Sonesta inks 30 franchise agreements in third quarter

SONESTA INTERNATIONAL HOTELS Corp. signed 30 franchise agreements in the third quarter, expanding seven of its 13 brands and adding nearly 2,150 keys to its pipeline. The company continues to expand in key markets and build collaborations with both existing and new ownership groups.

“With 30 franchise agreements executed in the third quarter, Sonesta continues to expand across key markets and strengthen relationships with both existing and new ownership groups,” said Keith Pierce, Sonesta’s executive vice president and president of franchise and development. “The versatility of Sonesta’s brand offerings and our franchise-friendly approach create new opportunities across several market segments.”

The 30 new franchised hotels include 11 Sonesta ES Suites; seven Sonesta Essential Hotels; six Americas Best Value Inn by Sonesta; two Sonesta Hotels, Resorts & Cruises; two Sonesta Select; one Red Lion Hotel Inn & Suites and one Sonesta Simply Suites.

“Sonesta’s strategic focus on market segmentation and brand differentiation positions our franchisees for success,” said Brian Quinn, Sonesta’s chief development officer. “With diverse offerings spanning multiple industry segments, our tailored approach enables owners to effectively meet the needs of their market, while benefiting from flexible brand standards that are designed to facilitate smooth conversions.”

Sonesta ranks as the 8th largest U.S. hotel company, with around 1,100 properties and 100,000 rooms across 13 brands in eight countries, according to STR. It offers owners options across upper-upscale, lifestyle, upscale, midscale, extended-stay, and premium economy segments.

The company also announced a long-term franchise deal for 114 hotels it manages following their sale by Service Properties Trust. Sonesta will manage 39 full-service, 14 extended-stay, and six select-service hotels, with SVC retaining a 34 percent stake.