What is the relationship between the Franchise Agreement and the Rider for Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential in Washington?
Sonesta_Select_Sonesta_Essential Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| THIS RIDER is by and between SONESTA RL HOTELS FRANCHISING INC. a Washington |
|---|
| corporation with its principal business address at 400 Centre Street, Newton, Massachusetts 02458 ("we," |
| "us," or "our"), and |
| , whose |
| principal business address is |
| ("you" or "your"). |
| 1. |
| BACKGROUND. We and you are parties to that certain Franchise Agreement dated |
| (the "Franchise Agreement") that has been signed concurrently |
| with the signing of this Rider. This Rider is annexed to and forms part of the Franchise Agreement. This |
| Rider is being signed because (a) Franchisee is domiciled in the State of Washington; and/or (b) the Hotel |
| that Franchisee will operate under the Franchise Agreement will be located in Washington; and/or (c) any |
| of the offering or sales activity relating to the Franchise Agreement occurred in Washington. |
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 84–261)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Rider to the Franchise Agreement for Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential is an integral part of the Franchise Agreement. Specifically, for franchisees in Washington, a rider is included to address state-specific legal requirements or conditions.
The Rider is signed concurrently with the Franchise Agreement and is annexed to it, forming a complete agreement between Sonesta RL Hotels Franchising Inc. and the franchisee. The Rider is necessary when the franchisee is domiciled in Washington, the hotel operated under the Franchise Agreement is located in Washington, or any part of the franchise offering or sales activity occurred in Washington.
Notably, the FDD states that any provision in the franchise agreement or related agreements that prohibits the franchisee from communicating with or complaining to regulators is inconsistent with the express instructions in the Franchise Disclosure Document and is unlawful under RCW 19.100.180(2)(h). This highlights the importance of the Rider in ensuring compliance with Washington state laws and regulations, and supersedes any conflicting terms in the standard franchise agreement.