Marriott International and Sonder Announce Long-Term Licensing Agreement

Sonder, a company specializing in long-term accommodations, has entered into a long-term strategic licensing agreement with Marriott International, which will see the creation of the Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy collection, amongst other impacts.

Let’s see what this new partnership means for Marriott Bonvoy members and loyalists.

Marriott International and Sonder Announce Long-Term Licensing Agreement

Sonder has entered into a strategic licensing agreement with Marriott International. On paper, it means Sonder will be leveraging Marriott’s global sales, marketing, and loyalty platforms to deliver revenue growth and operating efficiencies.

For Marriott Bonvoy members and loyalists, this means you’ll soon be able to book Sonder properties through Marriott channels under the Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy collection. You’ll also be able to earn and redeem points for Sonder stays.

As for Bonvoy benefits, there’s little information for now. However, if we’re to base them off Marriott’s licensing agreements with MGM International and Design Hotels, we can expect a modified set of benefits. For example, breakfast isn’t an automatic elite benefit at MGM and Design Hotels properties, unlike with most Marriott brands.

Besides, most Sonder properties aren’t conventional hotels and therefore don’t offer a consistent array of amenities and services.

The partnership between Marriott and Sonder will take effect in phases. Before the end of 2024, Sonder expects Marriott to link to the former’s digital platforms, so Marriott Bonvoy members and customers can book Sonder stays, as well as earn and redeem Bonvoy points.

Meanwhile, Sonder’s full integration into the Marriott ecosystem is expected to complete by 2025. By then, Sonder’s 9,000 existing listings, as well as 1,500 additional contracted units will be available through Marriott.

What Is Sonder?

Sonder specializes in long-term accommodations in urban settings. While it’s similar to Airbnb in some ways, Sonder has one major differentiator: it manages the accommodations it offers.

As described by Vice, Sonder “hopes to combine the personableness, coziness, and affordable prices of a home share experience with all the professionalism of a hotel.”

Offering premium design-forward spaces, Sonder’s properties may be individual units, specific floors within a building, or entire boutique hotels.

In Toronto alone, Sonder has six listings, while in Montreal, it has eight. In total, it has 9,000 listings in 40+ cities in 10 countries.

Conclusion

Sonder and Marriott International have announced a long-term partnership that will see the former’s properties in 40+ cities listed under the Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy collection.

Under the strategic licensing agreement, Sonder will be leveraging Marriott’s global sales, marketing, and loyalty platforms to drive more revenue opportunities and operating efficiencies.

For Marriott Bonvoy members, this means you’ll soon be able to earn and redeem points at Sonder properties as early as the end of 2024.

We’ll be sure to update when more details are revealed, so stay tuned.