Must a Sonesta Simply Suites franchisee submit advertising and promotional materials for approval before use?
Sonesta_Simply_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You may advertise and promote your Hotel and related facilities and services on a local and regional basis in a dignified manner, in accordance with the provisions of the Franchise Agreement and the Brand Standards, using our identity and graphics standards for all Brand Hotels, at your cost and expense. You must submit to us samples of all advertising and promotional materials that we have not previously approved (including any materials in digital, electronic or computerized form, or in any form of media that exists now or is developed in the future) before you produce or distribute them. You may not begin using the materials until we approve them. You must immediately discontinue your use of any advertising or promotional materials we reasonably believe is not in the best interest 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.
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 must submit all advertising and promotional materials not previously approved by the company before they are produced or distributed. This includes materials in digital, electronic, or computerized form, as well as any form of media that currently exists or may be developed in the future. Franchisees cannot use these materials until Sonesta Simply Suites provides approval.
Even if Sonesta Simply Suites previously approved advertising or promotional materials, franchisees must stop using them immediately if Sonesta Simply Suites reasonably believes the materials are not in the best interest of the franchisee's hotel, Sonesta Simply Suites hotels generally, or the company itself.
This requirement allows Sonesta Simply Suites to maintain brand consistency and ensure that all advertising aligns with their standards. While franchisees have the freedom to promote their specific location on a local and regional level, Sonesta Simply Suites retains control over the messaging and presentation to protect the overall brand image. Franchisees are not obligated to participate in any local or regional advertising cooperative. Additionally, franchisees may not engage in cross-marketing or cross-promotion with other hotels, motels, or related businesses without prior written consent from Sonesta Simply Suites, except for other Network Hotels.