Can Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential require training before the opening date?
Sonesta_Select_Sonesta_Essential Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
urance while attending training, if applicable.
The initial brand training program will cover material aspects of operating a Brand Hotel including (a) brand culture, (b) the loyalty program and certain related software, and (c) brand programs, marketing, and sales.
We may require that your Hotel Representative, complete our required training within a designated time period, prior to or after your Opening Date. All training must be completed to our satisfaction and verification of successful completion must be presented upon our request. Additionally, you must ensure at all times that your personnel is adequately trained, and you agree to provide such evidence and verification of your personnels' training as we may request from time to time.
You (or your Principal) may request additional training at the end of the initial brand training program, to be provided at our then-current fees if your Hotel Representative does not feel sufficiently trained in the operation of a Brand Hotel. We and you will jointly determine the duration of this additional training. However, if your Hotel Representative completes our initial brand training program to our satisfaction and you have not expressly informed us in writing at the end of that program that your Hotel Representative does not feel sufficiently trained in the operation of a Brand Hotel, then your Hotel Representative will be deemed to have been trained sufficiently to operate a Brand Hotel.
We may require your Hotel Representative(s) and you (or your Principal) to attend and complete to our satisfaction various training courses that we periodically choose to provide at the times and locations that we designate, including courses and programs provided by third parties we designate. You will pay our then-current ongoing training fees for such training (currently (i) $2,000 per day, plus our personnel's travel costs and expenses for in-person, on-site training, and (ii) $200 per hour of training for virtual training, subject to Fee Adjustments). We will not require attendance at more than two such courses, or for more
than a total of three business days, during a calendar year. Besides attending these courses, you agree to attend the Brand Conference (as defined in Section 4.B) at a location we designate. All training and the Brand Conference may be held virtually, in our sole discretion. Attendance will not be required for more than five days during any calendar year. You agree to pay all costs to attend, including the attendance fees we then charge.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 84)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the brand can require that the Hotel Representative complete required training within a designated time period, either before or after the Hotel's Opening Date. The Hotel Representative must complete the initial brand training to Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential's satisfaction. Verification of successful completion must be presented upon request.
Prior to opening the hotel, Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential will provide initial brand training for one Hotel Representative. The Hotel Representative is the general manager or someone with equivalent authority. The training will be virtual or at a designated location, at Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential's discretion. The initial brand training typically consists of up to four days of training, but the number of days depends on Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential's opinion of the Hotel Representative's experience and needs.
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 responsible for the initial brand training fee, which is currently $1,500. The franchisee is also responsible for the travel and living expenses, wages, and workers' compensation insurance for their employee while attending training, if applicable.
Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential also specifies that the franchisee agrees not to open their Hotel until they have complied with the training requirements, unless Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential has agreed in writing to allow them to complete the training after the Opening Date. The franchisee must also train their staff to protect the Marks in compliance with the Brand Standards.