What is the franchisee required to submit to Sonesta Simply Suites regarding plans and designs?
Sonesta_Simply_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
r construction, remodeling, decorating and installation services. You agree to use the vendor(s) we select, if any (which may include us or our affiliates), for design, engineering, construction management and purchasing services in connection with the conversion of your Hotel.
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- Plans and Designs. You must submit to us your plans, layouts, specifications, and drawings for your Hotel (collectively, the "Plans"), and your plans, layouts, specifications, and drawings for the proposed furnishings, fixtures, equipment and décor of your Hotel (collectively, the "Designs") with respect to the Renovation Work. We may supply you with representative prototype guest room and public area plans and schematic building plans as a guide for preparation of the Plans and Designs. Our approval of such Plans and Designs does not warrant the depth of our analysis or assume any responsibility for the efficacy of the Plans and Designs, or the resulting Renovation Work. You acknowledge and agree that you will not rely upon any approval we may provide you for the Plans or Designs for any purpose whatsoever except compliance with our then prevailing Brand Standards.
You are solely responsible for ensuring your Hotel and Renovation Work comply in all respects with all public laws, bylaws, statutes, ordinances, orders, rules, regulations, permits, licenses, authorizations, directions and requirements of all governments and governmental authorities, which, now or hereafter, may apply to the construction, completion, equipping and opening of your Hotel and the operation of your Hotel, including environmental, zoning, building, and life safety.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 79–80)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Sonesta Simply Suites's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must submit specific plans and designs to the company related to either new construction or renovation work. These submissions include the franchisee's plans, layouts, specifications, and drawings for the hotel itself, which are collectively referred to as the "Plans." Additionally, the franchisee must provide plans, layouts, specifications, and drawings for the proposed furnishings, fixtures, equipment, and décor of the hotel, which are collectively referred to as the "Designs."
Sonesta Simply Suites may provide representative prototype guest room and public area plans, along with schematic building plans, to guide the franchisee in preparing their Plans and Designs. However, any approval given by Sonesta Simply Suites for these submissions does not imply a warranty of thorough analysis or any responsibility for the effectiveness of the Plans and Designs or the resulting construction or renovation work. The franchisee is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the hotel and all construction or renovation work comply with all applicable laws, bylaws, statutes, ordinances, orders, rules, regulations, permits, licenses, authorizations, directions, and requirements of governmental authorities.
It is important for prospective Sonesta Simply Suites franchisees to understand that while the franchisor may offer guidance and approve plans, the onus of ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations and the efficacy of the designs rests solely with the franchisee. Franchisees should engage qualified professional advisors to assist in the development and review of these plans to mitigate potential risks and ensure successful project execution. Furthermore, franchisees should not rely on Sonesta Simply Suites's approval beyond confirming compliance with the brand's standards, as stated in the FDD.