Sonder and Marriott International begin their strategic agreement

Oct 31, 2024

Accommodation Sonder and Marriott International begin their strategic agreement

To the point Sonder Holdings Inc. and Marriott International team up with a long-term strategic licensing agreement that allows Sonder to join the Marriott Bonvoy program. Here are the details.

Sonder Bottom Line

Following the August 2024 agreement to provide Sonder Holdings Inc. with an additional $146 million in cash, the lodging company will join the Marriott family.

Sonder, which offers premier apartment-style accommodations, has now integrated over 9,000 units into the Marriott International portfolio. A further 1,500 units will join in 2025.

Since October 30, 2024, these units have been brought together under the Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy collection and integrated into the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. Integration with Marriott’s digital platforms and channels is scheduled for completion in 2025.

In the meantime, Marriott Bonvoy members can book Sonder units and earn Marriott Bonvoy points with Sonder only. At checkout, they simply enter their Marriott Bonvoy membership number. Point redemptions can only be made by calling Sonder Customer Service.

Once the integration of the 2 companies is complete, everything can be done on the Marriott site.

Marriott Bonvoy points accumulated with a Sonder stay will be :

Sonder Hotels: 10 points / US$1 spent and 1 elite night per eligible night
Sonder apartments: 5 points / US$1 spent and 1 elite night for every 2 eligible nights

At the moment, with a stay in a Sonder accommodation, it is not possible to :

Get the 5th night free with points redemption
Cash + Points option
Use the One-Night Upgrade Certificate or the Free Night Certificate
Use the advantages of Marriott Bonvoy status (welcome gift, late check-out, upgrade on arrival, etc.)

By 2025, these advantages should be accepted with Sonder.

We don’t know if this will cause any changes to Marriott Homes & Villas, which is the Airbnb equivalent of the Marriott International brand, but it looks like Sonder collection by Marriott is joining the hotel brands in the Marriott portfolio instead. After all, brands like Residence Inn and Marriott Apartments already offer apartment-like accommodations.

Sonder

Sonder offers travelers a type of accommodation positioned between the traditional hotel and Airbnb-style short-term accommodation rental. The accommodation is often apartment-style, fully furnished and located in some of the world’s most sought-after neighborhoods and cities.

Here are some of the features of the units that can be booked with Sonder :

Comfort and style: Sonder offers tastefully furnished units to provide all the amenities customers need (kitchen, Wi-Fi connection, toiletries, washer/dryer most of the time), without compromising aesthetics.
Prime location: Sonder’s units are conveniently located in prime city neighborhoods, close to the destination’s main attractions, restaurants and activities.
Customer support combined with autonomy: Unlike a hotel, check-in is done entirely digitally or from a cell phone using the information provided in the reservation. However, Sonder offers a 24/7 support service in case of problems or questions.
Flexible stays: As is the case with Airbnb, it is sometimes possible to benefit from reduced rates for extended stays, an interesting option for nomadic workers, families or expats.

For an example of a stay with Sonder, read our review on this Sonder experience in New Orleans:

Bottom Line

With the addition of the MGM Resorts and City Express brands to the Marriott International portfolio, this new strategic agreement with Sonder enables Marriott Bonvoy to broaden its customer base and meet the needs of travelers looking for modern, stylish apartments. As a nomadic worker, I can’t wait to see the points prices for this type of accommodation, which I’m sure will also make it easier for families to travel with points.

While we’re waiting to book Sonder apartments with our points, it’s a good time to collect the necessary points using Marriott Bonvoy credit cards to unlock welcome offers and enjoy free nights.

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!

Marie-Ève Leclerc

Marie-Ève, Web Director at Milesopedia, is an expert in budget travel and a slow travel enthusiast. Specializing in Aeroplan, Scene+, and Marriott Bonvoy programs, she spends nearly six months a year abroad, making travel her way of life. Constantly seeking the best waves to surf, excellent coffee, and strategies to extend her travels, she is often found in coworking spaces with fellow digital nomads or by the sea, watching the sunset.

All posts by Marie-Ève Leclerc

Sonder

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Marie-Ève Leclerc

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