Who is responsible for the expense of professional photography sessions for a Sonesta Simply Suites Hotel?
Sonesta_Simply_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- E. Professional Photography. You must arrange a professional photography session at your Hotel prior to the Opening Date. Further, if at any time during the Term your Hotel undergoes significant renovations or you make improvements in accordance with a PIP that we issue to you, we may require you to hire a professional photographer, approved by us, to conduct an additional photography session for your Hotel. All photography sessions will be at your sole expense and will be paid to us, unless we direct you to pay the third-party vendor directly.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 79–80)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Sonesta Simply Suites Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is responsible for covering the costs associated with professional photography sessions for their hotel. Prior to the hotel's opening date, the franchisee must arrange a professional photography session. Additionally, if the hotel undergoes significant renovations or improvements as part of a Property Improvement Plan (PIP) issued by Sonesta Simply Suites, the franchisee may be required to hire an approved professional photographer for another session.
The franchisee bears the sole expense for these photography sessions. Payments are made either to Sonesta Simply Suites or directly to the third-party vendor, depending on the franchisor's instructions. This requirement ensures that the hotel's visual representation aligns with brand standards, which is crucial for marketing and attracting guests.
This stipulation is fairly standard in the franchise industry, as maintaining consistent brand image across all locations is a key element of franchise agreements. Franchisees should factor in these photography expenses when budgeting for the initial setup and any subsequent renovations to ensure compliance with Sonesta Simply Suites's requirements.