The Marriott-Sonder meltdown is a prime example of how not to handle a crisis, 2 public relations experts say

• The Marriott-Sonder fallout led to travel chaos for its customers and eroded trust in the Marriott brand. • The meltdown was a lesson in how not to handle a crisis, PR experts said. • The companies did not take accountability and lost control of the narrative, they said.

The Marriott-Sonder fallout served as a lesson in what not to do during a corporate crisis, public relations experts said.

In the past week, chaos ensued at short-term rental company Sonder's properties after Marriott ended their licensing agreement on Sunday. A day later, Sonder announced that it would file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Guests staying at Sonder properties were given notice at the eleventh hour to vacate their rooms, forcing them to book alternative accommodations at sometimes-exorbitant prices.

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