Does the Americans with Disabilities Act apply to Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential hotels?
Sonesta_Select_Sonesta_Essential Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Your Hotel must conform to innkeeper liability laws, privacy laws, laws and regulations regarding food handling and preparation, truth in menu and labeling laws, alcoholic beverage control laws and dram shop acts, license, certificate and permit requirements for hotel and restaurant operation and occupancy, laws regulating the posting of hotel room rates and banning hidden fees, hotel room occupancy tax laws, minimum wage and labor laws, anti-trafficking laws, environmental laws, and laws applicable to public accommodations and services such as the Americans with Disabilities Act. In addition, the laws, rules, and regulations that apply to businesses in general will affect you. Consult your lawyer about them. Discuss with your architect or other appropriate professionals the Americans with Disabilities Act and its architectural guidelines, and state and local accessible facilities requirements.
Source: Item 1 — **THE FRANCHISOR AND ANY PARENTS, PREDECESSORS, AND AFFILIATES (FDD pages 9–16)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does apply to hotels operating under the Sonesta Select and Sonesta Essential brands. As a franchisee, you are required to ensure your hotel complies with laws applicable to public accommodations and services, which specifically includes the ADA.
This means that franchisees must design and operate their hotels in a manner that provides equal access and opportunity to individuals with disabilities. This covers a wide range of requirements, from accessible parking spaces and entrances to appropriately equipped guest rooms and restrooms. It also extends to ensuring effective communication with guests who have hearing, vision, or speech disabilities.
Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential advises franchisees to consult with legal counsel and architectural professionals to fully understand and meet the ADA's architectural guidelines, as well as any state and local requirements for accessible facilities. This proactive approach can help franchisees avoid potential legal issues and ensure they are providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all guests.
Compliance with the ADA is not only a legal obligation but also an ethical one. By adhering to these regulations, Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential franchisees can demonstrate their commitment to serving all members of the public and fostering a positive brand image.