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Marriott and Sonder's Breakup: Who's REALLY Surprised?
So, Marriott and Sonder are done. Kaput. Finished. And the geniuses over at Marriott are acting like this is some huge shock? Give me a break.
Let's be real, this whole partnership smelled fishy from the get-go. A "boutique hotel" chain that's basically glorified Airbnb meets Ikea showroom? Yeah, that screams "Marriott quality" alright. I'm sure the Bonvoy members who blew their points on that "experience" are thrilled.
And the press release? "Due to Sonder's default." Real specific, guys. Real transparent. What, did Sonder run out of Helvetica fonts for their minimalist wall art? Or did someone finally realize that "affordable price points" and "quality hotel experience" are mutually exclusive?
Sonder's "Default": A Convenient Excuse?
Look, I'm not saying Marriott is blameless here. They jumped into bed with Sonder knowing damn well what they were getting into. It's like buying a knock-off Rolex from a guy in a trench coat and then acting surprised when it falls apart after a week. Did they seriously think Sonder was going to magically transform into the Ritz-Carlton overnight?
The article states, "Marriott will be contacting guests who booked directly through Marriott channels." Oh, how generous of them. I can picture the poor customer service reps now, fielding calls from angry travelers who are stranded with reservations at places that probably don't even have mini-shampoos, let alone a concierge. I feel bad for them, I really do.
And what about the folks who booked through third-party agencies? "Contact the booking organization directly." Translation: "Good luck, suckers! You're on your own."
Bonvoy Points: Now Even More Worthless?
TPG's own Katie Genter actually stayed at a Sonder property and lived to tell the tale. She even got her elite night credits and points! Lucky her. But seriously, this whole thing just highlights how devalued Marriott Bonvoy points have become. You used to be able to score amazing stays at luxury resorts. Now, you're scraping the bottom of the barrel, using them for glorified hostels.
It's like using a platinum credit card to buy a pack of gum. Sure, you can do it, but why would you want to?
This whole situation begs the question: what the hell is Marriott even doing anymore? They're launching new brands left and right, partnering with every Tom, Dick, and Harry with a spare room, and the quality is tanking. Are they just trying to become the McDonald's of the hotel industry? Quantity over quality? It sure seems like it.
Offcourse, Marriott claims they are "prioritizing supporting its guests." But actions speak louder than press releases. And right now, all I'm seeing is a company scrambling to cover its ass after making a terrible decision. Marriott announces termination of partnership with Sonder.
Then again, maybe I'm just being cynical. Maybe Sonder really did just spontaneously combust or something. Nah, who am I kidding?
So, What's the Real Story?
This whole thing is a joke. Marriott knew what they were getting into, Sonder was probably a disaster from day one, and the Bonvoy members are, as always, the ones who get screwed. I'm not even sure who to blame more at this point. Either way, I ain't holding my breath for a happy ending.