For a Sonesta Simply Suites franchise, can I purchase the required computer hardware from third-party suppliers?
Sonesta_Simply_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
m $0 to $220,000 for conversions and $190,000 to $220,000 for new construction.
You may purchase the hardware from third party suppliers, or you may lease it through third party lessors. However, the equipment must meet at least the minimum specifications as described in the Brand Manual and must be installed according to the Brand Standards. We periodically may revise the specifications for your computer system and related interfaces, and we may require you to use Approved Suppliers. Unless we otherwise agree, neither we nor our affiliates are entitled to or obligated to provide ongoing maintenance to any hardware, software, or network system we require. All ongoing fees payable to third-party vendors are subject to change as third-party fees change.
Training
Initial Training
We do not assist in the hiring of your employees, but we will provide initial brand training to one of your Hotel Representative(s) virtually, at your Hotel, or at another location we designate, at our election. The initial brand training program covers the areas of brand programs, marketing, sales, loyalty, and brand culture.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 48–60)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Sonesta Simply Suites's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees have the option to purchase computer hardware from third-party suppliers or lease it through third-party lessors. However, all equipment must meet the minimum specifications outlined in the Brand Manual and be installed according to the Brand Standards.
Sonesta Simply Suites may periodically revise the specifications for the computer systems and related interfaces, and they may require franchisees to use Approved Suppliers. The FDD does not specify how often these revisions may occur. Ongoing maintenance to any hardware, software, or network system is not guaranteed by Sonesta Simply Suites or its affiliates unless otherwise agreed upon. Franchisees are responsible for all ongoing fees payable to third-party vendors, which are subject to change as the third-party fees change.
The cost for ancillary computer equipment, such as firewalls, network switches, servers, desktop computers, printers, battery backups, patch cables, cable management, and data racks, may range from $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the size and operating model of the hotel. Franchisees should ensure they understand the minimum specifications and approved supplier requirements to make informed purchasing decisions.