Core Points - Sonder, a global short-term rental chain, has declared bankruptcy and ceased operations, resulting in the cancellation of thousands of room bookings worldwide, leaving many travelers stranded [1][2] - The company had previously partnered with Marriott International, which ended abruptly due to alleged breaches by Sonder, leading to its immediate shutdown and initiation of Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings in the U.S. [2] - The sudden closure forced guests to vacate their rooms within 24 hours, causing significant distress and confusion among travelers [2][5] Company Overview - Sonder operated thousands of rooms across over 40 cities, positioning itself as a provider of high-end, design-forward apartments and boutique hotels for modern travelers [1] - The company faced severe operational challenges after integrating with Marriott's booking system, which led to a significant drop in revenue and increased costs [2] Customer Impact - Guests reported being abruptly informed to leave their accommodations, with some experiencing issues retrieving their belongings and delays in refunds for canceled bookings [2][5] - The situation has drawn criticism from travel advisors, highlighting the unprecedented nature of a hotel requiring guests to vacate during their stay, which contradicts industry standards [5]