Choosing the right platform to list your property on as a short-term rental can be a crucial decision. Two major players in this space, Sonder vs Airbnb, are often thought to be similar but bring their own unique advantages that may be better suited for certain types of hosts and properties.

This article delves into the key differences and similarities between Sonder and Airbnb, analyzing their features, offerings, and how they cater to different types of travelers. Our aim is to arm you with the knowledge to make an informed decision on which platform aligns best with your goals as a host.

Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!

What is Sonder?

Sonder is a tech-driven hospitality company offering fully serviced apartments worldwide in cities. Unlike traditional hotels, Sonder’s accommodations combine a home’s comfort with a great hotel’s consistency and service.

In short, Sonder sets itself apart from other short-term rental opportunities with the following:

• Consistency: Regardless of the city or specific apartment you book, Sonder ensures a standardized experience. This includes identical check-in processes, reliable Wi-Fi, premium linens, and professional cleaning.

• 24/7 Support: Sonder provides round-the-clock customer service. Whether you need assistance with your booking, have questions about the local area, or run into any issues during your stay, help is just a phone call or email away.

• Flexible Stays: From short trips to extended stays, Sonder accommodates various travel needs. Each Sonder space is designed to feel like home, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking the comforts of home during their stay.

• Local Charm with Hotel Convenience: Sonder properties are often located in unique, locally significant buildings, providing guests with a sense of the city’s character, all while offering the conveniences and dependability of a hotel.

• Digital Interface: Sonder has invested heavily in its app, allowing guests to manage their entire stay, from booking to check-out, directly from their smartphone.

What is Airbnb?

As you likely know, Airbnb is a global online platform connecting hosts who want to rent out their homes with guests looking for accommodations in that locale. It enables unique travel experiences in more than 220 countries and regions worldwide. Here are some of the key characteristics that distinguish Airbnb:

• Diverse Accommodations: Airbnb offers a wide range of accommodations, from single rooms to entire homes, treehouses to castles, giving travelers a multitude of options to choose from based on their preferences and budget.

• Host-Guest Interaction: One of Airbnb’s unique features is the direct interaction between hosts and guests. Hosts can provide local tips and recommendations, adding a personal touch to the guest’s travel experience.

• Easy Booking Process: Airbnb’s user-friendly platform makes it easy for guests to search for, compare, and book accommodations.

• Review System: The platform’s transparent review system allows guests and hosts to rate and review each other, enhancing trust and accountability within the Airbnb community.

• Experiences: Along with accommodation, Airbnb also offers ‘Experiences‘ – unique activities designed and hosted by locals. They provide travelers with the chance to do something new and immerse themselves in the local culture.

• Flexible Stays: Airbnb caters to diverse travel needs, accommodating short trips, long-term stays, and everything in between.

Sonder vs Airbnb: Key Differences

In the realm of vacation rentals, Sonder and Airbnb are recognized names, each presenting a unique blend of offerings. Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison, highlighting the key differences that set these two platforms apart.

Fees

Sonder

Sonder’s pricing is transparent, with all fees included in the listed price. This means that you won’t encounter any hidden charges or additional cleaning fees post-booking. The total cost of your stay is available at the time of booking, providing a clear picture of your expenses.

Airbnb

In contrast, Airbnb’s fee structure is more layered. The total price of an Airbnb stay typically includes the room rate set by the host, a cleaning fee, a service fee, and sometimes additional costs like a security deposit or occupancy taxes. These additional costs might not be immediately visible during the initial search, making the final price often higher than the initially listed price.

However, Airbnb is actively working on improving its interface to include the total price when browsing.

Cancellation policies

Sonder

Sonder offers a variety of cancellation policies depending on the length of your stay. For short stays (less than 14 nights), you can cancel up to three days before check-in for a full refund.

However, for longer stays, the policy can be more restrictive, requiring cancellation at least 30 days in advance for a full refund. If you cancel within 30 days of your scheduled arrival, you will be charged for the first 30 days.

Airbnb

Airbnb’s cancellation policies can vary greatly as the individual host sets them. They range from flexible (full refund up to one day before arrival) to strict (50% refund up until one week prior to arrival, except fees).

Airbnb also offers a ‘Super Strict’ policy for certain hosts, with either 30 or 60-day notice required for a 50% refund. This diversity in policies means travelers need to carefully read and understand the cancellation policy of each listing before booking.

Host protection

Sonder

Sonder prioritizes the quality and integrity of its properties. Therefore, it maintains direct control over all listed properties either through leases or partnerships with property owners.

This model minimizes the risk to property owners as Sonder assumes full responsibility for the maintenance and protection of the property. Sonder also carries a comprehensive insurance policy covering property damage or any liability issues that may arise during a guest’s stay.

