The property relies on the idea that everything can be automated. It's a good theory and often works well but big issues can arise when the automation isn't working.
The first example of a tech glitch was with the simple act of being able to enter the building. Although I believed I had completed all the pre-registration information the host required and had been sent a message that I'd receive check in and building access codes three days before my stay by the morning of my stay none had arrived. When I contacted the host, the rep said I needed to complete the pre-registration ID verification. Unfortunately, their site wouldn't accept my confirmation code or allow me access, so I couldn't do that. No matter how many times the rep told me to try again, clear the browser, try another new code they sent - no access to the site. And they had no ability to accept my ID (text, employee on site, email) in an alternate way. After an hour when it still hadn't been resolved and I had to go to an appointment, the rep offered to refund my stay but I didn't need money I needed a place to stay that night when everything else had been booked. Later that afternoon with the clock ticking (would I be able to enter the room I needed and had paid for or would I find myself standing on the corner of Brooklyn at 9 pm trying to figure out where I could stay?) I called their help number. The employee was lovely, explained there was a system issue they'd been dealing with all day and I wasn't the only person experiencing this problem. Another stressful hour or so but this employee was able to finally get the system working, my ID verified and the access codes sent. She was unfailingly polite and also issued me a $50 refund for the inconvenience.
Although I was ultimately able to enter, the several hours of frustration and uncertainty were unpleasant and unnecessary. This property needs alternate methods for guests to access the rooms they paid for if their automation is not working.
Along the lines of not critical but another example - the room did not have a TV, only a monitor. So you can only watch TV if you have a device and streaming service.
How does all this work for a person traveling without a smartphone/computer, who has issues with their device, who has their device stolen or for those times when the Sonder automation is not working? This host needs backup systems so basics like room entry can still occur if their automation is down.