Sonder Shutters Philly Hotels After Marriott Terminates Partnership

Many rental properties in Philadelphia have shut their doors after Sonder announced it would cease operations. The abrupt closure came on November 10, 2025, the same day Marriott International terminated its licensing agreement with Sonder. The partnership aimed to enhance the booking experience for customers by integrating their systems. However, Marriott revealed that Sonder had defaulted, leading to the immediate cessation of bookings at its properties.

Sonder’s Financial Woes

The San Francisco-based company cited “prolonged challenges” during its integration with Marriott as a significant factor in its financial struggles. Sonder announced plans to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which involves liquidating its assets. This indicates that the company is aiming to close its U.S. operations definitively.

Impacted Properties in Philadelphia

While specific details about the affected Philadelphia properties remain unclear, travelers reported immediacy in closures. As of November 10, TripAdvisor listed several Sonder locations in the city:

• The Arco, 1234 Locust St.
• Sonder The Witherspoon Apartments Center City, 130 S. Juniper St.
• The Queen Hotel Queen Village, 628 S. Fifth St.
• The Edison, 312 N. Second St.

Guests at The Witherspoon were given only 24 hours to vacate the premises, as reported by 6ABC. Future guests were advised to contact Marriott for refunds, as Sonder’s website no longer listed any available properties.

Guest Experiences

Reports from travelers highlighted chaotic scenes in various locations. One individual shared her experience of needing to leave a Sonder property in New York City by 9 a.m. on the same day of the closure. “People were scrambling to leave before they locked down the building,” she recalled.

Statements from Leadership

Janice Spears, Sonder’s interim CEO, expressed disappointment in the company’s decision to liquidate. She noted significant integration issues with Marriott, which led to unexpected costs and a drop in revenue from participation in the Marriott Bonvoy reservation system.

The closure of Sonder properties in Philadelphia underscores the uncertainty in the short-term rental market and the challenges faced by companies attempting to establish themselves against established players like Airbnb. As this situation unfolds, both current and future guests are left seeking alternative accommodations.