Sonder and Marriott International sign strategic licensing agreement

To the point Sonder Holdings Inc. and Marriott International team up with a long-term strategic licensing agreement that will see Sonder become part of the Marriott Bonvoy program. Here are the details.

Sonder Bottom Line

Following this agreement, which provides Sonder Holdings Inc. with $146 million in additional liquidity, the lodging company will join the Marriott family. Sonder, which offers premier apartment-style accommodations, will add more than 9,000 units to the Marriott International portfolio by the end of the year, with a further 1,500 units to follow.

These units will be placed under the Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy collection and also integrated into the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. Integration with Marriott’s digital platforms and channels is expected to be complete in 2025, but Marriott Bonvoy members should be able to start booking Sonder units on Marriott’s website as early as late 2024.

This is great news for Marriott Bonvoy members, who will soon be able to take advantage of even more ways to redeem their points. It will soon be possible to :

Earn points on Sonder unit reservations made via Marriott.com
Redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for free nights in Sonder units

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

Shortly after adding the MGM Resorts and City Express brands to the Marriott International portfolio, this new strategic agreement with Sonder will enable Marriott Bonvoy to expand 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!

Sonder

Bottom Line

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