Sonesta inaugurates first Sonesta Essential in CA, introduces two soft brands

SONESTA INTERNATIONAL CORP. opened its inaugural Sonesta Essential-branded hotel, the Sonesta Essential Vacaville, in Vacaville, California. It also introduced two soft brands, Classico, a Sonesta Collection, and MOD, a Sonesta Collection, targeting the upper-upscale and upscale segments.

Sonesta Essential is now open

The recently opened Sonesta Essential in Vacaville features 86 rooms and owned by Divyesh Patel. Sonesta Essential, launched in January, is an upper-midscale select-service brand, and offers a sleep program with upgraded bedding, complimentary high-speed WiFi, complimentary breakfast, premium all-day coffee, and a fitness center.

“As a world-renowned tourist destination, California Wine Country is the perfect place for a Sonesta Essential property,” Patel said. “With travelers in the area often on the go, Sonesta Essential provides all the necessities for a convenient, comfortable hotel stay while allowing guests the option to spend more of their time and money on their experiences and creating lasting memories outside of the hotel.”

“Having launched the Sonesta Essential brand earlier this year, we are excited to open our first Essential property in the heart of California’s Wine Country near Napa Valley,” said Keith Pierce, Sonesta’s executive vice president and president franchise and development. “This hotel opening demonstrates continued progress in franchising and development as we add and refine brands within our portfolio to satisfy the needs of both customers and owners.”

Sonesta has approximately 1,200 properties totaling 100,000 guest rooms across 19 brands in eight countries.

The new additions

Sonesta recently introduced two soft brands, Classico, a Sonesta Collection, left, and MOD, a Sonesta Collection, targeting the upper-upscale and upscale segments.

All Classico and MOD hotels will be listed on Sonesta's website and gain access to its extensive distribution channels and services, the company said. The new brands offer independent hotel owners access to Sonesta's network while retaining their own distinctive hotel names, identities, designs, and established styles.

“Sonesta is proud to unveil Classico and MOD, extending our suite of offerings with distinct brands that we believe will appeal to both franchisees and consumers,” said Elizabeth Harlow, Sonesta’s chief brand officer. “Classico’s upper-upscale identity is a unique alternative to The Royal and The James brands. MOD’s modern upscale brand allows owners and developers to maintain the qualities that make their hotels unique.”

Sonesta's Luxury and Lifestyle Lodging Development Team is responsible for marketing Classico, which is positioned in the upper-upscale segment. The brand features a blend of local authenticity and global appeal, with each property showcasing a unique identity, offering signature local cuisine, traditional high-touch service, and refined interiors. The inaugural Sonesta Classico project, Z Ocean Hotel, a 40-room property located in Miami's South Beach neighborhood, opened on May 1.

Meanwhile, MOD hotels, positioned within Sonesta’s upscale portfolio, will feature amenities such as curated food and beverage options. The first MOD property will launch as Hotel 11 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

"As we have strengthened Sonesta's franchising capabilities over the past two years, we recognized the opportunity for additional growth through soft branding," said Brian Quinn, Sonesta’s chief development officer. "The launch of Classico and MOD continue Sonesta's growth trajectory and we anticipate great success with continued expansion in the upper-upscale and upscale segments."