US-based Sonesta International Hotels has completed the transition of 18 hotels to Laxmi Hotels Group, its new franchise partner.
The development marks the first stage in the company’s previously announced sale of 113 managed properties.
The transaction was finalised by the end of September. Of the 18 hotels, Laxmi will directly manage 11 locations while Ark Hospitality will oversee seven properties.
All 18 sites will continue to operate under the Sonesta Select brand.
The transferred properties are located across ten US states, including Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, Indiana, Pennsylvania and South Carolina.
Sonesta Select guests will retain access to Sonesta’s Travel Pass loyalty programme, allowing them to earn or redeem points as normal.
Sonesta executive vice-president Keith Pierce said: “We are thrilled to expand the Laxmi Hotels Group portfolio within the Sonesta franchise family. We are confident that Laxmi’s operational expertise, combined with the strength of the Sonesta brand, will lead to great success.”
Last year, Sonesta detailed plans to sell 113 managed hotels to four partners under long-term franchise agreements.
The complete portfolio includes 30 Sonesta Select hotels, 39 Sonesta Simply Suites, and 44 Sonesta ES Suites, totalling an additional 14,803 rooms in 28 states to be added to Sonesta’s franchised network.
By the end of September, Sonesta’s franchised portfolio comprised 62,444 rooms across 886 properties.
Laxmi Hotels Group CEO Kunal Dave said: “Laxmi is excited to franchise more hotels within the Sonesta portfolio and deepen our relationship with the brand.
“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.”
In a recent development, Sonesta added the Bio Habitat Hotel in Armenia, Quindío, Colombia, to its portfolio through a new strategic collaboration with Aken Hotels & Resorts.
