Travel booking apps have become indispensable tools for modern travelers, simplifying the process of booking accommodations and experiences while offering convenience and flexibility. In 2025, a new player in the market, Sonder, is making waves by offering a fresh approach to luxury travel that is quickly positioning itself as a serious competitor to industry giants like Airbnb and Expedia. Known for its sleek design, high-end accommodations, and cutting-edge technology, Sonder is quickly gaining traction with a growing number of users who want an elevated travel experience.
In this article, we will explore how Sonder is reshaping the way people travel, its unique features, and why it’s giving Airbnb and Expedia a run for their money.
What is Sonder?
Sonder is a luxury travel booking platform that offers high-end, short-term rental accommodations. The company was founded in 2012 by Francis Davidson and Nathaniel L. Denny, but it has gained significant attention in recent years due to its rapid growth and its game-changing model. Unlike traditional vacation rental services, Sonder focuses on curating fully serviced, upscale properties that blend the comfort of home with the luxury of a hotel.
Founded in 2014 in Montreal, Canada, and now headquartered in San Francisco, California, Sonder has expanded its operations to over 40 cities across 10 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, the United Arab Emirates, and Morocco.
The app allows travelers to book stylish apartments, private homes, and boutique hotel rooms in top destinations worldwide, all with the assurance of modern amenities and consistent quality. Sonder’s use of technology to streamline the booking process and offer enhanced customer service has made it a standout option in the crowded travel space.
Why Sonder is the Best New Travel Booking App in 2025
In 2025, Sonder is set to disrupt the traditional travel booking landscape with its innovative features that cater to the modern luxury traveler. Here’s why it stands out:
1. High-End Accommodations for the Discerning Traveler
accommodations are specifically designed to cater to the luxury traveler who values style, comfort, and convenience. Unlike Airbnb, which is known for offering a wide variety of properties ranging from budget to premium options, Sonder’s focus is exclusively on luxury homes and apartments. This makes it a go-to platform for travelers seeking high-end, unique, and well-appointed spaces.
Sonder properties are handpicked for their aesthetic appeal and superior amenities. Whether you’re looking for a chic urban apartment in New York, a sleek villa in Los Angeles, or a sophisticated penthouse in Paris, Sonder provides an extensive range of luxurious options.
2. Seamless Technology Integration for Effortless Booking
One of Sonder’s most compelling features is its innovative use of technology to enhance the booking experience. The app itself is designed with an intuitive interface that allows users to quickly browse properties, check availability, and book their stay—all within a few taps. The seamless user experience ensures that customers can easily find exactly what they’re looking for without any hassle.
Sonder also uses cutting-edge tech to offer automated check-ins, keyless entry, and instant communication with customer service. This reduces the friction often associated with checking in at traditional hotels or managing rental properties on Airbnb.
3. Professional Management and Customer Service
Sonder properties are professionally managed by the company’s dedicated team, ensuring consistent quality and high standards across all locations. Unlike Airbnb, where properties can be managed by independent hosts, Sonder offers travelers a guarantee of quality and professional service. This eliminates the uncertainty that can arise from booking through peer-to-peer platforms, making Sonder a reliable choice for those seeking peace of mind during their travels.
From personalized welcome amenities to responsive customer service available 24/7, Sonder goes the extra mile to ensure that every guest’s needs are met. This level of service has become increasingly important to luxury travelers, who expect an elevated experience during their stays.
4. Unique and Stylish Properties
Sonder doesn’t just provide luxury accommodations; it offers unique and stylish properties that allow guests to enjoy an unforgettable travel experience. The company has a keen eye for design and features accommodations with chic, modern interiors that are perfect for Instagram-worthy moments. Whether it’s a minimalistic loft in downtown Chicago or a spacious mansion overlooking the beach, Sonder ensures that each property is carefully curated to create a sense of exclusivity.
5. Personalized Experiences with Sonder’s Concierge Services
In addition to offering luxury accommodations, Sonder provides personalized concierge services to cater to the specific needs of each guest. Whether it’s arranging private tours, booking a reservation at a five-star restaurant, or organizing airport transfers, Sonder ensures that guests enjoy a stress-free and customized travel experience.
