Jerramy Grover's trip to Montreal was meant to be a memorable experience. The Canadiens fan planned to visit in late November with his father, a Montreal native, to watch the Habs play. He booked a suite at a Sonder hotel located downtown, just a short walk from the arena. However, on November 9, Grover received an email from Sonder stating that his reservation could not be honored. The company had filed for bankruptcy protection, leading to the immediate closure of its hotels.

This sudden announcement left Grover and many other guests scrambling to adjust their travel plans. Some were in the middle of their stays when the news broke, causing significant disruption. Sonder, which once operated hotels in over 30 countries, had been facing financial difficulties for several years. Co-founder Francis Davidson later acknowledged these challenges in an interview, revealing that the company’s issues were not unexpected.

Sonder's journey began in Montreal, where it started as a student side project. It quickly grew into a billion-dollar enterprise, competing with major players like Airbnb in the short-term rental market. At its peak, Sonder was valued at $2.3 billion, thanks to its rapid expansion and aggressive leasing strategies. However, these same strategies ultimately contributed to its downfall, as the company struggled to maintain profitability amid rising operational costs and market competition.

The bankruptcy filing has raised questions about the future of the short-term rental industry, particularly for companies that expanded rapidly without a sustainable business model. As Sonder's hotels close, the impact on travelers and the broader market remains to be seen. The company’s rise and fall serve as a cautionary tale about the risks associated with aggressive growth in the hospitality sector.