Couple’s Engagement Marred by Sudden Hotel Ejection in Montreal

A couple’s engagement celebration took an unexpected turn in Montreal when they were abruptly asked to vacate their hotel room just hours after the proposal. Ethan Werchniak, 26, and his girlfriend had planned a five-day stay at a Marriott-licensed Sonder property in Old Montreal, only to face a cancellation that disrupted their joyous occasion.

Werchniak proposed to his girlfriend on a beautiful Sunday at the Westmount Conservatory and Greenhouses, a picturesque location featuring a library, greenhouse, and park area. Following the proposal, the couple spent their day exploring the city, enjoying art museums, and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. The engagement was supposed to be a highlight of their lives.

The following morning, at approximately 10 a.m., a Sonder employee knocked on their door with unexpected news. “I’m very sorry, you guys need to leave. Your reservation is canceled,” he informed them. This sudden notification came as a shock, given that the couple believed they had a confirmed booking until the end of their stay.

Facing the abrupt ejection, Werchniak considered confronting the employee but opted for understanding after realizing the individual was likely facing a difficult situation himself. “I thought, OK, this guy’s probably having a worse day than I am,” he recounted. The couple then attempted to rebook their accommodation through Marriott but found themselves in a new hotel about a mile away, costing an additional 30 Canadian dollars (approximately $21).

While Marriott offered them 500 points as compensation, Werchniak expressed dissatisfaction with the situation. He noted that many guests in the lobby were frustrated, with several indicating they would not book with Marriott again.

“Part of me wants to really go in on Marriott,” he said, reflecting on how the cancellation affected their plans. Despite the setback, the couple’s adaptability shone through. They managed to enjoy their day, indulging in a nice dinner and drinks, ultimately choosing to focus on the positive aspects of their engagement rather than the hotel disruption.

“I’ve put it out of my mind. We had fun, but it wasn’t because of Marriott; it was in spite of it,” Werchniak concluded.

Representatives for Marriott and Sonder did not respond to multiple requests for comment from Business Insider. On the day of the incident, Marriott informed customers who had booked a Sonder property through their channels that they would receive a full refund. A few days later, guests were advised to contact their credit card companies for reimbursement instead.

This experience serves as a cautionary tale for travelers about the potential unpredictability of hotel bookings, especially with third-party arrangements.