A Montreal-founded company that once promised to revolutionize short-term rentals shut down this week, leaving travellers worldwide scrambling for accommodations and marking the end of what was once considered a billion-dollar Airbnb competitor.
Sonder Holdings announced Monday, November 10, 2025 that it would wind down operations immediately and file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, leading to a complete liquidation. The collapse came one day after Marriott International terminated what was supposed to be a 20-year licensing agreement, citing Sonder's financial troubles.
The speed caught everyone off-guard. Patrick M. D'Aoust was celebrating his anniversary at a Sonder property in Montreal when he received an email Sunday afternoon saying he needed to leave by 9 a.m. Monday. CNN reports the staff gave him 10 to 15 minutes to pack.
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