Is the Sonesta Simply Suites onboarding administration fee refundable?
Sonesta_Simply_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Rooms with connecting doors that can be rented as separate units are considered separate Guest Rooms. The initial number of approved Guest Rooms is identified on Exhibit A.
- B. Onboarding Administration Fee. You will pay us an onboarding administration fee of $2,500 (or, if you are acquiring an existing Brand Hotel, a reduced fee of $2,0
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 79–80)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Sonesta Simply Suites's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the onboarding administration fee is non-refundable. The standard onboarding administration fee is $2,500, but is reduced to $2,000 if you are acquiring an existing Brand Hotel. This fee covers the onboarding services that Sonesta Simply Suites provides to franchisees when opening their hotel as a branded location. The fee is due during or immediately after the onboarding process.
Since the onboarding administration fee is non-refundable, prospective Sonesta Simply Suites franchisees should be certain of their decision to proceed with the franchise before paying this fee. Franchisees should carefully consider the services provided during onboarding and ensure they align with their needs and expectations. Understanding the specific onboarding services covered by this fee is crucial to assessing its value.
In the franchise industry, it is common for certain fees, such as the initial franchise fee, to be non-refundable, as they cover the franchisor's initial costs in setting up the franchisee. However, franchisees should always clarify the refundability of each fee with the franchisor before signing the franchise agreement.