Sonder is a growing accommodation brand that strikes a balance between the world of full-service hotels and the more hands-off approach of vacation rental platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo.

Interestingly, you’ll regularly find Sonder properties listed on vacation rental platforms despite being a competitor. In fact, it is among the largest hosts on Airbnb.

It’s also not uncommon to find hotel rooms listed on vacation rental platforms from time to time, too. But, what is the difference between Sonder and these other offerings — or a hotel room, for that matter?

The primary difference of Sonder versus Airbnb, Vrbo and other vacation rental platforms comes down to the level of service and attention you receive during your stay.

Here’s a look at what a Sonder apartment is like, how it differs from other types of vacation rentals and which option might be right for you.

What is Sonder?

The Canadian-born brand manages short-term rentals, including apartment hotels, in 10 different countries.

A Sonder apartment is very similar to what you might find in a serviced residence, and the brand likes to focus on properties with intriguing interior design over the more mundane. It is a hybrid between hotel and rental unit.

The company owns and manages its properties, which is one stark difference from other vacation rental businesses, where the properties are usually owned by the host.

Sonder registers them as hotels, which is another difference from the way vacation rental platforms typically list properties. Airbnb’s accommodations could be condos, independent houses, design spaces or even unusual places like a treehouse, for example.

Airbnb or Vrbo does not manage spaces listed on their websites directly and cannot officially vouch for them.