Sonesta International Hotels: Elevating Global Presence and Guest Loyalty
Sonesta International Hotels has firmly established itself as a major player in the global hospitality industry, ranking as the eighth-largest hotel chain in the U.S. The company oversees an impressive portfolio of 1,100 hotels with over 100,000 rooms across 13 brands in nine countries. In 2025, Sonesta has accelerated its growth, opened 10 new hotels and secured 31 new franchise agreements in the first half of the year, underscoring its commitment to expanding its global footprint.
A pivotal moment in Sonesta’s history was its 2021 merger with Red Lion Hotels and the subsequent expansion of franchising across its portfolio. This strategic move enabled Sonesta to consolidate booking operations through Sonesta.com, seamlessly integrating Red Lion Hotels, Signature Inn, Americas Best Value Inn, and Canadas Best Value Inn under the "By Sonesta" banner. The result is a more cohesive and user-friendly platform for guests across multiple brands.
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island
The award-winning loyalty program, Sonesta Travel Pass, has also seen remarkable growth. With nearly 8 million members, it ranks among the top three Best Hotel Loyalty Programs by USA TODAY. The four-tier program offers members accelerated elite status and valuable benefits, including complimentary nights, early check-in/late checkout, daily breakfast, room upgrades, Wi-Fi, member-only rates, and bonus points on stays. Points earned at over 1,100 properties worldwide can be redeemed for free nights, typically ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 points depending on location and room type. Recent initiatives, such as a partnership with Rolling Stone for live events and exclusive experiences at select Sonesta locations, further enhance member engagement.
Sonesta is also making substantial investments in property renovations. Over three years, the company has committed $600 million to upgrade its managed hotels, with $213 million specifically allocated for improvements at eight Royal Sonesta and Sonesta Hotel & Resort properties. Flagship renovations include the Royal Sonesta Kauaʻi Resort, which completed a multi-year transformation blending luxury with island heritage; Sonesta Los Angeles Airport (LAX), which completed a $42 million overhaul refreshing the 620 room hotel; and the Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island, with 340 upgraded guest rooms completed last year and additional enhancements—including a new adult swimming pool and enhanced dining and retail spaces—completed in 2025. Other recent renovations include the Sonesta ES Suites Torrance–Redondo Beach, Sonesta ES Suites Dulles Airport, Sonesta ES Suites San Jose Airport, Sonesta ES Suites San Antonio Downtown Alamo Plaza, Sonesta Select Dallas Richardson, Sonesta ES Suites Orlando–International Drive, Sonesta ES Suites Sunnyvale, featuring modernized suites, swimming pools, fitness centers, and public spaces.
Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX
Sonesta’s international growth strategy is further bolstered by strategic alliances and franchise agreements. This includes a new partnership with AKEN Hotels & Resorts LLC to expand Sonesta’s reach across South America and the Caribbean and the extension of the Master Franchise Agreement with GHL Hoteles through 2034, covering Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, and Argentina. Additionally, two new construction projects in the Dominican Republic will introduce The James, The Royal Sonesta, and Sonesta ES Suites hotels, opening in 2026 and beyond.
To receive 5% off BAR at all Sonesta properties worldwide, book with chain code SN using the TSA rate code in the GDS or the TRAVELSAVERS rates in tripXpress.
Photo information:
Banner photo: The Royal Sonesta Kauai
