EVEN Hotels Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$17,743,001 - $27,410,450
Franchise Fee
$75,000
Total US Locations
22
Business Summary
EVEN Hotels operates hotel locations designed to cater to wellness-minded travelers by putting wellness within reach. The brand emphasizes three key hallmarks: enabling guests to maintain their fitness routines, offering flexible food and beverage options, and providing restorative moments. A typical EVEN Hotel features a clean, modern design and ranges from 100 to 200 guest rooms, with a prototype of 131 rooms. Each guest room includes dedicated in-room exercise space. Hotels also feature an upscale counter-service café called EVEN Kitchen & Bar, offering healthy food and a full bar at night, complimentary filtered water, a high-quality athletic studio, business services, meeting facilities, an outdoor courtyard, and spa-like shower experiences.
Corporate History
Holiday Hospitality Franchising, LLC was formed on November 3, 1989, initially as "Holiday Inns Franchising, Inc." The company later changed its name to "Holiday Hospitality Franchising, Inc." and then converted from a corporation to a limited liability company. Holiday has been offering EVEN® Hotels licenses in the United States and Canada since January 2014, building on a history of its predecessors operating hotel businesses and offering licenses for hotel businesses since approximately 1953. Holiday Hospitality Franchising, LLC operates as a subsidiary of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC, with Six Continents Hotels, Inc. as its direct corporate parent, offering licenses for various hotel brands.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$17,743,001 - $27,410,450
Franchise Fee (Low)
$75,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$100,000
Royalty %
5%
Marketing %
3.5%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$16,643,100
Equipment Costs (High)
$24,621,450
Working Capital
$600,000
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
Yes
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Holiday Hospitality Franchising, LLC operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC, with Six Continents Hotels, Inc. as its direct parent. The company's financial statements have received an unqualified opinion from its independent auditors, indicating that they fairly present the financial position and results of operations in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The auditors have not identified any conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about Holiday Hospitality Franchising, LLC's ability to continue as a going concern. Six Continents Hotels, Inc. manages all of Holiday's operating and administrative expenses and provides a substantial line of credit, which is considered fully recoverable due to the overall creditworthiness of the IHG Group. Overall, Holiday Hospitality Franchising, LLC appears to be in a stable and strong financial position, supported by its corporate structure.
Financing Details
Holiday Hospitality Franchising, LLC does not offer any formal programs for direct or indirect financing. However, the franchisor, its parent company Six Continents Hotels, Inc. (SCH), or their affiliate, General Innkeeping Acceptance Corporation (GIAC), may consider providing loans or guaranties to licensees on a case-by-case basis. Any decision to offer such financing or guaranties would be subject to negotiation and approval by Holiday, SCH, or GIAC's Executive Committee and Board of Directors. EVEN Hotels emphasizes that securing adequate financing for all aspects of hotel development, opening, and operation remains the franchisee's sole responsibility.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
22
Franchised Units
22
Corporate Units
0
Franchising Since
2014
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
Yes
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Count
46
Litigation Summary
Holiday Hospitality Franchising, LLC (Holiday) and its parent, Six Continents Hotels, Inc. (SCH), have a significant history of litigation, with a total of 46 legal matters disclosed. This includes 10 cases currently pending, 3 new lawsuits filed against licensees in the last fiscal year, and 33 concluded cases. Pending litigation includes: - Atlanta Hospitality Investment, LLC: A former franchisee is suing Holiday, alleging misrepresentations and seeking a declaration that the license agreement is unconscionable and its liquidated damages clause is unenforceable. Holiday has counterclaimed for over $2.1 million, alleging breach of contract due to unauthorized de-identification of the hotel. This case was filed in October 2023. - Scion Hotels LLC: A New Jersey franchisee is appealing a summary judgment ruling from September 2024. Scion initially alleged wrongful non-renewal, constructive termination, and unreasonable standards of performance, seeking at least $10 million in damages. Their claims centered on Holiday's alleged concealment of plans for nearby competing hotels. - K.J. Harjani & Cia Ltda: A former licensee in Brazil is seeking damages for alleged wrongful termination of a license agreement in 2006, which Holiday had terminated in 2002 due to non-compliance with brand standards. SCH was served in 2014 and is vigorously defending. - TJM Columbus, LLC and TJM Syracuse, LLC: Two former Crowne Plaza franchisees are suing Holiday and SCH for breach of contract, fraud in the inducement, and violations of trade practices acts. They claim interference with a hotel sale and alleged improper 'kickbacks' from required vendors. The case, filed in May 2022, has seen several transfers between state and federal courts, with a motion for summary judgment currently pending. - Niranjan Khatiwala: Holiday is suing former Crowne Plaza guarantors for liquidated damages and unpaid fees from a terminated license agreement. The defendants counterclaimed in April 2021, alleging Holiday imposed unreasonable renovation requirements. The case, initially filed in December 2020, was transferred to a Superior Court in April 2022 and had a renewed motion for summary judgment filed in May 2024. - Class Action Lawsuits: Five class action lawsuits, initially filed in 2021 by various putative classes of franchisees, were consolidated in the Northern District of Georgia. These lawsuits accuse Holiday and SCH of unlawful business practices, including imposing unreasonable product and service requirements and receiving alleged improper 'kickbacks' from required vendors. Claims included breach of contract and Sherman Act violations. In December 2024, the court granted summary judgment for Holiday and SCH, dismissing the claims, and the plaintiffs filed an appeal in January 2025. In the last fiscal year (2024), Holiday commenced three separate lawsuits against licensees and/or guarantors in Georgia for unpaid license fees and other damages from terminated agreements. Concluded litigation includes numerous cases where Holiday sued franchisees for unpaid fees or liquidated damages, often met with counterclaims by franchisees alleging breach of contract, wrongful termination, or misrepresentation. Many of these were resolved through confidential settlements or resulted in payments to Holiday. Notable cases include a judgment for Holiday against AE Hotels, LLC for over $950,000, and a $10.9 million payment by Holiday in a settlement with Lenexa Hotel, LP. Other concluded cases involved data security breaches, antitrust allegations, and disputes with third parties or affiliates. The Ahijit Vasani case, filed in August 2024, was dismissed in March 2025.
