franchisees:

• Crowne Plaza: Full-service hotel targeting upscale business, conference, and holiday travelers.
• Crowne Plaza Suites: Offers guests 1-, 2-, or 3-room suites with kitchenettes.
• Crowne Plaza Hotel & Suites: A hybrid model with 25% of rooms as suites.
• Crowne Plaza Resort: Situated in holiday destinations, offering a variety of recreational facilities and services.

Financial Requirements

Investing in a Crowne Plaza franchise requires significant capital. The estimated investment costs are as follows:

• Standard 300-room hotel: $29,831,350 - $55,161,440
• Standard 300-suite hotel: $32,646,750 - $56,678,470
• Standard 250-room resort: $37,035,895 - $64,324,700

The franchise fee is $500 per guest room, with a minimum of $75,000. Ongoing costs include a 5% royalty fee on gross room revenue and a 3% monthly services contribution.

Unique Selling Points

• Global Recognition: Part of the esteemed InterContinental Hotels Group.
• Targeted Design: Recent $200 million update with tech-forward WorkLife rooms and modern Flex Meeting spaces.
• Sleep Advantage Program: Offers an enhanced sleep experience for guests.
• Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive ongoing support and guidance to ensure brand standards are met.

History and Expansion

The first Crowne Plaza opened in 1983 in Rockville, Maryland. Originally launched by Holiday Inn, the brand was later acquired by InterContinental Hotels Group in 1990. Today, Crowne Plaza has over 400 locations worldwide, targeting the 25-54-year-old “Modern Business Traveler.”

Franchise Application Process

Interested in joining the Crowne Plaza family? Here's a breakdown of the application process:

• Initial Fee: $500 per guest room (minimum $75,000).
• Inspection: A $7,000 non-refundable inspection fee for conversions or re-licensing.
• Approval: If the application is not approved, the fee is refundable minus $15,000.

Franchisees will be required to meet specific upgrade and construction standards to align with Crowne Plaza’s brand guidelines.

Crowne Plaza Franchise System Size

As of year-end 2018, Crowne Plaza boasts:

• Approximately 430 hotels worldwide.
• 162 hotels across the Americas.
• 182 hotels across Europe and the Middle East.
• 91 hotels across Greater China.

This vast network generates an estimated $3.2 billion in worldwide sales, making Crowne Plaza a highly recognizable and profitable brand within the IHG portfolio.

Key Takeaways

• Extensive Global Presence: Over 400 properties worldwide.
• Renovated and Updated: Recent $200 million investment in brand improvements.
• Diverse Format Options: Four unique sub-brands to choose from.
• Significant Investment: Initial investments range from $29.8 million to $64.3 million.
• Comprehensive Support: Ongoing support for franchisees to maintain brand standards.