Under what circumstances should the Representations and Acknowledgment Statement NOT be signed for a Sonesta Simply Suites franchise?
Sonesta_Simply_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
DO NOT SIGN THIS QUESTIONNAIRE IF YOU ARE LOCATED IN, YOUR HOTEL WILL BE LOCATED IN, OR THE FRANCHISE GRANTED IS SUBJECT TO THE FRANCHISE REGISTRATION OR DISCLOSURE LAWS IN: CALIFORNIA, HAWAII, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, VIRGINIA, WASHINGTON, OR WISCONSIN.
The purpose of this Statement is to demonstrate to Sonesta RL Hotels Franchising Inc. ("Franchisor") that the person(s) signing below ("I," "me" or "my"), whether acting individually or on behalf of any legal entity established to acquire the franchise rights, (a) fully understands that the purchase of a Sonesta® Simply Suites franchise to operate as a Sonesta Simply Suites-branded hotel is a significant long-term commitment, complete with its associated risks, and (b) is not relying on any statements, representations, promises or assurances that are not specifically set forth in Franchisor's Franchise Disclosure Document and Exhibits (collectively, the "FDD") in deciding to purchase the franchise.
In that regard, I represent to Franchisor and acknowledge that:
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 80–246)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Sonesta Simply Suites Franchise Disclosure Document, the Representations and Acknowledgment Statement should not be signed if the prospective franchisee, or the location of their hotel, or the franchise itself is subject to franchise registration or disclosure laws in specific states. These states are California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, or Wisconsin. This instruction is explicitly stated within the document to ensure compliance with state-specific regulations.
The purpose of the Representations and Acknowledgment Statement is to confirm that the franchisee understands the significant, long-term commitment and associated risks of purchasing a Sonesta Simply Suites franchise. It also serves to verify that the franchisee is not relying on any statements, representations, promises, or assurances that are not explicitly outlined in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) when making their decision.
For prospective Sonesta Simply Suites franchisees in the listed states, the prohibition against signing the statement suggests that additional state-specific legal considerations may apply. These considerations could include specific protections or disclosures required by state franchise laws that might be waived or compromised by signing the standard Representations and Acknowledgment Statement. Franchisees in these states should consult with a legal professional to ensure full compliance with all applicable state laws and regulations before proceeding with the franchise agreement.