Marriott partner ceased operations and evicted guests

Marriott partner ceased operations and evicted guests

 Marriott partner ceased operations and evicted guests
A major player in the hospitality market, Sonder Holdings, filed for bankruptcy. This led to emergency evictions of guests around the world, sometimes carried out in the middle of the night. The partnership with industry giant Marriott International was severed, triggering the crisis.

Initially, Sonder's business model, based on long-term property leases and subsequent furnishings, required significant capital investment. Despite growing revenue, the company's financial losses steadily mounted.

An attempt to rectify the situation was a strategic agreement with Marriott. Sonder properties were planned to be connected to Marriott Bonvoy's extensive reservation system under a new brand. However, the integration was plagued by persistent technical issues, which ultimately led to the termination of the partnership.

Founded in 2014 by Francis Davidson, Sonder positioned itself as a fusion of classic hotel standards and the advantages of Airbnb. Its concept of technology-enabled apartments with a cozy atmosphere quickly gained popularity. Its growth culminated in a 2022 IPO through a SPAC merger, resulting in a market valuation in the billions of dollars.

However, the loss of its main partner deprived Sonder of access to its global customer base and financial resources. This proved fatal for the company. Its stock price plummeted by tens of percent, and its market capitalization fell to rock bottom levels. Acting CEO Janice Sears stated that liquidation was the only remaining option.

This bankruptcy has become one of the most high-profile in the hospitality sector, demonstrating the risks inherent in hybrid digital platforms. Marriott International representatives are refraining from making any public statements regarding the incident.


Photo: Freepik

14.11.2025