This personalized touch sets Sonder apart from competitors like Airbnb and Expedia, which often offer limited concierge services. Sonder’s emphasis on providing tailored experiences has made it a favorite for travelers who want more than just a place to stay—they want an experience that is curated just for them.
6. Competitive Pricing and Transparent Fees
While Sonder offers luxury accommodations, it remains committed to offering competitive pricing. The platform’s pricing structure is transparent, meaning there are no hidden fees or surprise charges when booking. Travelers can see the total cost upfront, which gives them peace of mind and ensures they are getting good value for their money.
Sonder’s transparent pricing and value-for-money proposition make it an attractive alternative to other luxury booking platforms, including Expedia, which often involves additional fees for certain services.
5. Global Reach with a Focus on Top Destinations
Sonder’s portfolio includes properties in major cities and popular travel destinations across the globe. From bustling urban centers like New York, London, and Tokyo to serene beach locales in the Caribbean and Europe like Rome, Sonder provides access to a diverse range of sought-after destinations. Its global reach makes it a convenient choice for travelers planning vacations in top cities around the world.
Sonder vs. Airbnb and Expedia: Why Sonder is Gaining Ground
Sonder’s rise in popularity can be attributed to several key factors that make it a viable competitor to both Airbnb and Expedia. Let’s compare Sonder to these industry giants:
Sonder vs. Airbnb: Focus on Luxury vs. Variety
While Airbnb offers a wide range of accommodations that cater to every type of traveler, Sonder focuses specifically on high-end, professionally managed properties. For travelers seeking luxury and consistency, Sonder provides an experience that Airbnb can’t match.
Airbnb has historically been popular for its variety of properties and the ability to book unique stays, but Sonder elevates this concept by offering meticulously curated, hotel-quality properties in the most desirable locations. Additionally, Sonder’s seamless technology integration and professional management ensure that users receive top-tier service every time.
Sonder vs. Expedia: Personalized Service vs. Mass Appeal
Expedia, a major player in the online travel industry, offers a broad selection of accommodations, flights, and vacation packages. However, it lacks the focus on luxury that Sonder provides. Sonder’s emphasis on creating an exclusive and personalized travel experience sets it apart from Expedia, which is geared toward mass-market travelers.
Sonder’s attention to detail, high-end amenities, and concierge services make it an ideal choice for travelers who want a more intimate and personalized experience, while Expedia’s offerings are often more general and less tailored to individual needs.
How Sonder is Shaping the Future of Travel
As travel trends evolve, so too does the demand for unique, luxurious, and hassle-free travel experiences. Sonder’s combination of professional property management, high-end accommodations, cutting-edge technology, and personalized service has positioned it as a leader in the next generation of travel booking platforms. In 2025, Sonder is not only changing the way we book accommodations but also redefining what it means to experience luxury travel.
Whether you’re planning a business trip, a romantic getaway, or a family vacation, Sonder offers a curated selection of properties that guarantee both comfort and style. As the app continues to grow and expand its portfolio, it is poised to become the preferred choice for travelers seeking an elevated, seamless, and exceptional travel experience.
How Influencers are Helping Sonder Rise in Popularity
As more travelers seek personalized, high-end experiences, influencers are starting to take note of Sonder’s unique offerings. Jaz Turner, a lifestyle YouTuber, shared her experience with Sonder on her channel in 2024. Jaz’s review highlighted the sleek design of the property, the seamless booking process, and the luxury hotel experience she had without the hotel hustle and bussle during her stay.
Conclusion
Sonder is undoubtedly one of the best new travel booking apps of 2025. It offers luxury, convenience, and seamless service that make it a standout choice in the travel industry. With its high-end accommodations, cutting-edge technology, and personalized services, Sonder is challenging Airbnb and Expedia to get the top spot in luxury travel. The attention from influencers only solidifies Sonder’s growing reputation as the app to watch. For travelers seeking exclusive, curated experiences, Sonder is undoubtedly the future of travel booking.
