What is the obligation of the Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential franchisee to ensure their personnel is adequately trained?

According to the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential franchisees must ensure their personnel are adequately trained at all times. The franchisee must provide evidence and verification of their personnel's training as requested by Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential.

Prior to opening the hotel, or within 90 days of activating it within the franchise system, Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential will provide initial brand training for one Hotel Representative. The Hotel Representative must complete the training to Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential's satisfaction. The Hotel Representative refers to the general manager or someone with equivalent authority, such as the owner. This initial training, which may be virtual or at a designated location, typically lasts up to four days, though the length can vary based on the Hotel Representative's experience and needs. The franchisee will pay an initial brand training fee of $1,500.

The initial brand training program will cover material aspects of operating a Brand Hotel including brand culture, the loyalty program and certain related software, and brand programs, marketing, and sales. The franchisee is also responsible for the travel and living expenses, wages, and worker's compensation insurance (if applicable) for both Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential personnel and the franchisee's employees while they attend training. Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential may also require the Hotel Representative to complete required training within a specific time, either before or after the hotel's opening date, and successful completion must be verified upon request.

Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential may advise franchisees on employee training based on reports or inspections. However, any specific ongoing training or advice provided does not create an obligation for Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential to continue providing such training or advice, which they may discontinue or modify. Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential also reserves the right to require any of the franchisee's employees attending training to sign a confidentiality agreement.