Sonesta International Hotels Corporation has added 18 hotels to its portfolio through a new partnership with Laxmi Hotels Group. The transition marks the first major milestone in Sonesta’s planned sale of 113 managed properties and is part of the company’s asset-right franchise-forward strategy.
The portfolio includes 11 hotels to be managed directly by Laxmi and 7 managed by Ark Hospitality. The transition of all properties was completed by the end of September. Each hotel will operate under the Sonesta Select brand.
“We are thrilled to expand the Laxmi Hotels Group portfolio within the Sonesta franchise family,” said Keith Pierce, Sonesta’s EVP and president of Franchise & Development. “Converting all 18 hotels within the month is a great example of our team’s ability to facilitate a smooth, rapid transition for our new owners. We are confident that Laxmi’s operational expertise, combined with the strength of the Sonesta brand, will lead to great success.”
In 2024, Sonesta announced the sale of 113 managed hotels under agreements with four strategic partners. These properties will enter new long-term franchise agreements and include 30 Sonesta Select upscale hotels, 44 Sonesta ES Suites upscale extended stay hotels and 39 Sonesta Simply Suites mid-priced extended stay hotels. Once fully converted, the portfolio will add 14,803 rooms across 28 states to Sonesta’s existing franchised portfolio, which totaled 62,444 rooms and 886 properties at the end of September.
“Laxmi is excited to franchise more hotels within the Sonesta portfolio and deepen our relationship with the brand,” said Kunal Dave CEO of Laxmi Hotels Group. “As owners and operators, Sonesta has a unique perspective into the brand-franchisee relationship and understands what it takes to build a successful hotel from both the asset and operational standpoint. We look forward to continuing our long and successful relationship.”
The 18 Sonesta Select Hotels are located in Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, Tennessee, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, North Carolina, South Carolina and Pennsylvania. Guests at these properties will continue to earn or redeem points as members of the Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty program.
