What is Sonder?

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How it works

Sonder partners with real estate developers and property owners to secure long-term leases on residential units, often entire floors or whole buildings. The company then curates the interior design, furnishing each apartment with its signature aesthetic and a standardized set of amenities.

Guests book these properties through Sonder's website, mobile app, or on major Online Travel Agencies (OTAs). The entire guest journey, from booking and keyless entry to requesting services, is managed digitally, creating a seamless, tech-forward hospitality experience.

Why it matters

Sonder represents a key trend in the convergence of the hotel and vacation rental industries. Its model provides travelers with the consistency and quality assurance of a hotel brand alongside the space and comfort of a private apartment.

This hybrid approach has raised consumer expectations for quality and service in the short-term rental market and has influenced the professionalization of the sector.

Examples

• A corporate traveler books a one-bedroom Sonder in New York for a two-week project, using the full kitchen to prepare meals and the dedicated workspace to stay productive.
• A family on vacation in Rome chooses a two-bedroom Sonder apartment, providing them with more space and the ability to do laundry, which is more convenient than staying in adjoining hotel rooms.
• For a weekend getaway, a couple selects a stylish Sonder studio in a trendy Montreal neighborhood, attracted by the consistent design quality and the security of a professionally managed property.
• A group of friends reserves a three-bedroom Sonder in Dubai, allowing them to stay together in a single, well-appointed space with access to 24/7 digital concierge services through the Sonder app.