What are the 'Red Lion Marks' that Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential refers to?
Sonesta_Select_Sonesta_Essential Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We have offered franchises for full-service, mid-priced hotels under the Red Lion Marks since 1999. "Red Lion Marks" refers to the Red Lion®, Red Lion Hotel®, Red Lion Inn®, and Red Lion Inn & Suites® service marks and related trademarks and service marks. Typically, Red Lion Hotels are full-service hotels that offer food and beverage and meeting space. Red Lion Inn & Suites are typically limited service hotels.
As of December 31, 2024, there were 29 Red Lion Hotel franchised hotels open or under contract and 33 Red Lion Inn & Suites franchised hotels open or under contract in the United States. There was also 1 affiliate-owned hotel open under the Red Lion Marks as of December 31, 2024.
Source: Item 1 — **THE FRANCHISOR AND ANY PARENTS, PREDECESSORS, AND AFFILIATES (FDD pages 9–16)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the "Red Lion Marks" refer to specific service marks and related trademarks used for full-service, mid-priced hotels. These marks include Red Lion®, Red Lion Hotel®, Red Lion Inn®, and Red Lion Inn & Suites®. Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential has been offering franchises under these marks since 1999.
The document specifies that Red Lion Hotels typically offer full services, including food and beverage options and meeting spaces. In contrast, Red Lion Inn & Suites are usually limited-service hotels. As of December 31, 2024, there were 29 Red Lion Hotel franchised hotels open or under contract and 33 Red Lion Inn & Suites franchised hotels open or under contract in the United States. Additionally, there was one affiliate-owned hotel operating under the Red Lion Marks as of the same date.
For a prospective franchisee, understanding the distinction between Red Lion Hotels and Red Lion Inn & Suites is crucial, as it affects the type of services offered and the potential market segment targeted. The number of existing franchised and affiliate-owned hotels under these marks also provides insight into the brand's presence and market penetration.