Areca vent ( a little long)

My FH & I just got back from a huge waste of time at Areca. Yesterday I made an appt. with Andre to see the place. We got there, had to go through gates (& get Security check,) then we went to the building the Areca was in. The building & community looked really nice, but when we went in there were LOTS of senior citizens milling about and we had to wait for at least 10 minutes just to check in. Then we were told that Andre was hung up with another appointment and to have a seat. We waited for about half an hour and then left. How rude!!! There's no way I want to have my wedding there! I hope this is not a sign of things to come! This is only the second place we looked at (the first, NorthRitz Club, was not like that at all so I guess I shoudn't be too discouraged!)

Re: Areca vent ( a little long)

ive never heard of that place. where is it?

Re: Areca vent ( a little long)

It's right off of the LIE in Plainview in the new Hamlet development. They advertise on this site and they're in Sites & Services.

Re: Areca vent ( a little long)

My FH and I went there after looking at the Hamlet at Willow Creek (same owners). We went primarily to see the detail of the room and to taste the food from their restaurant. We wanted to get a sense of what the Willow Creek will be like. We had to wait too, plus they never put us down as having an appointment so that was an event in itself. When they showed us the room the girl told us straight out that the members will get noisy and come down to the reception room and walk around (she said that they can't keep them out)...... plus the view is of the back of peoples homes. The detail of the place was beautiful but the personalities weren't. This was the only place I had problems, so I wouldn't get discouraged. Plus, if they security check you and your looking at the place, are they going to check your guests too?

Re: Areca vent ( a little long)

We're having our engagement party at Areca--in the restaurant, the funky room with the Palm trees. So far, Andre has been very attentive, patient and flexible.
As far as the security desk is concerned, I was told that guests who arrive close to the time the party starts need only say they are going to a party at Areca. People who arrive much later wil have to provide their names, which they will check agains the guest list we provide.
I am confident that the food/ambience will be a big hit. My only concern is the valet parking. One afternoon I stopped in to get direction cards, and the cars from that days event were all backed up in the circular driveway. It looked like a mess out front. So we shall see...
You are right that there will be members passing through the lobby. That didn't bother me at all for an e-party, but that might be a concern if you are planning a wedding.

Re: Areca vent ( a little long)

I will give the Areca this... their restaurant is wonderful and the food delicious!!!

Re: Areca vent ( a little long)

We had our wedding there and never had a problem meeting with anyone, and never saw people milling around the lobby. We were kept waiting maybe five minutes, and always offered a beverage while we were there. They were very accomodating about everything. Maybe you were there when there was an event going on. To me, anyone I saw in the lobby was no different than being at a wedding hall with more than one wedding going on, and seeing guests from other weddings. The only people in my CH room (the restaurant) and reception in the ballroom were my guests and employees. Whenever we were there, we usually didn't see any more than two or three other people.

As for the valet parking, my guests actually told me how efficient they were, and how they didn't have to wait long for their cars.

That was just my experience with them. They definitely did the right thing by us in several ways.