Does the Sonesta Simply Suites Franchise Agreement specify technology standards for a Sonesta Simply Suites franchise?
Sonesta_Simply_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We may modify specifications for, and components of, the Computer System.
Our modification of specifications for the Computer System, and other technological developments or events, might require you to purchase, lease, or license new or modified computer hardware or software and to obtain service and support for the Computer System.
You agree to incur the costs of obtaining the computer hardware and software comprising the Computer System (or additions and modifications) and required service or support, regardless of whether those costs are fully amortizable over this Agreement's remaining term.
We have no obligation to reimburse you for any Computer System costs.
Within 60 days after we advise you of changes to the Computer System, you agree to implement such changes, and if necessary, procure any additional equipment, components, hardware, or software we designate.
You must at all times during the Term ensure that your Computer System, as modified, meets our Brand Standards and functions properly.
You acknowledge and agree that we are not responsible for, and you will hold us harmless with respect to, any planned or unplanned downtime, interruption, unavailability, or failure of any third-party software, hardware, services, and equipment.
You agree that we or our affiliates may condition any license of proprietary software to you, or your use of technology that we or our affiliates develop or maintain, on your signing a software license agreement or similar document that we or our affiliates prescribe to regulate your use of, and our and your respective rights and responsibilities with respect to, the software or technology. We and our affiliates may charge you a monthly or other fee for any proprietary software or technology that we or our affiliates license to you and for other maintenance and support services that we or our affiliates provide during the Term.
Although you agree to buy, use, and maintain the Computer System according to our standards an
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 79–80)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Sonesta Simply Suites Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to adhere to specific technology standards related to computer systems. Sonesta Simply Suites has the right to modify the specifications and components of the computer system, potentially requiring franchisees to purchase, lease, or license new or modified hardware or software. Franchisees are responsible for the costs associated with these acquisitions, regardless of whether the costs can be fully amortized over the remaining term of the agreement, and Sonesta Simply Suites is not obligated to reimburse these expenses.
Within 60 days of being advised of changes to the computer system, franchisees must implement these changes and procure any necessary additional equipment, components, hardware, or software. Throughout the term of the agreement, the computer system must meet Sonesta Simply Suites' brand standards and function properly. Sonesta Simply Suites is not responsible for any downtime or failures of third-party software, hardware, services, or equipment.
Sonesta Simply Suites may require franchisees to sign a software license agreement for proprietary software or technology and may charge a monthly or other fee for the use of such software, as well as for maintenance and support services. Franchisees must buy, use, and maintain the computer system according to Sonesta Simply Suites' standards. These stipulations ensure that all Sonesta Simply Suites locations maintain consistent technological standards, which can impact operational efficiency and customer experience. The financial burden of keeping up with technology upgrades falls on the franchisee, which is a crucial consideration for prospective owners.