Sonder (sondercollection.com) launches today to meet the demands of travelers who desire the authenticity of peer-to-peer home rental plus the dependable, elevated services of a hotel. Each hometel is exclusively managed by Sonder and must meet a 237-point checklist before joining the collection. Sonder’s customer support and concierge service are available by email, phone, and Facebook Messenger 24/7, and all guest requests are addressed within minutes. Bookings are instantly confirmed.
“According to a recent travel trends report, of the 16 percent of Americans who have booked a peer-to-peer rental, 40 percent say they still prefer hotels,” said Francis Davidson, Sonder CEO and co-founder. “This data shows that while travelers want an authentic experience, they also demand the dependability and security offered by hotels. Our premise is that there’s no need to choose between an authentic travel experience and dependable customer service and amenities. With Sonder, you can have both.”
Sonder Hometels are located in desirable, often intimate neighborhoods and include houses, condos, apartments, and boats. At launch, Sonder offers more than 500 hometels in six cities in the U.S. (Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Diego) and Canada (Montreal and Vancouver). Miami, New York, San Francisco, and Toronto will be launching later this year.
Services and Amenities
Sonder’s exclusive agreement with each hometel enables the team to manage quality control, providing a more reliable experience for travelers. Every hometel must pass a 237-point checklist to join the Sonder Collection. Neighborhood Guides encourage Sonder travelers to explore, eat, drink, and shop locally.
Sonder’s elevated standards include:
24/7 customer support and concierge service; guest requests answered within minutes
Expertly appointed interiors designed for comfort and style
Professional cleaning between stays
Bathroom toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap, body lotion)
Kitchen basics (pots, pans, plates, full place setting eight or more, microwave, stove, coffee pot, coffee grounds, selection of teas, etc.)
Crisp white linens and towels
Neighborhood Guide (digital and book version available in home)
Fast, reliable, and free Wi-Fi; 10-20 Mbps, which supports up to eight devices
Safety Matters
Sonder provides guests an elevated level of safety thanks to security measures such as keypads and lock boxes that are changed after each stay. A 3-point verification process ensures Sonder guests are trusted travelers.
