Sonesta Hotels recently announced several exciting developments: the reinvention of The James; the launch of Sonesta Essential; and its first, travel industry-disrupting campaign, Famous Yet Nameless.

The James

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation announced plans to include The James brand as part of the Sonesta Franchise portfolio in the United States and in Latin America, now on offer to franchisees as a high-end lifestyle option in top urban and resort destination markets. The James Nomad, New York stands as the prototype for future properties, and two The Royal Sonesta properties will reflag later year to The James brand: The Royal Sonesta Chicago River North and The Royal Sonesta Washington DC Dupont Circle.

© Sonesta Hotels

“The James is a lifestyle brand that provides guests with a unique hospitality experience based on high quality services and amenities supported by a timeless design,” said Elizabeth Harlow, chief marketing and brand officer, Sonesta. “The James’ ambiance is locally inspired, influenced by each hotel’s local community to provide each traveler with a memorable guest experience. The James’ hallmark is its commitment to creating an emotional connection with each guest.”

Sonesta Essential
Sonesta Essential follows Sonesta’s philosophy that “the most important part of travel is the thrill of it, being somewhere new or different, even if only for a night.” This new brand offers guests the essentials they need on the road so they can focus on their travel: a comfortable bed, a clean room and amenities that meet their needs.

“The James is all about the modernist lifestyle traveler, while Sonesta Essential will attract the traveler that just wants to get the essentials done right. We are beyond confident that these two new brands will deliver experiences that our guests have told us they want,” said Vera Manoukian, chief operating officer and executive vice president, Sonesta. “Rolling out these new brands this year will be an incredible sign to travelers and the rest of our competitors that Sonesta is offering unique experiences for travelers, while we continue to provide the same excellent service people can expect when they walk into each of our hotels.”

© Sonesta Hotels

Famous Yet Nameless

Sonesta’s new campaign, Famous Yet Nameless, rolls out in four phases, and actress Judy Greer stars in the first phase. The second phase will feature travel and lifestyle influencers like Hannah Ann Sluss, Mada Graviet, Luann Diez, Dayna Bolden and Mary Ralph Lawson.

“I am very thankful to Sonesta for making me their leading lady in their new brand campaign, which historically hasn’t always been the case,” said Greer. “Through this partnership, I’ve discovered Sonesta properties in various cities and have absolutely loved my experience thanks to the amazing service and their attention to detail from check-in to check-out.”