Hospitality startup Sonder launches office in Thornton

A San Francisco-based hospitality startup is checking into the Denver area, despite not having any rooms here.

Sonder, a company that offers upscale lodging in 11 cities, has leased 30,000 square feet of office space in the North Valley Tech Center at 500 E. 84th Ave. in Thornton.

Phil Ruschmeyer with Ruschmeyer Corp. represented the landlord, Global Pacific Properties, in the lease. He said Sonder plans to have up to 200 employees working at the center, which was converted from a retail mall.

Sonder converts properties into apartment-style units that guests can book for as little as a night. It has properties in Miami, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Orleans, San Francisco, San Diego and New York, as well as Rome, Montreal and London.

The Denver office will serve as a central hub for customer service operations. Sonder hopes to offer lodging in Denver in the future.

“We’re excited to grow our presence here and look forward to being a part of Denver’s thriving hospitality industry for many years to come,” spokesperson Mason Harrison said.

CEO Francis Davidson and Lucas Pellan started Sonder after a shaky Airbnb stay left them in a lurch. The two founders wanted to merge the convenience and homey feel of Airbnb rentals with the quality of cleanliness found in hotels.

The startup, founded in 2012, has raised $13 million in funding so far.

In addition to Sonder, three other companies are moving into the North Valley Tech Center, including Allied Global, which also leased 30,000 square feet. Avanza leased 6,300 square feet, and communications company Sage leased 7,200 square feet, Ruschmeyer said.