What other systems are Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential franchisees required to use besides the PMS?
Sonesta_Select_Sonesta_Essential Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
e obligations with respect to computer hardware, software, and networks systems we designate.
You must adopt a Property Management System (PMS) from an approved list corresponding to your Hotel's brand segment to ensure consistency and compatibility with our systems. The approved PMS will support integration with our platforms for data sharing, booking synchronization, and loyalty program management. The PMS vendor provides ongoing support and training to help ensure effective use and maximize the benefits of the approved PMS.
We also require that you use one of our two designated Revenue Management Systems, our Sonesta booking engine, and our designated Central Reservation System, Sales System, RFP management system, meeting and event RFP system, and SaaS software. We may designate the specific version of each software you are required to use. You must enable the property management system to provide direct full two-way connectivity with our central reservation system and loyalty program. Additionally, you must implement an authorized credit card interface, with tokenization and point-to-point encryption activated. Currently, tokenization is available through Shift4. You will also be required to use our designated learning management system. Other than the hardware required to operate Shift4 and other systems described in this section, ancillary equipment required to connect, secure, and operate your computer systems such as firewall, network switches, servers, desktop computers, printers, battery backup, patch cables, cable management, and data racks may be required. Costs for this ancillary computer equipment may range from $5,000 to $25,000 based on the size and operating model of your Hotel.
We estimate that the installation of the Property Management System will cost $20,000 to $35,000 for a 125-room Sonesta Select-branded hotel and $8,500 to $15,000 for an 80-room Sonesta Essential-branded hotel. You will also pay an estimated $562 to $830 per month for
Sonesta Select-branded hotels and $360 to $640 per month for Sonesta Essential-branded hotels, for ongoing license and support costs for your Property Management System. You will pay us between $650 and $1,745 for the integration and tokenization of the Central Reservation System and Property Management System. You must also contract with our approved SaaS service provider to maintain your Property Management System;
Source: Item 11 — **FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 52–64)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to adopt a Property Management System (PMS) from an approved list. In addition to the PMS, franchisees must use several other designated systems to ensure consistency and compatibility. These include one of the two designated Revenue Management Systems, the Sonesta booking engine, and the designated Central Reservation System.
Furthermore, franchisees are required to use a Sales System, an RFP (Request for Proposal) management system, a meeting and event RFP system, and SaaS software. The brand may also specify the exact version of each software that franchisees must use. To ensure proper connectivity, the property management system must have direct, two-way connectivity with the central reservation system and loyalty program. An authorized credit card interface with tokenization and point-to-point encryption is also mandatory, with Shift4 being the current provider for tokenization.
Additionally, franchisees must implement an RFID Key System, with software costs ranging from $500 to $700 per guest room. They are also required to purchase a phone system (PBX), with at least one phone per guest room. The estimated cost for a new PBX ranges from $35,000 to $65,000 for Sonesta Select and $25,000 to $55,000 for Sonesta Essential, depending on the number of guest rooms and features. Franchisees must also use a designated learning management system and the Focus Service Platform for their sales technology platform, incurring an onboarding fee of $565, an annual fee of $5,000, and ongoing maintenance of $150 per month.