Sonesta Unveils $400 Million Portfolio-Wide Revamp, Elevating Guest Experience Across Key Markets
Sonesta International Hotels has wrapped up a comprehensive $400 million renovation program, revitalizing a significant portion of its managed portfolio across the United States and Canada. The ambitious investment, targeting both full-service resorts and select-service properties, underscores the company's strategic push to modernize its offerings and enhance guest appeal in a competitive post-pandemic travel landscape.
The renovations, spanning major markets, have transformed guest rooms, public spaces, and dining venues. Notable projects include The Benjamin Royal Sonesta New York and The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i Resort, where updates have refreshed rooms and common areas. In a distinctive adaptive-reuse project, Sonesta converted a former government building in Washington, D.C., to open the Royal Sonesta Capitol Hill.
Newly introduced amenities aim to meet modern traveler expectations, featuring smart televisions, enhanced high-speed Wi-Fi, modernized bathrooms, and bedside lighting and charging consoles. At the Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island, the overhaul added in-room kitchenettes to select accommodations, unveiled four new dining concepts, updated meeting spaces, and constructed an adults-only pool.
For its extended-stay and select-service brands, the focus was on practical upgrades: new mattresses, large-screen TVs, and refreshed finishes. Several ES Suites locations now feature "The Focus" co-working spaces, alongside expanded grab-and-go markets and breakfast facilities. Renovations at properties in White Plains, Hilton Head Island, and Los Angeles were recognized with Stella Awards in October 2025.
"This significant capital investment—touching one-third of our managed full-service portfolio—is a direct reflection of our commitment to quality and our confidence in Sonesta's future growth," stated John Murray, President and CEO of Sonesta.
Bridget Rooks, Vice President of Architecture, Design, and Construction, added, "Every redesign was guided by a clear intent: to strengthen each brand's unique identity, drive operational performance, and, above all, place an exceptional guest experience at the core."
The renovation momentum continues, with major projects slated for 2026 at The Royal Sonesta Hotel Boston and The Nautilus Sonesta Hotel Miami Beach. This refresh follows Sonesta's strategic move in October 2025 to transfer management of 18 hotels to its new franchise partner, Laxmi Hotels Group, streamlining its portfolio for focused growth.
Industry Voices
Michael Thorne, Travel Industry Analyst: "Sonesta's synchronized renovation wave is a savvy play. It's not just about new furniture; it's a holistic upgrade of the guest journey, which is critical for brand differentiation and driving rate premium in crowded markets."
Sarah Chen, Frequent Business Traveler: "I stayed at the renovated White Plains location last month. The new co-working space was a game-changer for getting work done, and the room tech actually worked seamlessly. It feels like they listened to what travelers need now."
David Reeves, Hospitality Consultant: "While $400 million is impressive, the real test is ROI. Are these renovations translating to higher occupancy and ADR? In some secondary markets, this level of investment might be a gamble, especially with economic headwinds."
Linda Martinez, Travel Blogger: "Finally! Some of these properties were long overdue for a refresh. It's about time they caught up with the tech standards. That said, I hope they didn't just create another batch of bland, cookie-cutter rooms. Authenticity still matters."