Hotel Hunting

We have taken a look at Grand Copthorne's (19 June) and Grand Hyatt's (21 June) ballroom.

Grand Copthorne was a definite no-no! We were given the Waterfront Ballroom since it fit the min. no. of table requirement and there was no room for negotiation for the Grand Ballroom that comes with a garden landscape as the stage backdrop since it required a min. no. of 40 tables on a weekend.

Things that turned us off:

- Very low ceiling
- Pillars
- Attitude of the Catering Sales personnel (She gave us an impression that, if we can't meet the min. requirement for Grand Ballroom then don't ask so much)
- Suite (One of the worst we have seen. It looks like a standard hotel room, just slightly bigger)

On the other hand, we were quite impressed by the Catering Sales Exec who showed us around on Monday despite the hiccups earlier on when we were informed that the Catering Sales Manager was on sick leave and had to re-schedule the visit again. He actually waited for our arrival at the lobby!

We were given the Magnolia/ Vanda function rooms and were disappointed at how old they looked. Worst still, there were too huge pillars! The exec showed us their Grand Ballroom upon our request and we were bowled over by it!

It looks so much grander at the reception area as well as the ballroom inside. Alas, we would need to take up at least 38 tables for it and each table costs $1,300 plus. Though it has a low ceiling, but its grandeur won us over. A pity that due to the high occupancy on that day, their suite was not available for viewing.