UPDATE: A joyful engagement in Montreal took a surprising turn when a couple was unexpectedly evicted from their hotel by Marriott. This shocking incident occurred just hours after Ethan Werchniak proposed to his girlfriend on October 15, 2023, at the picturesque Westmount Conservatory and Greenhouses.
Ethan and his girlfriend, both from New York, had planned a five-day stay at a Marriott-licensed Sonder hotel in Old Montreal, excited to celebrate their engagement. However, the morning after the proposal, a Sonder employee delivered a startling message: their reservation was canceled, and they had just one hour to vacate the premises.
“I’m very sorry, you guys need to leave. Your reservation is canceled,” the employee informed them at 10 a.m. on Monday, sending shockwaves through what should have been a celebratory trip. In a moment of empathy, Ethan chose to remain calm, recognizing the employee might be facing a tougher day than himself.
Despite the unexpected upheaval, Ethan quickly contacted Marriott for assistance. The company managed to book them a new hotel just about a mile away, but not without an additional cost of approximately 30 Canadian dollars (around $21 USD) more than their original accommodation. “It felt like a scam,” Ethan expressed, feeling frustrated by the situation.
In an attempt to compensate for the inconvenience, Marriott offered Ethan 500 points for the trouble, a gesture that did little to appease the couple. As they moved to the new hotel, they encountered a lobby full of disgruntled guests, many of whom faced similar eviction notices just days before their flights home. Several guests expressed their discontent, vowing never to book with Marriott again.
In the midst of this chaos, Ethan and his girlfriend managed to salvage their day. “We are pretty adaptable people,” he said, reflecting on their ability to find joy despite the circumstances. They explored the vibrant streets of Montreal, enjoyed fine dining, and continued to celebrate their engagement.
While the couple’s experience was marred by the Marriott-Sonder breakup, it did not overshadow their special moment. As Ethan remarked, “We had fun, but it wasn’t because of Marriott; it was in spite of it.”
As of now, Marriott has confirmed that customers who booked through their platforms will receive a full refund. However, guests have been advised to contact their credit card companies for reimbursement, raising further concerns about customer service and satisfaction.
This incident highlights significant implications for travelers relying on hospitality chains like Marriott and Sonder. With engagement celebrations turning into logistical nightmares, the couple’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for future guests.
For now, Ethan and his girlfriend continue to celebrate their engagement in Montreal, determined to focus on their happiness despite the challenges they faced.
As this story develops, more updates will follow regarding Marriott’s handling of the situation and responses from affected guests. Stay tuned for further details.
