- Sonesta achieved 26 percent franchise net unit growth in 2025.
- Growth was driven by franchise expansion, sale of 112 SVC properties.
- Sonesta has a portfolio of 13 brands across segments.
SONESTA INTERNATIONAL HOTELS Corp. achieved 26 percent franchise net unit growth in 2025. The growth was driven by global organic franchise expansion and the sale of 112 SVC properties with long-term Sonesta franchise agreements.
Sonesta, which began franchising in 2021, has a portfolio of 13 brands across the upper-upscale, lifestyle, upscale, midscale, extended-stay and economy segments, the company said in a statement.
“The 26 percent net unit growth is a testament to the trust our owners place in the Sonesta brand family,” said Keith Pierce, Sonesta’s executive vice president and president of franchise and development. “Our focus on being ‘fast, friendly and flexible’ has allowed us to expand and continue to provide a compelling value proposition with strong underlying commercial engines.”
Pierce and Jeff Leer will become co-CEOs of Sonesta International Hotels Corp. on April 1, succeeding John Murray, who will retire on March 31.
Phil Hugh, Sonesta’s chief development officer, said the company’s franchise approach is resonating with the development community.
“Sonesta operates under a relationship-first framework and this approach has bolstered our growth and made Sonesta the choice for owners looking to grow their portfolio in a competitive market,” Hugh said.
In late 2021, Sonesta RL Hotels Franchising Inc. launched four Sonesta-branded hotel concepts in the U.S., the statement said. In 2023, it introduced four additional brands: The James, Sonesta Essential Hotels and the soft brands Classico Collection by Sonesta and MOD Collection by Sonesta. Sonesta added the “by Sonesta” endorser brand to the Red Lion portfolio in 2024.
In December, Sonesta and Bedside Reading began offering guests digital access to e-books and audiobooks at participating Sonesta Hotels, Resorts & Cruises properties. Guests access titles by scanning a QR code on bookmarks and in designated hotel areas.
