Monday, August 19, 2024 Sonder Holdings a premier global brand specializing in premium, design-centric apartment-style accommodations for the modern traveler, has unveiled a major long-term strategic licensing partnership with Marriott International, This groundbreaking agreement will see over 9,000 existing Sonder units incorporated into the Marriott portfolio by the end of 2024, with an additional 1,500 units slated to join Marriott’s network at future dates. Under this alliance, Sonder’s properties—ranging from apartment-style lodgings to boutique hotels—will be seamlessly integrated into Marriott’s expansive distribution channels and listed on Marriott.com and the Marriott Bonvoy app as part of a new collection titled “Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy.
” Additionally, Sonder properties will participate in the prestigious Marriott Bonvoy travel program, which boasts over 210 million members, and benefit from Marriott’s global sales network. Sonder anticipates full digital integration with Marriott’s platform by 2025, though Marriott.com will feature links to Sonder’s digital channels by the end of 2024 to support booking and loyalty program interactions.
This strategic move is expected to drive significant revenue growth and operational efficiencies for Sonder. “We’re delighted about our strategic agreement with Marriott. Benefitting from the extensive distribution, loyalty program and sales capabilities of a global hospitality leader will help us to prioritize our core value drivers, including our unique guest experience, while unlocking significant opportunities for increased revenue and cost efficiency,” said Francis Davidson, Co-Founder and CEO of Sonder .
“We look forward to welcoming Marriott Bonvoy members to our approximately 200 properties worldwide, creating new opportunities for guests to enjoy Marriott’s award-winning loyalty program. Thank you to all our employees, guests, partners and stakeholders as we launch this exciting new chapter.” “We are excited about this new agreement, which is set to expand our portfolio of longer-stay accommodations in key markets around the world,” said Tim Grisius, Global Officer, M&A, Business Development and Real Estate, Marriott International .
“Marriott has long believed in providing the right product at the right price point for all trip purposes and generations of travelers. With the planned addition of Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy, we will be able to provide guests seeking apartment-style urban accommodations with even more options in the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio.” Sonder has also improved its liquidity by approximately $146 million to support sustained profitable growth and the successful integration with Marriott.
This bolstering of the balance sheet is aimed at ensuring long-term success and operational synergy with Marriott..
