Is a Sonesta Simply Suites franchisee obligated to participate in local or regional advertising cooperatives?
Sonesta_Simply_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
est of your Hotel, Brand Hotels generally, or us, even if we previously approved the materials.
You are not obligated to participate in any local or regional advertising cooperative.
You may not engage, directly or indirectly, in any cross-marketing or cross-promotion of your Hotel with any other hotel, motel or related business without our prior written consent, except for the Network Hotels.
Websites, Social Media and Other Online Presence
We maintain a website for the Brand Hotels and certain other Network Brands to advertise, market, and promote Brand Hotels and other applicable Network Hotels, the products and services that they offer and sell, or the franchise opportunity (the "Franchise System Website"). We will have sole discretion and control over the Franchise System Website (including design, contents, and continuation). In connection with the Franchise System Website, we may require you to: (i) provide us the information and materials we request to develop, update, and modify the Franchise System Website with reference to your Hotel information; and (ii) notify us whenever any information on the Franchise System Website is not accurate with respect to your Hotel.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 48–60)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Sonesta Simply Suites FDD, franchisees are not required to participate in any local or regional advertising cooperatives. However, franchisees are permitted to advertise and promote their hotel on a local and regional basis, provided it is done in a dignified manner and adheres to the brand standards set by Sonesta Simply Suites.
Specifically, any advertising and promotional materials that have not been previously approved by Sonesta Simply Suites must be submitted for approval before they are produced or distributed. Sonesta Simply Suites retains the right to disapprove any advertising or promotional materials that they believe are not in the best interest of the hotel, the brand, or themselves, even if those materials were previously approved.
Additionally, franchisees are restricted from engaging in cross-marketing or cross-promotion activities with other hotels, motels, or related businesses without prior written consent from Sonesta Simply Suites, with the exception of other Network Hotels.