Is prior notice required before Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential inspects a hotel?
Sonesta_Select_Sonesta_Essential Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
A. Our Right to Inspect your Hotel. To determine whether you and your Hotel are complying with this Agreement and all Brand Standards, we and our designated agents or representatives may at all times and without prior notice to you:
(1) inspect your Hotel;
(2) photograph your Hotel and observe and videotape the operation of your Hotel for consecutive or intermittent periods we deem necessary;
- (3) remove samples of any products and supplies;
(4) inspect your Computer System, including hardware, software, security, configurations, connectivity and data access, and other technology used in the operation of your Hotel;
- (5) interview the Management Company, personnel, and customers of your Hotel;
(6) inspect and copy any books, records, and documents relating to the operation of your Hotel including tax returns and financial statements for your Hotel; and
(7) contract with third parties to conduct mystery-shopper visits or other marketresearch testing, and quality assurance inspections at your Hotel.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 84)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential has the right to inspect a franchisee's hotel without prior notification. Specifically, Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential, its agents, or representatives can inspect a hotel at any time to ensure compliance with the Franchise Agreement and Brand Standards.
This lack of required notice provides Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential with significant oversight and control over the operation and condition of the franchised hotel. It allows them to assess compliance in real-time and address any issues promptly.
In addition to physical inspections, Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential can also photograph and videotape the hotel's operations, remove product samples, inspect the computer system, interview personnel and customers, audit records, and contract with third parties for mystery shopper visits or quality assurance inspections. These comprehensive inspection rights enable Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential to maintain quality control and consistency across all franchised locations.