Is the $5,000 photography expense for Sonesta Simply Suites refundable?
Sonesta_Simply_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
fee is due when billed and is non-refundable.
You will be required to pay us $5,000 for photography expenses prior to the opening of your Hotel, which is charged by the third-party photographer. We will collect this fee from you and remit it to the photographer. This fee
Source: Item 5 — INITIAL FEES (FDD pages 23–25)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Sonesta Simply Suites's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the $5,000 photography expense is non-refundable. This fee covers photography services provided by a third-party photographer prior to the hotel's opening. Sonesta Simply Suites collects this fee from the franchisee and then remits it to the photographer.
This non-refundable policy means that once the franchisee pays the $5,000 for photography services, they cannot get this money back, regardless of circumstances. This is a fairly standard practice in franchising, as many initial fees are used to cover the franchisor's or third-party costs in setting up the franchise.
Prospective Sonesta Simply Suites franchisees should factor this non-refundable fee into their initial investment calculations and be certain they are ready to proceed before paying it. Understanding the non-refundable nature of this and other fees is crucial for managing financial expectations when investing in a Sonesta Simply Suites franchise.