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US: Short-term lodging company Sonder has announced that it is expanding its footprint in Orlando with the opening of two properties, bringing its portfolio to a total of four properties in the metro area.
Sonder claims its new resort-style properties – Sonder Vista Cay and Sonder at The Point – will complement its boutique-style location, the Sonder Wellborn, and its multifamily property in downtown Orlando, Sonder at Steelhouse.
Khalil Anjarwala, general manager of Sonder Orlando, said: “We’re pleased to expand our portfolio in Orlando with the launch of Vista Cay and The Point, bringing our footprint to a total of four fantastic buildings across the city. From boutique-style properties to resort-like buildings with pools and onsite restaurants, travellers who stay with Sonder in Orlando can choose from a variety of options to meet their needs.
“We look forward to providing a comfortable home base for the modern traveller to explore this top travel destination,” he added.
Located between Universal Studios and Disney World and in close proximity to the Convention Center and International Drive, Sonder Vista Cay will cater to both family and business travellers.
Most spaces have three bedrooms, including a living room and balcony, and all have in-unit laundry and a fully-equipped kitchen. Amenities include resort pools, a clubhouse and media room, a fitness centre, shops, a restaurant, and a BBQ grill area.
Sonder at The Point is a condo-hotel, with a resort-style pool and cabana bar, a fitness centre, a restaurant, and a meeting space — and each unit offers a kitchen.
Monica Mendez at Buena Vida Homes said: “At Buena Vida Homes, we’re focused on both providing a beautiful destination for travellers while ensuring long-term stability as an investor. Partnering with Sonder, an organisation with proven expertise in hospitality operations and property management, we are now more confident than ever in our combined ability to deliver on that vision.”
The startup is seeking to build on its expansion in Orlando and continue its international growth plans beyond its current 35-city footprint.
In April, it was announced that Sonder had entered into a definitive agreement with special purpose acquisition company [SPAC] Gores Metropoulos II, sponsored by an affiliate of The Gores Group, to go public via a merger.
The combined technology-driven hospitality company is expected to have a pro forma enterprise value of $2.2 billion and over $700 million of net cash at closing, as well as raise $650 million in cash proceeds from Gores Metropoulos II before expenses.
The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2021.
