The Sonesta travel brand includes an eclectic collection of international luxury hotels, resorts and cruise ships. With a tiny hotel portfolio relative to major hotel brands (it currently has only ten U.S. hotels, for example), Sonesta is making a push to gain brand awareness by entering a new segment -- the extended stay market.

By acquiring fifteen Staybridge Suites and two Residence Inns, Sonesta is able to jump start its new "ES Suites" brand in the primary markets of Atlanta, Houston and Orlando, in addition to locations in Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina and Ohio. Mike Wohl, operations vice president at Sonesta ES Suites, told HotelNewsNow.com, "We really like the extended stay business. It has matured to the point where it is a solid fundamental market segment on a national scale. It's a proven segment, and we really like the business model."Continue reading...

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