Thu, 13 Nov 2025

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 Guests ejected mid-stay from bankrupt hotel chain Sonder

Sonder guests have complained that they had to leave their accommodation as the firm files for a sudden bankruptcy.
Sonder, a short-term rentals and serviced apartments firm, has gone bankrupt due to financial constraints and the termination of its leasing agreement with Marriott International. The collapse was triggered after Marriott ended its partnership with Sonder, which allowed Sonder rooms to be booked via Marriott's platforms. Guests across the world have been left stranded as Sonder rooms can no longer be booked. Some customers reported difficulties in accessing their rooms or retrieving their belongings due to door codes no longer working. Others expressed frustration at Marriott's handling of the situation and felt betrayed by the company's decision to cut ties with Sonder. Sonder had integrated its systems with Marriott's Bonvoy reservation system, but this integration was delayed due to technical issues. As a result, Sonder experienced significant costs and revenue decline. The firm's interim CEO, Janice Sears, said that a liquidation is now the only viable path forward for the company. Customers who booked through Marriott are being advised to seek refunds from their credit card issuers, while those who booked through third-party platforms are also entitled to refunds. However, some customers have reported difficulty in getting in touch with Sonder or accessing their belongings. Rob Goodwin, a front desk manager at one of Sonder's properties in New York City, lost his job as a result of the company's collapse. He spent 16 hours helping guests find alternative accommodations but was only paid for half that time. Sonder's properties are expected to close, and the firm will seek insolvency proceedings in all territories it operates in.
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