BETHESDA, Md. — Travelers who enjoyed booking Sonder’s design-centric apartments through Marriott International’s channels will soon need to make alternative plans. Marriott has terminated its commercial collaboration with the San-Francisco-founded lodging brand, according to a press release by Marriott International. The decision brings an end to a relationship that let Marriott Bonvoy members reserve select Sonder units under the same umbrella through which they book traditional Marriott hotels.
What the partnership once offered
Under the now-concluded arrangement, select Sonder properties were made available on Marriott’s direct website and mobile app alongside thousands of hotels, resorts and vacation rentals. For guests, the collaboration meant:
- Ability to earn or redeem Marriott Bonvoy loyalty points when staying in approved Sonder units.
- Streamlined booking with Marriott’s familiar interface, including bundled reservations that combined Sonder apartments and Marriott hotels on the same itinerary.
- Centralized customer support accessed through Marriott’s global reservation centers.
The press release did not specify how many Sonder listings were involved, nor did it clarify which global markets saw the deepest level of cooperation. Still, major cities across North America and Europe—where Sonder concentrates its inventory of fully furnished studios and multi-bedroom apartments—were widely understood to be represented.
Why Marriott is walking away
Marriott provided few details about the rationale behind its decision. “We continually evaluate ways to deliver the strongest value proposition for our travelers,” a company spokesperson said in the brief statement. No operational or financial metrics accompanied the announcement, and Marriott did not reference performance benchmarks, guest-satisfaction scores or strategic redirection as factors. Several hospitality analysts not connected to the press release have noted that Marriott’s own home-and-villa distribution program has rapidly expanded. By focusing on professionally managed vacation rentals vetted through stringent standards, the company may be emphasizing inventory it directly curates rather than relying on third-party operators. Marriott did not comment on whether that shift played a role.
What happens to existing bookings
Travelers who already reserved a Sonder unit through Marriott should expect their stays to be honored. The press release stated that any existing reservation will remain valid under originally confirmed terms, though all future modifications or customer-service requests will move to Sonder’s support channels once the partnership officially sunsets. Specific cut-off dates and cancellation-policy details were not spelled out.
Steps to take if you have an upcoming Sonder stay booked through Marriott
- Check your confirmation email for the eight-character Marriott reservation code; keep it handy if you need to reference your booking.
- Monitor both your Marriott and Sonder inboxes for transition messages outlining who to contact for changes.
- Screenshot loyalty-point calculations, especially if you planned to earn or redeem Bonvoy points, so you have a record should discrepancies arise.
- If you are worried about a potential gap in customer support, add Sonder’s dedicated guest-service number to your phone before departure.
Implications for Marriott Bonvoy members
Because the partnership contributed an alternative accommodation style to Marriott’s portfolio, the termination narrows the variety of inventory available for point redemptions. That said, Marriott still offers thousands of home-and-villa listings and an ever-expanding assortment of all-inclusive resorts. Travelers loyal to the program can:
- Redeem points for Upscale and Luxury Collection vacation homes in beach and mountain destinations.
- Earn points through traditional hotel stays, car rentals and co-branded credit-card spending.
- Take advantage of “PointSavers” promotions that drop required redemption thresholds during promotional windows.
How Sonder will move forward
The San Francisco company built its reputation on modern, design-driven apartments powered by a mobile-first guest journey. Although Marriott will no longer distribute its rooms, Sonder still lists its inventory on its own website, through several global online travel agencies and via corporate travel platforms. Guests who appreciate Sonder’s seamless digital check-in, keyless entry and 24-hour in-app concierge can continue to book directly.
Tips for Travelers
- Double-check loyalty perks. If you were counting on earning Marriott Bonvoy points from a future Sonder stay, confirm whether the booking will still qualify under updated rules.
- Compare total costs. Sonder often adds a housekeeping or service fee to nightly room rates. Against Marriott’s transparent “total price” display, verify the final amount before switching platforms.
- Know your cancellation window. Sonder’s flexible—or sometimes stringent—policies vary by city and unit. Read fine print to avoid surprise penalties.
- Leverage travel insurance. If you booked non-refundable segments, check whether your credit card or standalone policy covers unexpected changes stemming from distribution shifts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still earn Marriott points on a reservation I already made?
Yes, as long as your stay was booked before the partnership officially ends. After that date, bookings made directly with Sonder or third-party agents will not earn Marriott Bonvoy credit.
Will my status benefits apply at Sonder?
Upgrades, late checkout and welcome-gift entitlements extended to elite Bonvoy tiers were never guaranteed at Sonder, even during the partnership. The termination does not change that policy.
Is Sonder leaving other hotel partnerships?
The press release addressed only the Marriott agreement. Sonder did not announce any additional distribution changes at this time.
Where can I find similar apartment-style accommodations within the Marriott ecosystem?
Marriott’s own Homes & Villas program offers entire properties—ranging from city lofts to beachfront estates—that meet strict safety, cleanliness and amenity standards. These units earn and redeem Bonvoy points and come with dedicated customer support.
What if I need to change my reservation after the partnership ends?
Your reservation data will migrate to Sonder’s internal system. Marriott’s agents will direct you to Sonder for date changes, guest-name updates or special requests.
The road ahead
For frequent travelers, the takeaway is clear: consolidate upcoming itineraries now, confirm loyalty benefits and familiarize yourself with each brand’s distinct customer-service apparatus. In a marketplace where hotel groups and alternative-accommodation players routinely recalibrate alliances, flexibility remains a practical advantage. Marriott’s decision underscores the fluid nature of distribution strategies in hospitality—meaning that, while today’s options might vanish, new cross-brand collaborations could emerge tomorrow. — Source: Marriott International press release
