WARNING: Villa Lombardi

This is just a warning for any brides planning to check into Villa Lombardi. I called Friday and wanted to inquire a little about the place before I took the ride from Queens. When I asked if our date was availible, he said we would need to actually make an appointment with the banquet department and come in to discuss all the options before they could even discuss it. Then I asked him about the off season prices (Jan-Mar) and he said that their prices never changed because they are always booked regardless of the season. He then asked me what our budget was and when I told him he told me that it would be impossible to get that price ($ 90)at Villa. Neadless to say I decided to check it out yesterday b/c I have heard the food and atmosphere is amazing, but from the first second I walked in the door, I felt as if I was rushed in and out. For a Friday night in Feb I had to guarantee 200 people for the room we wanted and they had the nerve to ask $ 125 plus tax and grat. For Feb! We couldn't sample food until we signed a contract, a contract that was drafted and placed in front of me before I even got out all my questions. As if I'm going to sign at this point. They were rude, unprofessional and honestly I'm sure there is another catering establishment who would be happy to take my money and treat me the the customer service we all expect to be treated with. Be careful. I did not want to post any names, but I'm sure if any of you go to Villa you will KNOW who I am talking about.

I went to Party City in Stony Brook to buy them and found the caps to be very difficult to remove. I really couldn't get them off - they were the once w/the single dove. That would be bad for little kids and older family members w/arthritis.

WARNING: Villa Lombardi

That is horrible. Some people really have nerve the way they treat brides. Where else are you looking? Good Luck!!

The Carltun and Carlyle On The Green are owned by the same people. Great reputation, but expensive. Very pretty for a spring/summer wedding.

I went to Party City in Stony Brook to buy them and found the caps to be very difficult to remove. I really couldn't get them off - they were the once w/the single dove. That would be bad for little kids and older family members w/arthritis.

WARNING: Villa Lombardi

That was totally obnoxious! I'm sorry you had to experience that.

It IS a nice place, and the food is good - but that kind of service is horrible!

Take your good money elsewhere! Their loss!!!!!

WARNING: Villa Lombardi

Definitely look into the Metropolitan in Glen Cove. The service and the food are GREAT!!! They will work with your budget and on a Sat night the minimum is 135. It is worth a look at.

It IS a nice place, and the food is good - but that kind of service is horrible!

Take your good money elsewhere! Their loss!!!!!

WARNING: Villa Lombardi

I'm sorry to hear that you had a bad experience with them. I booked them for January, 2001 and had no problem at all. They had a guarantee of 175 for a Saturday night and gave me a price that was in the $90 range. I'm just curious - which banquet manager were you dealing with? I'm not sure that most of these places are aware that message boards like this exist - otherwise they would behave better.

That definetly helps! My sister and I checked out Celestial photography and were shocked at the prices. $4,675 or something crazy like that. It did include a videographer but I still think it's a bit much for what we were getting. Who knows maybe they are all that expensive. (I hope not!)

Keep me posted!

WARNING: Villa Lombardi

I am sorry you had a bad expereince with them. No one should be treated rudely or inappropriately.

But in Villa's defense: I just booked my wedding there for 2002 and the banquet manager I dealt w/ Ken, was wonderful. I first went to see him in Nov. '99 at which time he quoted me a price of a little over $100 guarenteeing a bit over 200 for a Sat night in June 2002. When my finance and I went back there last Friday, he was very accomodating. He was pleased that we had taken our time and checked out other places. Both of our visits lasted over an hour and he was very helpful and informative.

They dont' mess around at Villa. They know what they can get for their hall and they don't "sweeten the deal". Ken was very upfront with us that what he was offereing us was the bottomline with little room to negotitiate. I respected him for his honesty and candor.

WARNING: Villa Lombardi

I'm so sorry to hear about the way that you were treated at Villa. I booked my wedding there for Jan. 14, 2001, and had a completely different experience there.

My banquet manager was Charles, who treated us as if we were old friends or family. He was very up front with us, and took at least a couple of hours with us, showing us around, explaining everything to us, then leaving us alone to discuss with each other. Then he came back to answer all of our questions, and was even nice to us when we left, without booking, kissing me and my whole family goodbye, as if he were one of us. (If you're Italian, you'll understand the kissing thing)

WARNING: Villa Lombardi

That is the same Mgr. that I dealt with and I had the same experience. We are booked for Jan. 13, 2001. He was very polite and helpful.

I've noticed that about half the weddings I've gone to (not that I go to one every weekend), half the brides wear a blusher over their face while walking down the aisle, and the other half don't.