UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, Ethan Werchniak’s engagement celebration in Montreal took an unexpected dive when he and his fiancée were abruptly kicked out of their Sonder hotel by Marriott staff just hours after the proposal.
Wenchniak, 26, and his girlfriend celebrated their engagement at the picturesque Westmount Conservatory and Greenhouses on Sunday, July 16, 2023. However, the morning after, at approximately 10 a.m., a Sonder employee knocked on their door to deliver the unwelcome news: their reservation was canceled, and they had just one hour to vacate.
Wenchniak recounted the moment, saying, “I was ready to tear him a new one. I told him we had another day to go on our reservation.” The employee, visibly distressed, explained, “I’m losing my job right now. My last task is to tell people that they need to leave.” Understanding the worker’s predicament, Wenchniak decided to let it go and make the best of a bad situation.
After the abrupt eviction, Wenchniak contacted Marriott for assistance. The hotel chain managed to find them another accommodation roughly a mile away, but at a cost that was approximately 30 Canadian dollars (around $21) more than their original booking. Marriott also offered 500 points as compensation, which Wenchniak deemed insufficient given the circumstances.
Witnesses in the lobby described a scene of chaos, with numerous guests expressing their outrage over the sudden cancellations. Many were in disbelief, facing travel plans disrupted with days left before their departures. Several patrons voiced their frustrations, stating they would “never book with Marriott again.”
Despite the turmoil, Wenchniak and his fiancée chose to maintain a positive outlook. “Part of me wants to really go in on Marriott and say, ‘Everything crashed, we’re ruined, our last day was a disaster.’ But my girlfriend and I are pretty adaptable people. We’ve had a fun day since then,” he shared.
Following this incident, representatives for Marriott and Sonder have not responded to multiple requests for comment. Earlier, Marriott confirmed to customers who booked through their channels that they would receive a full refund. However, just days later, the company advised guests to contact their credit card companies directly for refunds.
As this story develops, many are left to wonder about the implications for Marriott’s reputation and customer service, especially in light of the engagement chaos that has left a bitter taste for those affected.
This incident serves as a reminder of the unexpected challenges travelers can face, even during what should be the happiest moments of their lives. For those planning future stays, this situation raises critical questions about reliability and support from hospitality brands.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.