Is a Sonesta Simply Suites franchisee required to participate in any Central Reservation System maintained or designated by the franchisor for Brand Hotels?
Sonesta_Simply_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- Reservation System. During the Term, we will, directly or indirectly, operate and maintain the computerized Central Reservation System or such substitute as we determine, in our discretion. We or our approved supplier will furnish you with the Central Reservation System and maintenance and support for the Central Reservation System software. You will purchase, install and maintain at your Hotel all equipment necessary for participation in the Central Reservation System, and agree to participate during the Term in any Central Reservation System maintained or designated by us for Brand Hotels and to comply with all terms and conditions of participation, including, but not limited to, any required reservation terminal(s) and related equipment and any enhancements, substitutions or modifications specified by us in the Brand Manual or otherwise in writing. You will be responsible for ensuring that you are maintaining and showing the appropriate number and distribution of accessible Guest Rooms in inventory at your Hotel on a rolling basis in the Central Reservation System. You also will be responsible for all telephone line or service charges, data communication equipment, and other charges to connect your equipment to the Central Reservation System. Your Hotel may not book any reservations through any other electronic reservation system or technology other than the Central Reservation System, except as expressly permitted otherwise in this Agreement. You will be responsible for the cost of supplies used in the operation of such equipment and for all other related expenses necessary to the operation of the Central Reservation System. You may request that we assist you with updating the Central Reservation System rate and inventory database for an additional reservation system maintenance fee in the amount set forth in Schedule 3.H.
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 participate in the Central Reservation System (CRS) that Sonesta Simply Suites maintains or designates for Brand Hotels. This system is computerized, and Sonesta Simply Suites or its approved supplier will provide the CRS, including maintenance and support for the software.
As a franchisee, you must purchase, install, and maintain all necessary equipment at your hotel to participate in the CRS. You are also responsible for ensuring the appropriate number and distribution of accessible guest rooms are accurately reflected in the system. Furthermore, franchisees are liable for all telephone line or service charges, data communication equipment, and other charges related to connecting to the CRS.
The agreement strictly prohibits franchisees from using any other electronic reservation system or technology unless expressly permitted by Sonesta Simply Suites. Franchisees are responsible for the costs of supplies and other related expenses for operating the CRS. However, franchisees can request assistance with updating the CRS rate and inventory database for an additional reservation system maintenance fee, the amount of which is detailed in Schedule 3.H of the FDD.