Boston Venues

ksathi

Hi everyone!  So my FI and I are in the middle of trying to pick a venue and we're still very conflicted.  If any of you have gotten married recently at either the Colonnade, the Intercontinental, or the State Room could you please let me know about what your experience was like?  You can also PM me if that's easier.  Thanks!!

Pesapenny

We checked out the Stateroom and considered it seriously. If you're having a smaller wedding, your room wouldn't be the major room, it would be a smaller room looking out over the bridge, not Boston. I didn't like how there would be another wedding next door, and if it's raining or foggy, forget the view. I felt it felt too isolated, but it did have a crisp, modern vibe. The minimum was pretty high, and when we got our estimate several fees popped up which weren't mentioned or discussed, and that was a big issue which directed our decision elsewhere. We also looked at the Mandarin Oriental, The Hampshire House, the ICA, the Liberty, The Seaport, the Langham and the Millennium.

eeyore4771

Ditto pp about her thoughts on the State Room.  We thought while the place was nice, the price was just not worth it and the service we were getting was completely subpar.  We ultimately went with the Seaport Hotel in the Lighthouse Room (max 175 or so) and absolutely loved working with them.  I have my review in my bio (link in siggy) and pics if you're interested (see some in bio as well as in slideshow photographer put together - link in siggy).  I highly recommend checking them out.

http://www.seaportboston.com

megandjay

You cannot beat the view from the Stateroom! I haven't been to an event at the other places you mentioned.

jkepros

We've had I think 2 different corporate parties at the State Room in the main room.  The view is spectular!  And that's what you are paying for.  We considered the State Room as well at one point, but like others said, they have expensive minimums (we were quoted $40k food & beverage minimum in 12/2007 for our 6/2010 wedding on a Sat night), and if you get a rainy/foggy wedding day, well, it stinks you paid so much for the view. 

The last party my company had there (Jan 2009) we had some issues.  The person at my company who planned the event didn't get RSVPs, so she just "estimated" the head count, and under estimated.  Therefore, there weren't enough tables for everyone at dinner!  The State Room management's "solution" to this was first to SPLIT UP COUPLES (as in, well, there's one seat at that table, and one seat at that table, etc), their second solution was to set up tables in the smaller room NEXT DOOR where the cocktail reception had been held (so 10 people would be isolated from the rest of the party!), and after I complained (for over a half hour), eventually they set up another round table in the ball room (at the back).  Although, of course, you wouldn't have this specific problem, their problem solving skills under pressure were seriously lacking and it doesn't bode well for how they might handle other crises.
The second issue we had was with the set up.  Our dinner was done with stations.  Well, they didn't have enough stations to accommodate the number of people, so the lines were ridiculously long.  And then, after standing in line FOREVER, they used appetizer plates, instead of dinner plates to serve the food.  So I waited in line for almost 15 minutes to be served ONE seafood ravioli on an appetizer plate.  I was NOT a happy camper.
Now, I don't remember having that problem the first time we had an event there (that one was in Jan 2005), but it still was a sour experience.

We got married in Boston in June.  We had our ceremony at Lindsey Chapel at Emmanuel Church on Newbury St, and then rented out Tapeo Restaurant & Tapas Bar (also on Newbury) for our reception.  There are a lot of great restaurant alternatives to hotels

ksathi

Thanks for your input everyone!  That's the dilemma I've been facing with the state room...I love the view, but can't justify spending that much money for it.  I've also read reviews from people that had a lot of issues in working with them, particularly with hidden fees and getting contracts finalized in time.  I just don't want too much of a headache if they are disorganized.

pesapenny - What venue did you end up choosing?

eeyore - We did check out the Seaport Hotel, and I loved the lighthouse room.  Unfortunately, it wouldn't be big enough to fit all out guests (we have about 250), and I didn't really like how the bigger ballrooms looked.

jkepros - I would have loved to have the wedding a venue that wasn't a hotel, but unfortunately with the number of guests we have, it looks like it'll have to be a hotel

[Deleted User]

The Colonnade has a great group to work with and the food is absolutely amazing! I just had my tasting for my wedding and left stuffed like Thanksgiving Day! The team from the chef to the planner are so easy to work with and they keep everything so clean and are extremely responsive! I highly recommend!

SummerBoston10

I don't really know much about the other venues you listed, but we had our wedding at Belle Mer which is owned by the same company that owns the State Room.  Our event coordinator is actually based out of the State Room.  The service we received was top notch, the food was excellent and the staff truly went above and beyond.  Yes, you are "paying for the view" but trust me, that is not all you are paying for.  The State Room will not end up costing you much, if any, more than the Intercontinental and I can assure you the service you will receive will be just as good and likely better plus you would get the view. 

I'm sure that the Intercontinental and the Colonnade would also be nice but I did just want to share a positive view on the State Room in light of the negative reviews. 

ksathi

Hey SummerBoston10, just PMed you...

[Deleted User]

I am getting married next June at the Colonnade.  I was really impressed with the team there.  I went on a tour of the facility on my own at lunch one day during work.  Kristen gave me a full tour and then offered to treat me to lunch at Brasserie Jo.  I declined because of time, but brought back my FI and parents to get their input.  Before we started the tour, the head chef spoke to us for about 10 minutes.  He basically said, whatever we want, he'll do.  No ego whatsoever.  That was what initially drew me to the Colonnade, but the hotel itself is beautiful.

My sister was married at the State Room 4 years ago, and had a not great experience.  So, my parents were very hesitant about paying for another Boston wedding.  They were both so impressed with the Colonnade team and the facility, they were happy with the decision to have the wedding there.

Plus, they have a roof top pool!  Great for photo ops.  We are having about 200 people, so we couldn't have a cocktail hour up there, but I think its a possibility.  Across the way is the Christian Science Center with some greenery so another place for photo ops.  Plus, the location is great for out of town guests.  So much to do around there!

Hope this helps.  Good luck!