Is a Sonesta Simply Suites franchisee required to hire a photographer, and if so, what are the requirements?
Sonesta_Simply_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
TMENT SONESTA SIMPLY SUITES (Note 1) – 100 ROOMS**
| Type Of Expenditure | Amount Conversion | New Construction | Method of Payment | When Due | To Whom Payment Is To Be Made |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Fee (Note 2) | $50,000 | $50,000 | Lump sum | Upon your signing of the Franchise Agreement | Us |
| Onboarding | $2,500 | $2,500 | Lump sum | As arranged | Us |
| Administration Fee | |||||
| (Note 3) | |||||
| Revenue Management System |
Source: Item 7 — ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT SONESTA SIMPLY SUITES (Note 1) – 100 ROOMS (FDD pages 36–42)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Sonesta Simply Suites's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee is required to hire a professional photographer, approved by Sonesta Simply Suites, to take photographs of the hotel before its opening. The cost for these photography expenses is estimated to be $5,000, payable to Sonesta Simply Suites before the hotel opens, as arranged between the franchisee and franchisor.
This requirement ensures that Sonesta Simply Suites maintains a consistent brand image across all locations by using high-quality, approved photographs in its marketing materials. By mandating the use of an approved photographer, Sonesta Simply Suites can control the quality and style of the images used to represent the brand.
The franchisee bears the cost of this service, which is a standard practice in the franchise industry. These initial photography expenses are part of the overall pre-opening costs that a franchisee must account for. It is important for prospective franchisees to factor this expense into their initial investment calculations and to discuss the specifics of the approved photographer requirements with Sonesta Simply Suites during their due diligence process.