Sonesta Executes 31 Franchise Agreements in H1 2025
Jul 28, 2025 3 mins read
Growth Continues Across Global Portfolio, Adding Over 3,000 Keys to the Pipeline
Newton, MA (July 28, 2025) – Sonesta International Hotels (Sonesta), the 8th largest hotel company in the US, today announced the execution of 31 new franchise agreements during the first half of 2025 as well as 10 openings that showcase Sonesta’s global expansion and continued growth strategy.
“The continued growth in the first half of 2025, with 31 new franchise agreements, highlights Sonesta’s sustained momentum and our attractive value proposition for owners,” said Keith Pierce, Sonesta’s EVP and President of Franchise & Development. “We’re seeing continued demand across our diverse portfolio, which speaks to our ability to meet the needs of various markets and strengthens our existing owner relationships.”
Sonesta’s ongoing franchise expansion, in spite of the macroeconomic and political headwinds that started the year, highlights its success in growing its footprint. This growth is bolstered by its fast, friendly, and flexible model, which especially appeals to hotel owners during times of uncertainty.
“Our tailored brand offerings and flexible standards are clearly resonating with developers looking for strategic growth,” said Brian Quinn, Sonesta’s Chief Development Officer. “These 31 new agreements, spanning our distinct brands, along with the 10 recent openings, demonstrate our continued commitment to providing solutions that drive success for our franchisees and expand Sonesta’s footprint in key locations.”
Sonesta had 10 new hotels add nearly 1000 new rooms to the portfolio in the first six months of 2025. They include (in order of opening):
- Sonesta Essential Baton Rouge – Baton Rouge, LA
- Red Lion Hotel Charlotte – Charlotte, NC
- Signature Inn Berkeley – Berkeley, CA
- Americas Best Value Inn Donaldsonville – Donaldsonville, LA
- Americas Best Value Inn Fredonia – Fredonia, NY
- Sonesta Essentia Blue Springs – Blue Springs, MO
- Sonesta Essential Overland Park – Overland Park, KS
- Signature Inn Miami – Miami, FL
- Americas Best Value Inn/Knights Inn Pilot Mountain (dual brand) – Pilot Mountain, NC
In late 2021, Sonesta RL Hotels Franchising Inc. launched four Sonesta-branded hotel concepts in the U.S., complete with a comprehensive platform of franchise services, hotel operations, and franchise support. Building on this momentum, 2023 marked another milestone with the introduction of four new brands: The James, Sonesta Essential Hotels, and two soft brands – Classico Collection by Sonesta and MOD Collection by Sonesta. In 2024, Sonesta expanded its reach by introducing the “by Sonesta” endorser branding to the Red Lion portfolio, further reinforcing its commitment to strategic growth and innovation.
Sonesta’s diverse portfolio of 13 distinct brands provides owners and developers with a wide range of options across the upper-upscale, lifestyle, upscale, midscale, extended-stay, and economy segments. With a focus on strategic growth, an owner-first approach, available market opportunities, and direct access to its leadership team, Sonesta stands out as an attractive partner for developers seeking flexibility and innovation in hospitality.
Guests of these new locations can earn or redeem points as members of the award-winning Sonesta Travel Pass guest loyalty program.
ABOUT SONESTA
About Sonesta International Hotels
Sonesta is the 8th largest hotel company in the U.S. according to Smith Travel Research (STR) with approximately 1,100 properties totaling 100,000 guest rooms across 13 brands in nine countries. Sonesta owns, manages and/or franchises under The Royal Sonesta; The James, Classico Collection by Sonesta, Sonesta Hotels, Resorts & Cruises; MOD Collection by Sonesta, Sonesta Select; Sonesta Essential, Sonesta ES Suites, Sonesta Simply Suites, Red Lion Hotels, Inns & Suites by Sonesta; Signature Inn by Sonesta; Americas Best Value Inn by Sonesta and Canadas Best Value Inn by Sonesta. Redefining hospitality through its award-winning Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty program, Sonesta offers guests the opportunity to earn and redeem points for unparalleled value and personalized experiences. Sonesta Travel Pass members receive the best rates, earn immediate points towards free nights, and accelerated status progression based on stays. For more information about Sonesta, visit Sonesta.com to make a reservation or franchise.sonesta.com to explore joining our portfolio.
