Is Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential responsible for third-party guests at the hotel?

According to the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential is not responsible for third-party guests at the hotel. The franchisee acknowledges that Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential is not responsible for any third-party guests at the hotel, regardless of whether their reservations were accepted in connection with the provided services. The franchisee's indemnification obligations described in the Franchise Agreement apply at all times during the agreement.

This means that as a franchisee, you are responsible for the well-being and actions of all guests at your hotel, even if those guests booked their reservations through Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential's central reservation system or a third-party booking service. This responsibility extends to any potential liabilities or issues that may arise from their stay.

The FDD also states that Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential has no liability for any errors or omissions by the franchisee in connection with the services they provide. This reinforces the franchisee's responsibility for the day-to-day operations and guest management at their hotel.

This allocation of responsibility is fairly standard in the franchise industry, where franchisees typically bear the primary responsibility for the operation and management of their individual locations, including guest relations and safety.