Crystal Ballroom At The Rice

10/04/09

cost?

by pasadenalove at Citysearch

does anyone know about how much a wedding reception for about 350 people would cost here?

10/01/09

Not good place for all day conference

by austinvisitor at Citysearch

Went there for a Megaregions conference. One room, multiple speakers. The chairs were torturous; highly uncomfortable and not great for bigger people. Otherwise, as long as you stand, it's a beautiful environment.

• Pros: Beautiful architecture, historic
• Cons: Terribly uncomfortable seating

01/03/08

Perfect New Year's Eve Party for early 20's

by aa626 at Citysearch

This year I went with my boyfriend and two other couples to the Sambuca-hosted New Year's Eve party in the Crystal Ballroom. Within the first five minutes I noticed the following: 1.) the place was packed like a sweaty pit at a rock concert (sold out 1200 tickets according to the web site); 2.) seating was severely limited (almost non-existent); 3.) the men's restroom had a line about 15 people long (so I knew the women's restroom was going to be a real treat); 4.) at 28-30 my friends and I were the oldest people in the room; and 5.) we were going to be lucky not to have a drink spilled on us (or worse).

My first observations aside, the ballroom was lovely, the music was great, and the open bar included top shelf liquors. My group found a corner for the evening and we had a good time together. We did however miss the champagne toast at midnight as the bar ran out of plastic champagne glasses.

I suppose I should have expected a less than upscale event since the tickets were surprisingly cheap ($85 a person for an open bar, live music, and a breakfast buffet), but I took a chance. Having a group of good friends to spend the evening with was the key and the night was a success overall, but I wouldn't go to this party next year or recommend it to a friend over 25.

• Pros: Beautiful ballroom, top shelf open bar, music
• Cons: Restrooms, service, frat party-esk