Jacksonville, December 2, 2025
The Sonesta Simply Suites hotel in Jacksonville, Florida, has been sold for nearly $4 million as part of Service Properties Trust’s strategy to divest 114 hotels. The buyer, a Michigan-based hotel operator, plans to expand its presence in the region with similar acquisitions. This sale highlights the resilience of the Jacksonville hotel sector and reflects a broader strategy by Service Properties Trust to improve its financial health by reducing debt. The extended-stay accommodations market continues to grow, appealing to both business travelers and families.
Sonesta Simply Suites Jacksonville Sold for Nearly $4 Million
Strategic Sale Highlights Hotel Sector Resilience in Jacksonville
Jacksonville, Florida – In a significant move reflecting ongoing shifts in the hospitality sector, the Sonesta Simply Suites extended-stay hotel in Jacksonville’s Southside neighborhood has been sold for nearly $4 million. This transaction is part of a broader strategy by Service Properties Trust (SVC) to divest 114 hotels, including 39 Sonesta Simply Suites properties. This strategy is designed to reduce debt and refocus the company’s offerings, setting the stage for enhanced financial health.
The buyer, a Michigan-based hotel owner/operator, has not only acquired the Sonesta Simply Suites Jacksonville property, a 94-room extended-stay venue, but has also secured multiple assets in the region. This includes two other properties: the Sonesta Simply Suites Detroit – Novi and the Sonesta Select Detroit – Auburn Hills. This acquisition indicates a commitment to expanding operations and capitalizing on opportunities within the hotel sector.
Strategic Realignment by Service Properties Trust
As part of SVC’s strategic realignment, the company is slated to sell a total of 121 hotels, representing nearly 16,000 rooms, by 2025. With anticipated gross proceeds of $959 million, the funds from these sales will be utilized for debt repayment, specifically addressing SVC’s February 2027 senior unsecured notes. This decision reflects a prudent approach to financial management that could benefit investors and stakeholders alike.
Growth Opportunities for Sonesta International Hotels
Meanwhile, Sonesta International Hotels Corporation, which manages the Sonesta Simply Suites brand, is actively expanding its franchise portfolio. In the third quarter of 2024, Sonesta executed 30 new franchise agreements across seven of its 13 brands, adding nearly 2,150 keys to its pipeline. This growth in franchise agreements underscores Sonesta’s focus on enhancing its market presence and commitment to serving diverse guest needs.
The Appeal of Extended-Stay Accommodations
The Sonesta Simply Suites brand is specifically tailored for longer-term lodging, addressing a growing demand for extended-stay accommodations. The Jacksonville property’s amenities, such as fully equipped kitchens and spacious living areas, cater effectively to business travelers and families looking for a home-away-from-home atmosphere. This unique appeal positions Sonesta Simply Suites as a valuable player in the extended-stay market, especially in vibrant regions like Jacksonville.
Economic Implications for Jacksonville
As local entrepreneurs continue to navigate through changing market conditions, the sale of the Sonesta Simply Suites stands as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability prevalent in Jacksonville’s business landscape. The healthy demand for extended-stay hotels reflects broader trends in the Duval County economy, where flexibility and innovation are becoming increasingly crucial for success in the hospitality industry.
Conclusion
The sale of the Sonesta Simply Suites in Jacksonville marks both a strategic financial decision for Service Properties Trust and a growing opportunity for Sonesta. As Jacksonville continues to evolve as a key player in Florida’s economy, it is imperative for local businesses and investors to stay engaged and continue supporting entrepreneurial initiatives. The resilience and adaptability demonstrated by local firms will undoubtedly foster a climate of economic growth that benefits all residents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Sonesta Simply Suites brand?
The Sonesta Simply Suites brand offers extended-stay accommodations designed for guests seeking longer-term lodging solutions. Properties typically feature fully equipped kitchens and spacious living areas to cater to the needs of extended-stay guests.
Who acquired the Sonesta Simply Suites Jacksonville property?
A Michigan-based hotel owner/operator acquired the 94-room Sonesta Simply Suites Jacksonville property as part of a broader acquisition of three assets in the region, including the Sonesta Simply Suites Detroit – Novi and the Sonesta Select Detroit – Auburn Hills.
What is Service Properties Trust’s strategy regarding hotel sales?
Service Properties Trust (SVC) plans to sell 121 hotels with nearly 16,000 keys for gross proceeds of $959 million in 2025. The company aims to use these funds to repay debt and concentrate its portfolio on full-service hotels and higher-performing focused-service hotels.
How is Sonesta expanding its franchise portfolio?
In the third quarter of 2024, Sonesta executed 30 new franchise agreements across seven of its 13 brands, adding nearly 2,150 keys to its pipeline. This expansion reflects Sonesta’s commitment to growing its presence in key markets and strengthening relationships with ownership groups.
Key Features of the Sonesta Simply Suites Jacksonville Property
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Southside neighborhood, Jacksonville, Florida |
| Number of Rooms | 94 |
| Property Type | Extended-stay hotel |
| Amenities | Fully equipped kitchens, spacious living areas |
| Acquisition Price | Nearly $4 million |
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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