Bankruptcy History
EVEN Hotels has no bankruptcy history to report, as no bankruptcy is required to be disclosed in Item 4 of its Franchise Disclosure Document.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
20 years
Renewal Conditions
EVEN Hotels does not provide for renewal or extension of its license agreements. If Holiday Hospitality Franchising, LLC agrees to re-license a hotel, the franchisee may be required to sign a new contract with terms and conditions that are materially different from their original agreement.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Before the hotel opens, Holiday Hospitality Franchising, LLC helps franchisees by reviewing and approving construction plans for new developments or conversions to ensure they meet brand standards. Franchisees must attend a kick-off meeting with Holiday's team to coordinate business plans, target markets, and construction timelines. Holiday also inspects the hotel before opening to confirm all requirements are met and facilitates access to necessary technology systems like the reservation system. For training, Holiday offers mandatory and optional programs. Key personnel, including the General Manager, must attend the RAMP UP Program, which provides instruction on the IHG Concerto™ reservation system and revenue management. Web-based training for IHG Concerto™ and Digital Check-In is also required. All EVEN Hotels must participate in the IHG Learning Program (IHG University), which includes core certification training for various roles such as General Manager, Front Office Manager, Director of Sales, Executive Housekeeper, and Hotel Experience Champion. After opening, ongoing support from Holiday Hospitality Franchising, LLC includes maintaining high quality standards across all EVEN Hotels. The franchisor provides continuous training, consultation, and advice on operations, facilities, and marketing. Funds from the Services Contribution are used for marketing, reservations, and other Brand System activities. Holiday also communicates updates and developments in the Brand System and conducts annual on-site consulting visits to assist with revenue management, service management, and sales strategies. Franchisees also gain access to the IHG Merlin online system, a comprehensive resource for standards, sales tools, operational information, and technology support. Additionally, Holiday manages various digital marketing channels including websites and social media.
Initial Training Hours
224
Training Location
Atlanta, GA or Virtual
Ongoing Support
After opening, EVEN Hotels franchisees receive ongoing support aimed at maintaining high standards of quality, cleanliness, appearance, and service across all hotels. Holiday Hospitality Franchising, LLC provides continuous training programs and offers consultation and advice on operations, facilities, and marketing. Funds collected through the Services Contribution are allocated towards marketing, reservations, and other Brand System activities. The franchisor regularly communicates improvements and developments within the Brand System, including updates to reservation services, marketing operations, and administrative support functions. Holiday's employees conduct annual on-site consulting and/or training visits to the hotels, utilizing a 'Focus consulting process' to help General Managers, department heads, and designated staff develop market analysis, revenue planning, sales planning, and service planning strategies. Franchisees also have access to the IHG Merlin online information system and the Hotel Bulletin messaging tool, which are primary channels for up-to-the-minute information, brand standards, sales and marketing tools, operational guidance, quality and brand initiatives, news, announcements, training resources, and technology support. Additionally, Holiday establishes and manages various digital marketing channels, including websites and social media accounts, on behalf of the brand.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
EVEN Hotels seeks franchisees who are capable of retaining and exercising direct management control over their hotel's business at all times, although personal, hands-on daily operation is not strictly required. Ideal candidates must be able to ensure that a duly qualified and experienced General Manager and Director of Sales are employed, working exclusively for their EVEN Hotel, with at least two years of prior experience in an upscale hotel brand or similar segment. If Holiday Hospitality Franchising, LLC determines a franchisee is not qualified to operate the hotel directly, they will be required to hire an acceptable management company. Candidates should be financially capable and willing to comply with all brand standards and participate in quality programs.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
retail
Owner Participation
supervisory
Territory Type
non-exclusive
Territory Size Requirements
EVEN Hotels licenses are granted for a specific site only, limited to the operation of one hotel at that location. Holiday Hospitality Franchising, LLC does not typically provide franchisees with an exclusive territory. In special circumstances, the franchisor may grant exclusive or protected areas, but even then, the license remains site-specific for a single hotel. Franchisees should expect to face competition from other EVEN Hotels licensees, as well as from hotels owned or managed by Holiday or its affiliates, and other distribution channels or competitive brands controlled by Holiday or its affiliates.
Staffing Notes
EVEN Hotels franchisees are responsible for ensuring that suitable and qualified individuals are employed to staff all positions at the hotel, in numbers sufficient to meet brand standards. The franchisee, or their appointed management company, is the sole employer of hotel staff, with Holiday Hospitality Franchising, LLC having no direct or indirect control over employment policies, recruitment, discipline, or termination. A duly qualified and experienced General Manager and Director of Sales must be employed exclusively for each EVEN Hotel. These key personnel must have at least two years of prior experience in a similar position at an upscale hotel brand or a comparable segment. All new employees, including contract and temporary staff, are required to receive training on Employee Safety Devices within their first 14 days of employment. Hotels must also consistently adhere to brand standards for Revenue Management Certification and Sales staffing.