What restrictions are placed on a Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential franchisee's use of the site?
Sonesta_Select_Sonesta_Essential Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
C. Online Presences. You may not register, own, maintain or use any Online Presences relating to the Brand Hotels, Network Hotels, or that includes the Network Marks, except as approved in advance by us. As a general rule, we do not permit franchisees to maintain vanity or other independent Online Presences for Brand Hotels. You may not list the details or contact information of your Hotel on any vanity or other independent websites or other Online Presence, including any OTAs, without our prior written approval. You must establish any Online Presence that we may require, and only establish any other Online Presence that we authorize. All use of Online Presences must be in accordance with the Brand Standards and our other guidelines, including the implementation and maintenance of and compliance with privacy policies, as applicable. Given the changing nature of this technology, we have the right to withhold our approval, and to withdraw any prior approval, and to modify our requirements, at our sole discretion. You acknowledge and agree that the restrictions on your use of the Marks will survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 84)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential franchisees face several restrictions regarding their online presence and website use. The franchisor maintains control over the Franchise System Website and can modify or discontinue it at their discretion.
Specifically, franchisees cannot register, own, maintain, or use any online presences related to Brand Hotels or Network Hotels, or that includes the Network Marks, without prior approval from Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential. As a general rule, vanity or other independent online presences for Brand Hotels are not permitted. Franchisees also cannot list their hotel's details or contact information on any independent websites or online presences, including Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), without written approval.
Franchisees must establish any online presence that Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential requires and only establish other online presences that the franchisor authorizes. All online presence use must comply with Brand Standards and other guidelines, including privacy policies. Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential retains the right to withhold or withdraw approval and modify requirements at its sole discretion, acknowledging the changing nature of technology. These restrictions on the use of the Marks survive the expiration or termination of the Franchise Agreement.