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

05/03/06

WE ARE HAVING THE BEST WEDDING DOWNTOWN!!

by maryalderson at Citysearch

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

03/14/05

Great place for a wedding

by chains007 at Citysearch

I just went to a wedding here last weekend and was very impressed by both the space and the service. Very high-class decor and excellent service and catering. The wedding was able to fit a party for 320 very comfortably. Everyone had a great time! Highly recommended.

A popular ballroom of historical caliber (and a price to match) for receptions, dances and other large parties.

by Contributor at Citysearch

In Short
The lobby and Crystal Ballroom in the historic Rice Hotel (now utilized as loft space) have been lavishly restored to their original 1913 design. The ballroom, with its 30-foot ceiling, restored mural, crystal chandeliers and outdoor terrace with views of downtown, has a colorful history of wedding parties, society balls and grand receptions. Reservations are recommended at least six months in advance for special events, but couples have planned as much as two years out from their wedding day.