The Sunset Hotel in Vancouver has relaunched under independent local management following the wind-down of its former global operator, Sonder, in late 2025.

Located at 1111 Burnaby Street in the city’s West End, the 50-suite apartment-style property is among the first former Sonder-managed hotels in Canada to reopen under local control, marking a return to stability for a key segment of visitor accommodation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The hotel has undergone a full operational reset, with each suite offering a full kitchen, private balcony, and residential-style living space. Averaging nearly 600 square feet, the suites are almost double the size of many traditional downtown hotel rooms, catering to extended-stay travellers, families, and business guests seeking more space in the city core.

Vancouver is set to host seven World Cup matches between June 13 and July 7, with approximately 350,000 fans expected at B.C. Place. Situated about 2.5 kilometres from the venue and within walking distance of Sunset Beach and Davie Village, the hotel offers an alternative to conventional accommodations during the tournament and beyond.

“This relaunch is about more than independence — it’s about building something durable,” said Steven Snowling, the hotel’s general manager. “By returning to local control, we’re able to reinvest directly into the guest experience and shape a property that reflects Vancouver’s character: Spacious, livable, and thoughtfully run.

“Our goal is to build a model that’s resilient, modern, and designed for the long term.”

The property operates a hybrid service model, combining on-site staff with 24-hour phone-based guest support.

Sonder wound down its business after declaring bankruptcy due to extreme financial difficulties stemming from large debts and an unsuccessful partnership with Marriott International.

Photo: Sunset Hotel