What topics are included in the initial brand training program for Sonesta Simply Suites franchisees?
Sonesta_Simply_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Subject | Hours of Classroom Training | Hours of On- the-Job Training1 | Location2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand Welcome & | 0 | 1 – 3 | Virtual or on-site |
| Orientation | |||
| Loyalty | 0 | 2 – 4 | Virtual or on-site |
| LMS – Sonesta University | 0 | 1 – 2 | Virtual or on-site |
| & Access Point | |||
| Brand Programs & | 0 | 3 – 5 | Virtual or on-site |
| Services | |||
| Brand Standards, Policies, | 0 | 3 – 5 | Virtual or on-site |
| & Procedures | |||
| CRS | 0 | 1 | Virtual or on-site |
| Technology & Supplier | 0 | 2 – 5 | Virtual or on-site |
| Services | |||
| Guest Relations, Brand | 0 | 3 – 5 | Virtual or on-site |
| Reputation Performance, | |||
| and Reviews | |||
| Lead Generation | 0 | 1 | Virtual or on-site |
| Quality Assurance | 0 | 1 – 2 | Virtual or on-site |
| Total | 0 | 18 - 33 |
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 48–60)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Sonesta Simply Suites FDD, the initial brand training program includes several topics delivered through a combination of classroom and on-the-job training. The training covers Brand Welcome & Orientation, Loyalty programs, Sonesta University (LMS) & Access Point, Brand Programs & Services, Brand Standards, Policies, & Procedures, CRS (Central Reservation System), Technology & Supplier Services, Guest Relations, Brand Reputation Performance, and Reviews, Lead Generation, and Quality Assurance.
The training program for Sonesta Simply Suites does not include any formal classroom training. Instead, it focuses on on-the-job training, with durations varying for each topic. The shortest on-the-job training is 1 hour for CRS and Lead Generation, while the longest ranges from 3 to 5 hours for Brand Programs & Services, Brand Standards, Policies, & Procedures, and Guest Relations, Brand Reputation Performance, and Reviews. The total on-the-job training time ranges from 18 to 33 hours.
The training sessions can be conducted either virtually or on-site, providing flexibility for franchisees. This comprehensive approach ensures that franchisees and their Hotel Representatives are well-versed in all aspects of operating a Sonesta Simply Suites hotel, from brand standards to guest relations and technology.