Reviews about Marriott Marina del Rey???

manatica811

hi ladies!

I currently live in NY but am planning a wedding in LA where my fiancee lives. We went to see Marriott Marina del Rey's Bayview Room and loved the views but feel like we can get so much more (food, value, etc) at other places and feel like our catering sales manager hasnt been as responsive or enthusiastic as others we're working with.  If you have any reviews, please let me know as i really need to make a decision soon.

thanks so much in advance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RoMy215

I can't tell you about the Marriott, but we used The Victorian in Santa Monica (about 10 mins from Marina) and LOVED it. The venue is really beautiful and special, the food is FANTASTIC but it was the coordinators that really made us chose them. They are really helpful and so enthusiastic and friendly. When we went in, I was sort of prepared for a sales pitch, but they are just so genuine and warm and really truly excited (not just that fake sweet "I have to be nice to you"). There were a few times in the process that I waited a few days for a response (they are closed on Mondays so some of the coordinators are off on Tuesdays). But overall, I can't say enough good things about them. It's on Main St in such a charming little area of Santa Monica. I would guess that they are pretty comparable in price to the Marriott. The Victorian includes the venue (they have a large bridal room as well as a fun/cool room for the guys downstairs), food & a 3 hour bar (beer, wine & champagne). When we booked, they also had a promotion where we got 2 standing appetizers as well. Not sure if that's still going...
It's definitely worth checking out.

manatica811

Thanks Romy! I agree, the sales people make such a huge difference in the whole process, that's why I'm so frustrated! I'll check out The Victorian, thanks!

Shabnamsh

We just discovered the Marriott In Marina Del Rey yesterday for our wedding and let me tell you, the views are incredible!! The ballroom on the top floor also has floor to ceiling windows so you have city lights at night and ocean views in the daytime. The contact there was eh. He was fine and nice, but just eh. However, they do have a "day-of" coordinator so I figure it is her I need a relationship with. 

I was also looking at the Majestic Halls. Totally different feel if you are looking for a hotel/beach feel, but this place was pretty special. The contact there is really great and bubbly. But the space is this old Hollywood, vintage, art-deco old bank built in the 1920's. It has so much character! And best of all, its an empty canvas. You can bring in your own catering, liqueur, etc. Makes a great and affordable venue in LA! Hard to find. 

So, these two venues are actually my top picks and I have to decide soon, but frankly the decision is made. Both venues are the same price and so clearly with the views and service of the Marriott, it is hard to give up. I figure, since I will also be planning from afar (Chile) I might just pay the wedding planner on staff a little more to help me with this process while I'm far away. Or, I will just find someone else I want to work with. I found that a lot of wedding planners have an option where they help you half way through the process and its not that expensive. I figure with the contacts they have for flowers, etc, that money will totally be saved. And the best part is, they take over all the rest of the communications, negotiations with vendors and all the stuff I really don't want to do. 

 Honestly, the Marriott looked very classy and elegant. Not overdone and not hotel stuffy. Also, we got a seriously good deal so negotiate!! Oh, we are also bringing in our own caterer so food is not a problem. 

Hope this is of some help. Good Luck!!