What does "Hotel RL Marks" refer to under the Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential franchise?

According to the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, "Hotel RL Marks" refers to the Hotel RL® and RLSM service marks and related trademarks, service marks and trade names. Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential offered franchises for upscale, full-service hotels under the Hotel RL Marks from May 2014 to December 2022. Additionally, franchises were offered for existing hotels transitioning to the Sonesta Hotels and Resorts brand from March 2024 to March 2025. As of December 31, 2024, there were two franchised Hotel RL-branded hotels operating under the Hotel RL Marks in the United States.

For a potential Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential franchisee, this information provides context on the brand's history and previous franchise offerings. While Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential is currently focused on the Sonesta Select and Sonesta Essential brands, understanding the Hotel RL brand can be useful, especially if considering acquiring or converting an existing Hotel RL property. It's important to note that the franchise for Hotel RL is no longer offered, except for a limited transitionary period for conversion to Sonesta Hotels and Resorts.

This information also highlights Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential's strategy of managing multiple hotel brands across different service levels and market segments. The company's experience with brands like Hotel RL, Red Lion, and others, as detailed in Item 1, demonstrates their involvement in various aspects of the lodging business. This could be seen as a benefit, as Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential has a broad understanding of the hotel industry, but it also means potential franchisees should carefully consider which brand aligns best with their investment goals and market conditions.