For years, Sonder seemed unstoppable. A Silicon Valley–backed hospitality darling, sleek marketing, turnkey “hotel-like” stays, and a growing partnership with Marriott. Many believed this tech-driven model was the future of travel.
Then, almost overnight, the story changed.
Guests reported being stranded. Marriott abruptly severed its agreement. Employees described chaos behind the scenes. And finally, Sonder announced it was shutting down.
What Went Wrong?
Sonder’s rise — and fall — reveals a powerful truth about hospitality:
Growth without grounding is a fragile business.
Sonder expanded by signing massive, long-term leases on entire buildings. The model worked only if occupancy stayed high and costs remained low. But when demand softened and expenses rose, their fixed obligations became impossible to carry.
Service quality slipped. Safety concerns emerged. Marriott pulled out.
The collapse was swift.
The Lesson for Homeowners
Behind Sonder’s fall is a simple miscalculation:
Hospitality isn’t built on scale. It’s built on stewardship.
And that’s where a very different kind of property management company is leading the future right here in New England.
Why The 5-Star Co-Host Thrives Where Others Fail
In markets like Scituate, Cape Cod, and Sunday River, The 5-Star Co-Host has grown into the region’s most trusted short-term rental property management company by doing the opposite of Sonder.
1. Every Home Is Its Own Business
Your home isn’t a “unit.”
It’s a unique business with unique goals.
We build custom strategies for every property, ensuring maximum revenue, national-level hospitality standards, and a personalized owner experience.
2. Hospitality Built on Three Pillars
We focus obsessively on the three experiences that matter most:
- Owner experience — transparent communication and real partnership
- Team experience — empowered people create better service
- Guest experience — beautifully maintained homes, thoughtful touches, and local expertise
Together, these support our mission:
“Enjoyable homes for everyone.”
3. Local Expertise, Not Overextended Growth
Unlike national chains chasing scale, we operate with deep roots and deep knowledge in the communities we serve — Scituate’s coastline, Cape Cod’s vacation culture, and Sunday River’s four-season adventure market.
This local stewardship protects the homeowner, elevates the guest stay, and preserves the long-term value of your property.