Airbnb

Airbnb, on the other hand, offers an AirCover program that provides protection for up to $3,000,000 in damages to covered property in the rare event of guest damage in eligible countries.

However, this is not an insurance policy, and certain types of property, such as cash and securities, collectibles, rare artwork, jewelry, pets, or personal liability, are not covered. Therefore, hosts should review the terms of the program carefully and consider maintaining their own insurance coverage.

Additionally, Airbnb also provides coverage for up to $1,000,000 in the event of a third-party claim of bodily injury or property damage related to an Airbnb stay. This insurance is automatically included at no additional cost when hosts rent their space on Airbnb.

Target audience

Sonder

Sonder, with its consistent, hotel-like standards and amenities, primarily targets travelers who want the comfort and reliability of a hotel combined with the authenticity and spaciousness of a home rental.

It’s a popular choice for business travelers, families, and individuals seeking long-term stays who desire predictability in their accommodations. The transparency in pricing and stringent quality control can be particularly appealing to these demographics.

Airbnb

Airbnb, with its variety of accommodation types and range of prices, caters to a much broader audience. From budget travelers to luxury seekers, from solo adventurers to large families, and from business travelers to those seeking unique, local experiences–Airbnb has something for everyone.

The platform’s appeal lies in its ability to provide a truly local experience, from host interactions to unique ‘Airbnb Experiences,’ attracting those who prioritize cultural immersion in their travels.

Property types

Sonder

Sonder’s property portfolio includes a mix of serviced apartments, boutique hotels, and lofts. All Sonder properties are designed and managed by the company, ensuring consistent quality, cleanliness, and service across all locations.

As a result, guests can expect hotel-like conveniences, including 24/7 guest support, professional cleaning, high-speed Wi-Fi, premium toiletries, and comfortable, modern furnishings.

This uniformity and reliability in property type and service make Sonder a compelling choice for travelers seeking predictability in their accommodation experience.

Airbnb

Airbnb offers diverse property types, from city-center apartments to treehouses in the woods, from beach-front homes to unique accommodations like castles or yurts. The variety of properties on Airbnb is a key differentiator for the platform, reflecting the diverse tastes and preferences of its user base.

Unlike Sonder, the quality and service level of Airbnb accommodations can vary significantly as hosts individually own and manage them. However, Airbnb’s review system allows potential guests to assess the quality of a property and the host’s reliability based on past guests’ experiences.

This diversity and flexibility can make Airbnb a more appealing option for travelers looking for a unique or tailored accommodation experience.

Reviews

Sonder

Sonder operates a centralized review system, with reviews being internally managed. After a guest’s stay, they can leave a review about their experience.

These reviews are essential to Sonder’s quality control process as they provide feedback used to improve service quality continuously.

However, these reviews are private on Sonder’s site (aside from an overall star rating), meaning potential guests can’t base their booking decisions on past guests’ experiences.

Airbnb

In contrast, Airbnb operates a transparent, two-way review system where both guests and hosts can leave reviews after each stay. These reviews are publicly visible and form a critical part of Airbnb’s trust-building mechanism.

Potential guests can read reviews of the property and the host before booking, making informed decisions based on past guests’ experiences. This can help mitigate the risk of inconsistent quality. Additionally, hosts also review guests, promoting respectful use of the properties. This two-way review system fosters a sense of community and mutual respect on the platform.

Potential income

Sonder

For property owners, partnering with Sonder can provide a steady stream of income. Sonder leases properties for a fixed term, often multiple years, ensuring owners receive consistent rent.

This removes the uncertainty of fluctuating occupancy rates and seasonal variations, which are common in traditional vacation rentals. However, the income may not reach the same peak levels as it might when hosting on Airbnb during high-demand periods.

Airbnb

Airbnb hosts have the potential to earn significantly during peak travel seasons or events, with the opportunity to adjust their pricing according to demand. However, this income potential comes with more volatility, as factors such as travel trends, competition, and seasonality can affect occupancy rates.

Furthermore, Airbnb charges a host service fee (generally 3%, but it can be higher) on each booking. Despite these factors, the potential for higher earnings during peak periods can make Airbnb a more lucrative option for those willing to manage the inherent uncertainties.

Final Thoughts

Both Sonder and Airbnb offer unique advantages depending on the traveler’s preferences and needs. Sonder stands out for its consistency, predictability, and appeal to those who value hotel-like amenities and long-term stays.

On the other hand, Airbnb provides a diverse range of accommodations and a unique, community-oriented experience, making it a great choice for travelers seeking cultural immersion and variety in their stays.

For property owners, the decision between Sonder and Airbnb largely depends on their comfort with variability in income and their willingness to manage the property. Ultimately, the “Sonder vs Airbnb” decision is a matter of personal preference, offering compelling features that cater to different travel market segments.

Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!