How are Guest Rooms defined for a Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential hotel?

According to Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a Guest Room is defined as each rentable unit in the hotel that is generally used for overnight guest accommodations and has an entrance controlled by the same key. The document specifies that adjacent Guest Rooms with connecting doors that can be rented as separate units are considered separate Guest Rooms.

This definition is important because the initial franchise fee for both Sonesta Select and Sonesta Essential hotels is calculated based on the number of Guest Rooms. For a Sonesta Select-branded hotel, the initial fee is the greater of $65,000 or $500 per Guest Room. For a Sonesta Essential-branded hotel, it is the greater of $45,000 or $500 per Guest Room. Therefore, accurately determining the number of Guest Rooms is crucial for calculating the initial investment.

The initial number of approved Guest Rooms is identified on Exhibit A of the Franchise Agreement. This exhibit likely outlines the specific details of the hotel being franchised, including the number of rooms that meet the definition of a Guest Room. Prospective franchisees should carefully review Exhibit A to confirm the number of Guest Rooms and ensure it aligns with their understanding and expectations.