Crystal Ballroom At The Rice

06/19/11

My Review

by voopine

I'm giving it a 2 star rating, recently went there for a wedding, the dance floor is too small, the charger plates used were scratched and not impeccable which grossed me out to eat from them, the salad and beef could have been better, the service/bar was good, I expected a nicer venue to be honest. If you are looking for a dance floor in center of room or decent sized dance floor for wedding/party, I suggest looking elsewhere.

10/04/09

cost?

by pasadenalove

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

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

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

05/03/06

WE ARE HAVING THE BEST WEDDING DOWNTOWN!!

by maryalderson

Paula Foreman is a WONDERFUL Event Manager of the Crystal Ballroom, she helped me with every detail I need advice on, and the Banquet Chef for Sambuca is the Most Sincere and Friendly Chef there has EVER BEEN! He knew EXACTLY how to "butter-up" daddy so everyone gets what they want! I can't stress enough about what a big help Paula has been through this life altering event! THANKS AGAIN!

• Pros: Beautiful Space!, Great Service, Valet for Guests