Franopolis

    The James

    Franchise research report · reviewed 2026 disclosure data

    Researching The James franchise opportunities? Every figure below is cited to the FDD.

    Reviewed sources

    The James is Sonesta’s upper-upscale lifestyle hotel brand, developed for boutique hotels in urban and resort destinations. Its guests are travelers seeking full-service hotel accommodations and destination-based dining and experiences.

    Headline figures

    The James quick facts

    How much does it cost to open a The James franchise?
    The The James Franchise Disclosure Document reports separate estimated initial investments by format: $3,165,107–$158,220,099 for conversion only (conversion total $) (2026 FDD, Item 7, PDF p. 38); $86,066,578–$158,220,099 for newconstruction total $ (2026 FDD, Item 7, PDF p. 38). These formats are not combined. Each is the franchisor's disclosed estimate, not a quote. Details
    What ongoing fees does The James charge?
    The disclosed ongoing royalty is 5% (2026 FDD, Item 6, PDF p. 24). Other recurring fees are listed in Item 6. Details
    Does The James disclose financial performance (Item 19)?
    No. The reviewed The James FDD states that it does not make a financial performance representation in Item 19. Details
    Is The James a good franchise to buy?
    Franopolis does not rate or recommend franchises. From the reviewed FDD: Item 19 makes no financial performance representation, so ask current owners about results; Item 20 lists outlet openings, closures and transfers; Item 6 lists every recurring fee beyond royalty; Item 20 also lists current and former franchisees you can contact. Review the full FDD with a franchise attorney and accountant before deciding.

    From reviewed FDD figures only. Not a recommendation or projection.

    What the disclosures show

    1. 1The 2026 FDD (Item 7) estimates opening costs separately by format: $3,165,107 – $158,220,099 (Conversion TOTAL $); $86,066,578 – $158,220,099 (Newconstruction TOTAL $); several initial fee options apply.
    2. 2The franchisor makes no financial performance representation in Item 19.

    From reviewed FDD figures only. Not a recommendation or projection.

    Costs · Items 5–7

    What does it cost to open?

    Estimated opening costs and the fees payable to the franchisor.

    Startup Investment — Item 7

    Range across 2 single-unit formats

    2026 FDD · Item 7

    Formats disclosed in Item 7 (2)

    Each format has its own total. The total depends on the format you choose.

    • Conversion TOTAL $PDF p. 38$3,165,107 – $158,220,099
    • Newconstruction TOTAL $PDF p. 38$86,066,578 – $158,220,099

    Ongoing Fees — Item 6

    Selected recurring charges; payment bases and conditions remain attached to each fee.

    General Royalty — 5%Main ongoing fee

    96 reported fees, each with its payment basis, are listed below; they haven't been sorted into recurring, initial and occasional groups yet.

    Financial Performance — Item 19

    What results are disclosed—and for which locations?

    No financial performance representation in Item 19

    The reviewed 2026 FDD for The James has no Item 19 figures on record. Franopolis does not estimate revenue or earnings in their place; ask the franchisor and current owners what unit-level information they can share.

    Outlet Changes — Item 20

    How has the outlet count changed?

    Coverage not stated in the reviewed record · counts as of year end of each year.

    2026 FDD · Item 20 ·

    Questions to investigate

    Prompts based on what this brand's reviewed disclosures do and don't show — not conclusions. Join free as a member to save questions to your research.

    For the franchisor

    • Which line items in the 2026 Item 7 estimate ($3,165,107 – $158,220,099) vary most by market, and why?

    • Which initial fee option would apply to my situation, and what conditions or discounts affect it?

    • The James reports no financial performance figures in Item 19. What information can you share about unit-level results?

    • Is a territory available in my area, and how is it defined in my agreement?

    For current and former owners

    • How did your actual startup costs and timeline compare with the Item 7 estimate?

    • How many hours a week do you work in the business, and in what role?

    • What support from the franchisor has been most and least useful?

    For your advisors

    • Ask a franchise attorney to review the territory, renewal, transfer and termination terms.

    • Ask an accountant to build a cash-flow plan using your own assumptions, not the franchisor's.

