Can Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential change the Brand Standards permanently?
Sonesta_Select_Sonesta_Essential Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You agree that the Brand Standards we periodically prescribe, whether prescribed in the Brand Manual or otherwise communicated to you in writing or another form, are part of this Agreement as if fully set forth within its text. All references to this Agreement include all Brand Standards as periodically modified. You acknowledge that our periodic modification of the Brand Standards (including changes and additions to hotel equipment and hardware and software required for the Computer System, including, but not limited to, the Central Reservation System, the Property Management System, and the Revenue Management System), which may accommodate regional or local variations, may obligate you to invest additional capital in your Hotel and incur higher operating costs.
You agree to comply with all modifications or supplements to the Brand Standards at your own expense, as such requirements may be revised from time to time. The cost to you for adaptations and modifications shall not be unreasonable.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 84)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential can modify the Brand Standards periodically. These standards, whether in the Brand Manual or communicated in writing, are considered part of the franchise agreement. These modifications may include changes to hotel equipment, hardware, and software for the Computer System, such as the Central Reservation System, Property Management System, and Revenue Management System.
For a prospective franchisee, this means that Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential has the right to make changes to the standards that the franchisee must adhere to during the term of the agreement. These changes may require additional capital investment in the hotel and could increase operating costs. The franchisee is responsible for complying with all modifications or supplements to the Brand Standards at their own expense, although the FDD states that the cost for adaptations and modifications should not be unreasonable.
Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential also maintains the Franchise System Website and can update and modify it periodically, with final approval rights over all information. They may discontinue the website, create separate websites for Network Hotels, or consolidate it with other brand websites at their discretion. Franchisees must adhere to Brand Standards and guidelines for any online presence, and Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential can withhold or withdraw approval for online presences at their sole discretion. These restrictions on the use of Marks will survive the expiration or earlier termination of the agreement.
Overall, the franchisee must stay informed about changes to Brand Standards and be prepared to invest in updates to maintain compliance. This also means that franchisees need to factor in potential future costs for upgrades and modifications when assessing the financial viability of the franchise.