Independence Consulting

Going Independent

You built this property. You run it every day. So why is a franchise taking 8–12% of your revenue and telling you how to run it? We help hotel owners debrand, set up their own systems, connect to every major OTA, and take full ownership of their business.

8–12%of gross revenue paid in franchise fees — kept when you go independent
100%control over your rates, standards, and guest experience
1 partnerto guide you through every step of the transition

How we get you there

01

Debranding Your Hotel

Leaving a franchise flag is a big decision — but it doesn't have to be a painful one. We manage the full debranding process: removing brand signage, updating room standards to reflect your own identity, and ensuring you meet all exit requirements cleanly. We've been through this process and know exactly what it takes to walk away from a flag on your terms.

What's included
  • Franchise exit review & compliance checklist
  • Signage removal and replacement planning
  • Brand standard transition documentation
  • Staff communication & retraining support
  • Timeline management to minimize disruption
02

A New POS System

Once you're independent, you need a property management and point-of-sale system that works for you — not one mandated by a brand. We help you select, set up, and train your team on the right POS and PMS for your property size and operation. No more paying franchise-approved vendor rates. You choose the tools that fit your budget and workflow.

What's included
  • POS & PMS system evaluation and selection
  • Setup, configuration & data migration
  • Staff training on new systems
  • Integration with booking engines & OTAs
  • Ongoing support and troubleshooting guidance
03

OTA Setup & Distribution

Getting your rooms in front of travelers is everything. We connect your property to all major Online Travel Agencies — Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, Airbnb, and more — and set up a channel manager so your rates and availability stay in sync across every platform. You'll have full control over your pricing strategy without a brand dictating your rate floors.

What's included
  • Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com & Airbnb setup
  • Channel manager configuration & rate parity
  • Direct booking engine integration
  • Rate strategy consulting for independent properties
  • Review profile setup and optimization
04

Your Hotel, Your Brand

When the dust settles, you own it — the name, the reputation, the revenue. We help you build an independent identity that resonates with guests: a brand story, a website, a social media presence, and a guest experience that's entirely yours. No royalty fees. No brand audits. No one telling you how to run your property. Just a hotel that reflects your vision.

What's included
  • Independent brand identity development
  • Website setup and SEO foundation
  • Social media presence and content strategy
  • Guest loyalty and direct booking strategy
  • Ongoing operational consulting as needed

Franchise vs. Independent

CategoryFranchiseIndependent
Royalty & marketing feesYes — 8–12% of revenueNone
Rate floor restrictionsBrand-mandatedYou decide
Approved vendor requirementsRequiredYour choice
Brand audits & PIPsRegular & costlyNot applicable
OTA distributionBrand-controlledFull control
Guest loyalty programBrand program onlyBuild your own
Property identityBrand standardsEntirely yours

Ready to own your hotel outright?

Let's talk through your situation — your flag, your timeline, and what going independent would mean for your bottom line.