    Sources & vintage history

    Every displayed fact is retained with its disclosure vintage, item, page, and reviewed status. Prior vintages remain on file rather than being overwritten.

    Territory & operations

    These are contract disclosures, not confirmation that any territory is currently available.

    Legal & agreement

    Franchisor financial statements

    Fiscal yearMeasureReported value
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$10,218
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$2,028
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$20,615
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$19,680
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$36,987
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$4,726
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$2,726
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$593
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$8,470
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$716
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$29,117
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$535
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$12,613
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$43,216
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$51,686
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$17,369
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$122,224
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$17,437
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$30,295
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$1,172
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$54,425
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$4,062
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$58,487
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$29,209
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$32,683
    2025rlhc 2025 hotel operations expense$4,240
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$501
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$8,146
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$7,693
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$3,860
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$8,005
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$5,131
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$11,111
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$905
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$396
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$6,039
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$17,722
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$1,082
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$15
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$21,883
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$3,094
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$198
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$15,070
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$1,216
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$122,224
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$235
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$16,410
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$41,698
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$425
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$70,538
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$66,633
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$87,652
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$5,521
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$2,407
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$683
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$7,463
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$230
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$110
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$1,067
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$16,410
    2025rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$13,316
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$9,258
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$4,632
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$1,178
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$20,884
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$1,686
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$19,680
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$30,308
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$100,942
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$4,202
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$581
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$7,132
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$235
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$139
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$15,579
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$22,711
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$87,652
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$78,231
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$15,110
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$24,752
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$100,942
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$6,463
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$46,474
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$4,577
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$24,543
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$489
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$54,595
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$3,544
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$921
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$153
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$2,776
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$137
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$2,913
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$192
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$3,111
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$706
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$19,498
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$434
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$139
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$22,170
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$735
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$14
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$733
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$24,437
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$37,753
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$13,316
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$102
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$13,316
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$51,051
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$27,206
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$1,481
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$868
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$1,218
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$7,234
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$149
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$6,753
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$9,676
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$5,383
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$24,180
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$1,112
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$1,514
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$893
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$1,534
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$12
    2024rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$25,464,899
    2023rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$21,364
    2023rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$6,231
    2023rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$10,574
    2023rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$55,566
    2023rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$25,288
    2023rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$9,105
    2023rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$1,691
    2023rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$989
    2023rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$440
    2023rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$160
    2023rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$8
    2023rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$1,581
    2023rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$1,477
    2023rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$396
    2023rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$1,497
    2023rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$1
    2023rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$1,819
    2023rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$9,440
    2023rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$2,777
    2023rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$433
    2023rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$550
    2023rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$39
    2023rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$38,420
    2023rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$8,768
    2023rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$1,491
    2023rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$37,753
    2023rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$17,139
    2023rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$258
    2023rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$44,992
    2023rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$54,577
    2023rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$18,493
    2023rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$104
    2023rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$10,926
    2023rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$942
    2023rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$414
    2023rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$436
    2023rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$38,264
    2023rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$36,262
    2022rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$25,464,899
    2022rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$255
    2022rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$87,652
    2022rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$79,667
    2022rlhc consolidatedMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$8,240

    These figures describe the franchisor company, not individual franchise locations.

    SBA-backed loans to franchisees

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    Source: U.S. Small Business Administration 7(a) & 504 FOIA data. Loan volume is not a measure of franchisee success.

    Related research

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    Head-to-head comparisons

    The James vs Americas Best Value InnThe James vs Apartments by Marriott BonvoyThe James vs Candlewood SuitesThe James vs Choice Hotels InternationalThe James vs Courtyard By MarriottThe James vs Hyatt House Hotels
    Compare reviewed facts

    At a glance

    Business history

    Not reviewed

    Owner participation

    Not reviewed

    Territory language

    Litigation disclosure

    Not reviewed

    Bankruptcy disclosure

    Not reviewed

    Agreement term

    Not reviewed

    Independent analysis of franchisor-provided data. Not investment advice. Franopolis does not distribute FDDs.