Can Sonesta Simply Suites change the Brand Standards at any time, either temporarily or permanently?
Sonesta_Simply_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You agree that the Brand Standards we periodically prescribe, whether prescribed in the Brand Manual or otherwise communicated to you in writing or another form, are part of this Agreement as if fully set forth within its text. All references to this Agreement include all Brand Standards as periodically modified. You acknowledge that our periodic modification of the Brand Standards (including changes and additions to hotel equipment and hardware and software required for the Computer System, including, but not limited to, the Central Reservation System, the Property Management System, and the Revenue Management System), which may accommodate regional or local variations, may obligate you to invest additional capital in your Hotel and incur higher operating costs.
You agree to comply with all modifications or supplements to the Brand Standards at your own expense, as such requirements may be revised from time to time. The cost to you for adaptations and modifications shall not be unreasonable.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 79–80)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Sonesta Simply Suites's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must adhere to the Brand Standards, which Sonesta Simply Suites can modify and supplement periodically. These standards are considered part of the franchise agreement, as if fully written within it.
The modifications to the Brand Standards may include changes and additions to hotel equipment, hardware, and software required for the Computer System, including the Central Reservation System, the Property Management System, and the Revenue Management System. These changes may require franchisees to invest additional capital in their hotels and incur higher operating costs. Franchisees are responsible for complying with all modifications or supplements to the Brand Standards at their own expense, although the FDD states that the cost to the franchisee for adaptations and modifications shall not be unreasonable.
This means that Sonesta Simply Suites franchisees must be prepared to adapt to changes in Brand Standards over time, which may involve additional investments in their hotel. While the franchisor states that these costs will not be unreasonable, it is important for prospective franchisees to carefully consider the potential financial impact of these changes and to factor them into their business planning.