Hey knotties, thanks for the suggestions for Hotel Saint Cecilia as the site for my very small wedding. Unfortunately my experience was pretty bad...I posted this review on Yelp. But I feel that it would save some of you Knotties the time and stress of planning ya'lls weddings...
Here is my review (cute and paste from Yelp.com):
This review is for the special events coordinating aspect of the hotel. After reading some of the reviews for this place, checking out some other local photographer's blogs and after considering others suggestions via Yelp and
http://TheKnot.com, my fiance and I really had our heart set on having our very small, intimate wedding at Hotel Saint Cecilia.
Yet if two words could be used to sum up the working character of the hotel's coordinator, Lisa R., it would be "BAD BUSINESS." We got in touch with Lisa, asking if we could use the private backyard of suite 4 for our party. Prior to speaking with Lisa, I had been told by two hotel employees that this backyard hosts parties all the time and that a small wedding was completely workable. Once I spoke with Lisa on the phone and through email, I was very upfront with what we were expecting and we inquired about any the additional fees.
We wanted to stop by the hotel for a consultation, and she let us know that there were only two time slots open for a visit. The suite was booked for two weeks straight and I completely understood once she informed us that the suite is only available for viewing when it's not occupied. So we made an appointment during our respective lunch breaks for the time slot that was open a few days later. Come Friday, I stroll up to the grounds, and Lisa calls my cell, informing me that the suite is STILL occupied. I was a bit annoyed because we had taken time out of our lunch breaks to view the suite on one of the only available times provided to us. I wished that she had called me at least half an hour before our 12pm meeting, to let me know that the guest wasn't going to check out at 9am like he was supposed to. I understood that she was probably too busy to call earlier, so I just shrugged it off. Luckily, the guest checked out while we were talking to Lisa on the deck. The space was beautiful and perfect for our wedding. So...one star for that...But really, that's where the high shooting ratings end.
At our consultation, I asked Lisa about any sort of fees that we must pay in addition to the suite rental. I inquired about the rental fee for the tents. She gave me a quote of 900 and stated that rentals must go through her first. Lisa said that she uses Premier and Marquee for the rentals. However, I called Marquee just to see what the cost was for the same tent. To my surprise, their quote was 300 dollars less than what the amount she provided. I was wondered where that extra 300 went?
However, the thing that made this experience leave such a bad taste in my mouth was the issue with the caterers, or their "hidden fees." At our consultation, I was told that I could bring in off-site caterers, or use their in-house chefs. I told Lisa that I was more inclined to hire an off-site caterer because I had really good experiences with them in the past. However, she encouraged me to hire them nonetheless. I responded by telling her that I would meet with my preferred caterer first, and then make a final decision the following Monday. That Monday, I shot Lisa an email, letting her know that I decided to go with my first choice. She then divulged that a 20% "service" fee would be incurred if the caterers used their kitchen. It was a bit off-putting- considering the fact that she was not forthcoming with this information, especially when I pressed her about the extra fees as well as my preference of caterer during our consultation. I did express this sentiment to her (as diplomatically as I could) , asked what fee/amount the 20% was being taken from, and if there were any other hidden costs that I should be aware of. Her email response was very rude and curt. It was simply, "This 20% service fee is what we charge to ALL guests who use our kitchen. There are no hidden fees." It was a pretty ridiculous email considering the fact that my first response was very cordial. She didn't even answer my question as to what fee this 20% is being derived from. When I asked again, she said that the 20% would be taken for the total cost of the food/catering. Huh? I know that she requested to speak with my caterer prior to the wedding date, but I reckon this is why she needed to talk to them. Shady... I was in utter disbelief that she would have the gall to ask my caterer how much they were charging us, then turn around and charge US for 20% of it.
I'm a bit bummed because we thought the place was perfect. But at this rate, I would happily have my wedding in the backyard of my home than deal with Lisa at Hotel Saint Cecilia again. It's simply not worth the hassle cause in the end, either way, I'll be married. :-)