Grand Plaza Hotel Brides

wetzelhm

I recently emailed Grand Plaza Hotel for a quote, and they sent me their information VERY quickly and after looking at it, I got VERY interested!!!  Even though we are on a budget, the prices look like they might actually work since the room for the reception is included (as long as you purchase their minimum in food/drink) and the wedding site is included too... am I missing something?? Are there hidden costs somewhere that I'm just not seeing yet??

Also, if you used Grand Plaza, what did you think?  How was their service?  How is the food?  How were they the day of with helping you?  Tell me everything

Thanks!

Heather

cmeyer3946

Don't forget to add 22% gratuity and 7% tax  

Hidden costs can be a variety of things, so do some homework.  Does the hotel charge a cake cutting cost?  How long does the open bar last (if you're having one)?

mlekitty

I worked with Liz prior to visiting the hotel.  GP was in the front running for me, and Liz was great to communicate with.

However, once we met Liz, she was waaaay too intense for us.  Let's just say it wasn't a good personality match.  She was very friendly, and I am sure she would have been great, but she was so flaky and couldn't even remember my FI's last name, after we told her about 3 times that day.  I don't think she had a good read on us as far as what we were looking for, and she kept suggesting really outlandish things that were inconsistent with our style.

Also, we weren't thrilled with the set menus, and would have wanted to make a lot of substitutions, almost re-working the whole menu.

In addition, we just didn't like the overall experience of the hotel.  Everyone was friendly, but the staff just seemed a little disorganized.  Something that probably stems from lousy upper management.

We happened upon Tradewinds, and they were very organized and professional.  We feel like we're going to get lots more for our money there.  Renee at TW has 10 years' experience, compared to Liz's 2.

But don't take my word for it!  The Imperial ballroom there was really nice!  I wish I could take that room to Tradewinds with me!

heidilein13

Our wedding will be upstairs at the GP in the Prez Ballroom.  I wanted a beach ceremony with a reception that had big windows looking over the beach and whether or not I'm thrilled with the rest of the hotel...that room blew me away.  I had shopped up and down the beach coasts Clearwater, Indian Rocks, treasure Island, madeira, and then st pete beach.  I was looking for something pretty specific, so for me, no matter how I might have liked a person or a menu, I couldn't stand the dark reception rooms with those tacky dark rugs.  I know the guests won't even notice, but it bugged me and I just couldn't get past it.  We initially met with Cherish at the GP and she was GREAT, but she's on maternity leave now and we have Kristy who is also really nice and helpful.  I think their main business are the weddings they have every wknd so, at least for my experience so far, they have catered to us like crazy.  I do wish however they gave better room prices/deals.  We have a LOT of OOT guests and most have to stay elsewhere b/c their prices are kinda high (even the wedding group rate).  Also you should know that yes the reception room and ceremony are included as long as you meet the minimum in food/drink, BUT the chairs for the ceremony are separate and not included.  I'm a little nervous also about the food b/c it has to come up the elevator as there is no kitchen upstairs.  I just don't want it to be too cold when my guests finally get to eat.  What did comfort me was when I read other brides reviews on tripadvisor.com and they seemed to have good things to say.  I also look forward to hearing from other GP brides on here and what they think.  HTH  

nillachick

Our wedding is at the GP and reception in the Prez Ballroom.  We are working with Diana (awesome!).
The room minimums are not bad at all compared to places like the Tradewinds or other hotels around.  For a Friday night wedding, the minimum is 4800.00, but if you don't have enough guests, etc, you can just add different things to make up the difference (more apps, sushi bar, champagne fountain)
They are really nice and they work with you no matter what you need.  Also, the room block rate WILL go down.  Ours went down, WAY down two weeks prior to cut off (example - bayview room S-Th is $78.00 plus tax)
The only thing you have to pay for the ceremony is chairs, which is the same as most other places - and the arch if you want it ($35 I think)
I'll let you know how everything turns out!

2gether0619

Hi Ladies, I am considering the Grand Plaza hotel for my wedding 12/12. Any insight into your experience (food, decor, transitioning from indoor /outdoor, etc.) would be greatly appreciated. Any recommendations for photographers would be fantastic. We are thinking of using the prez ballroom and doing the 4 hr. buffet. Thanks!