When inspecting my Sonesta Simply Suites hotel, is Sonesta Simply Suites allowed to videotape the operation?
Sonesta_Simply_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
11. INSPECTIONS AND AUDITS.
- A. Our Right to Inspect your Hotel. To determine whether you and your Hotel are complying with this Agreement and all Brand Standards, we and our designated agents or representatives may at all times and without prior notice to you:
- (1) inspect your Hotel;
- (2) photograph your Hotel and observe and videotape the operation of your Hotel for consecutive or intermittent periods we deem necessary;
- (3) remove samples of any products and supplies;
- (4) inspect your Computer System, including hardware, software, security, configurations, connectivity and data access, and other technology used in the operation of your Hotel:
- (5) interview the Management Company, personnel, and customers of your Hotel;
- (6) inspect and copy any books, records, and documents relating to the operation of your Hotel including tax returns and financial statements for your Hotel; and
- (7) contract with third parties to conduct mystery-shopper visits or other market-research testing, and quality assurance inspections at your Hotel.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 79–80)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Sonesta Simply Suites's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Sonesta Simply Suites has the right to videotape the operation of your hotel during inspections. Sonesta Simply Suites and its representatives can conduct inspections at any time without prior notice to ensure compliance with the franchise agreement and brand standards.
Specifically, Sonesta Simply Suites can observe and videotape the hotel's operation for consecutive or intermittent periods as deemed necessary. This allows them to monitor day-to-day activities, customer service, and adherence to brand standards.
This right is part of Sonesta Simply Suites's broader authority to inspect various aspects of the hotel, including the physical premises, computer systems, and records. They can also interview staff and customers, collect product samples, and contract third parties for mystery shopper visits. While Sonesta Simply Suites has broad inspection rights, they are expected to exercise these rights without unreasonably interfering with the hotel's operation.