Thousands Left Stranded Worldwide as Marriott's Partner Sonder Files for Bankruptcy: Guests Forced Out Mid-Stay

Outraged hotel guests report being forcibly removed from their accommodations

Numerous travelers were suddenly evicted from their hotel rooms following Sonder's unexpected bankruptcy filing, a partner company of Marriott. The short-term rental organization, which maintained a partnership with Marriott, declared it would cease operations and initiate Chapter 7 liquidation proceedings, causing thousands of guests worldwide to find themselves without accommodation. According to Business Insider, affected visitors shared their distressing experiences across social media platforms, detailing how they received minimal advance warning to vacate their rooms, with some discovering their belongings had been packed and placed in hallways.

Guests received notification via email or notes slipped under their doors, directing them to depart within hours. Many were forced to secure alternative accommodations at premium rates, resulting in substantial additional expenses.

What transpired?

Sonder, previously a $1 billion startup regarded as an Airbnb competitor, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on Monday after Marriott International terminated its licensing agreement, resulting in immediate operational shutdown. Unlike Airbnb's business model, Sonder maintained ownership and management of its properties rather than simply listing rentals.

A representative from Marriott indicated that the company is engaging with impacted guests to assist them in finding alternative accommodations at other Marriott properties and processing refunds for bookings made through Marriott channels.

The Consequences

In the aftermath of the company's downfall, numerous customers who had secured Marriott stays through Sonder were unexpectedly forced to vacate their accommodations. The closure affected guests mid-stay at various Sonder properties globally, including locations in London, Boston, Montreal, and New York City. Many received less than 24 hours' notice to depart, while some returned to discover their possessions packed into plastic bags or deposited in hallways.

Guests at a New York City hotel encountered a shocking announcement attached to elevator doors, instructing them to check out by 9am local time on Monday, November 10. The notice stated: "Sonder's licensing agreement with Marriott International Inc is no longer in effect. As a result, Sonder is no longer able to honour the remainder of your stay. We urge you to vacate the premises as soon as possible but no later than 9am local time on Monday, November 10 as your access to your room may be restricted at this time."

One social media user wrote: "Trying to maintain my composure while dragging my luggage down the street after Marriott Hotels & Sonder Hotels broke up with each other on a random Sunday and told us to get the f**k out of the hotel room we had booked for another three nights in Montreal."

"I'm basically homeless": Travelers say they were left "on the street" after Marriott and Sonder abruptly split https://t.co/JAplAHBQOU pic.twitter.com/xSZHk9QVgZ

— The Daily Dot (@dailydot) November 11, 2025

Another commented, "Sickening. Marriott did Sonder and its guests DIRTY. Cancelling a guest's reservation/stay is a cardinal sin in this business. Stranding guests in 40 countries simultaneously? Horrible way to handle this situation. Heartless to the company, its employees and customers."