For Sonesta Simply Suites, can the initial brand training be conducted virtually?
Sonesta_Simply_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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or failure to timely provide required reports and financial statements. We may change or eliminate this charge in our sole discretion.
4. TRAINING AND ASSISTANCE.
A. Training. Prior to opening your Hotel, or within ninety (90) days of activating your Hotel in the Franchise System, we will provide initial brand training for one of your Hotel Representative(s), which person must complete the initial brand training to our satisfaction. "Hotel Representative" refers to your general manager or other representative having equivalent authority and responsibilities (such as your owner). We will conduct initial brand training virtually, or at a location we designate, as we may determine in our discretion. The initial brand training typically will consist of up to four days of training (although the specific number of days depends on our opinion of your Hotel Representative's experience and needs). If space permits, we may allow you to send additional attendee(s) to the initial brand training. If we determine that your Hotel Representative cannot complete initial brand training to our satisfaction, we may terminate this Agreement. You will pay our initial brand training fee (currently $1,500). You also will be responsible for our personnel's travel and living expenses, and your employee's travel and living expenses, wages, and workers' compensation insurance while attending training, if applicable.
The initial brand
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 79–80)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Sonesta Simply Suites's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the initial brand training for a Hotel Representative can be conducted virtually. Sonesta Simply Suites has the discretion to conduct the training virtually or at a designated location. The Hotel Representative, typically the general manager or someone with equivalent authority, must complete this training to Sonesta Simply Suites's satisfaction.
The initial brand training typically lasts up to four days, though the exact duration depends on Sonesta Simply Suites's assessment of the Hotel Representative's experience and needs. The training covers essential aspects of operating a Sonesta Simply Suites hotel, including brand culture, the loyalty program, related software, brand programs, marketing, and sales. If space is available, additional attendees may be allowed to participate in the initial brand training.
The franchisee is responsible for an initial brand training fee, which is currently $1,500. Additionally, the franchisee must cover the travel and living expenses, wages, and workers' compensation insurance (if applicable) for their employee attending the training. If Sonesta Simply Suites determines that the Hotel Representative does not complete the training satisfactorily, the franchise agreement may be terminated. Sonesta Simply Suites may also require the Hotel Representative to complete additional training courses periodically, either in person or virtually, with associated fees for ongoing training.