Marriott International has terminated its licensing agreement with apartment-style accommodation provider Sonder Holdings and removed all Sonder inventory from its distribution channels due to what it called Sonder's "default”.
In an announcement on Sunday (9 November), Marrott said: "Sonder is no longer affiliated with Marriott Bonvoy, and Sonder properties are not available for new bookings on Marriott's channels.”
Marriott added that its "immediate priority is supporting guests currently staying at Sonder properties and those with upcoming reservations”. Marriott said it would contact guests at Sonder properties directly who booked through Marriott channels.
Some travellers staying at Sonder properties posted on social media channels about communications received from Marriott that their reservations would not be continued after Sunday and they would receive refunds for the balance of their stay.
"Guests who booked through a third-party online travel agency should contact those organisations," said Marriott.
Marriott's sudden termination of the Sonder deal ends a 15-month relationship that was first announced in August 2024 and allowed Sonder's inventory to be booked through Marriott's channels. At the time of the deal, Sonder had a portfolio of 9,000 rooms globally, including properties in London, Paris, Barcelona, Madrid, Milan and Rome.
Sonder later indicated that Marriott had paid $15 million as part of what was set to be a 20-year licensing deal between the companies. All of Sonder’s inventory became available through Marriott channels in June 2025.
Sonder noted in February that it was required to pay Marriott an undisclosed royalty fee as part of the deal.
The end of the deal raises questions about Sonder's ability to continue as an independent company. Sonder in multiple filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has acknowledged "substantial doubt" about its ability to remain a going concern, even with the Marriott deal in place.
Sonder did not immediately return BTN’s request for comment on Marriott’s announcement on Sunday.