What is the Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential franchisee's obligation regarding the efficient operation of the hotel?
Sonesta_Select_Sonesta_Essential Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
N. Employees, Agents, and Independent Contractors. You acknowledge and agree that you are solely responsible for all decisions relating to employees, agents, and independent contractors that
you may hire or engage to assist in the operation of your Hotel. You agree that any employee, agent or independent contractor that you hire or engage will be your or the Management Company's employee, agent, or independent contractor, and not our employee, agent, or independent contractor. You also agree that you are exclusively responsible for the terms and conditions of employment of your employees, including recruiting, hiring, firing, training, compensation, work hours and schedules, work assignments, safety and security, discipline, and supervision. You agree to manage the employment functions of your Hotel in compliance with applicable federal, state, and loca
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 84)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
Based on the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential franchisees are responsible for decisions related to the hiring and management of their hotel's staff. According to the FDD, franchisees are solely responsible for all decisions relating to employees, agents, and independent contractors that they may hire to assist in the operation of their hotel.
This means the franchisee, not Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential, acts as the employer. The franchisee is exclusively responsible for the terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, firing, training, compensation, work hours and schedules, work assignments, safety and security, discipline, and supervision.
In practical terms, this indicates that franchisees have significant autonomy in staffing their hotels but also bear the full responsibility for managing their workforce in compliance with all applicable laws. This includes ensuring proper training, fair compensation, and a safe working environment. Prospective franchisees should carefully consider the implications of these responsibilities, including the potential costs and legal liabilities associated with managing a team of employees.