The Liberty by Sonder

I liked having an apartment from a reputable brand without the hassle of dealing with private landlords. I’m not the biggest fan of Airbnbs, and this was a superb fit. I’ll probably look for Sonder apartments in other cities when I travel. The modern apartment was spacious, in a trendy area with good transport links. There’s a tram stop right outside for getting into the city centre, and a large supermarket and car rental place are a 5-10 minute walk away. The building’s gym is well equipped and easy to use. Highly recommended.

The apartment was very nice and the location is awesome. Beds were okay, but the sheets were hard and uncomfortable, almost like cardboard underfoot. Even Walmart-brand sheets would make a huge difference if they were softer. We also didn’t get enough towels. Everything else was very good. The elevator setup is a little confusing at first, but you figure it out quickly. I’d stay again, though I’d ask whether the sheets are softer and bring my own if they aren’t.

The location is incredibly convenient, and the unit has a nice layout, but the mattress was the real letdown. It felt like sleeping on styrofoam wrapped in fabric, and the couch was more comfortable. For me, that makes it a 6/10, not the worst, not the best. This was my first Sonder stay, booked last minute for work near my corporate head office. I was there three nights and left early each day. The little place could suit a single, able-bodied young person. There’s a daycare outside the door that might be noisy if you want a cozy day in. Cleanliness could be better. Getting to the room is a bit of a hassle: the front door buzzer is finicky, then you need two elevators and a walk that feels like a whole city block. Those are mild inconveniences, but the bed was uncomfortable enough to bring the rating down.

My latest stay in 2024 was disappointing. Cleanliness is lacking, and for me that’s a deal breaker. After several stays here and experiences at other Sonder properties, hotels, and Toronto Airbnbs, I used to find Sonder more consistent than Airbnbs, but now I'm not so sure. The room layout can change between visits. In both Towers A and B, we’ve had odd quirks like a door that wouldn't close, too many closets, blinds that didn't cover the windows, missing bedside tables, and light switches that didn't work. None had been a major enough problem to stop us returning. The location is also a trade-off: it isn’t exactly downtown, so getting downtown means an Uber, a drive, or public transit. If you don't need to be downtown, the area has good food and plenty nearby, including Longos in the building, Shoppers Drug Mart downstairs, and Bulk Barn within walking distance. There isn't much service at Sonder. You can request things through the Sonder App, but the lack of attention to cleanliness has made the overall quality feel like it’s declined. I do like the full kitchen and the in-unit washer and dryer. The number of laundry pods varies by stay, from one to four. There’s good space for two, with a separate bedroom and ensuite bathroom, a work desk, and a TV room. On our first-bedroom layout, the bed kept the bedroom door from closing, though it wasn’t a big deal for a short stay. The beds have always been Queen-sized and firm, a little small for us. Light-blocking has been an issue for us at several Sonder properties, and it’s the same here: the bedroom blinds don't block the light or cover all the windows.