HELP !!!!! John Anthony's vs. Chatau La Mer?????

gloriaalexander108 Posted: Nov 04, 2004 10:24 AM

HELP !!!!! John Anthony's vs. Chatau La Mer?????

OK which would you ladies choose? I booked with John Anthony's already but I am having second thoughts. I fell in love with the look of the place. But now, I've heard mixed reviews about the food and service. When I booked they told me that there was going to be a show/tasting there in the fall & they would notify my. They never did and I have called on several occasions and always get to speak to this NASTY lady at the front desk and never get to speak to the really nice BM. OK so now I don't even know who bought them and never knew they had claimed bankruptcy when I booked them. Now that I know this I am not to certain I want to take any chances. I'm also concerned now about pics. It doesn't seem like there are that many good locations for pics at JA's (FH & I aren't seeing each other before ceremony) SO now I am waiting for the guy to call me from chateau La Mer to make an appt. go go see it. Does anyone have any input? I have to stay within the same budget as JA's ($128 pp on a Sat night)...Anyone with any suggestions PLEASE

Katherine121 Posted: Nov 04, 2004 10:26 AM

Re: HELP !!!!! John Anthony's vs. Chatau La Mer?????

I'm not familiar with either one PERSONALLY. I just know I've heard good thigns Chateau La Mer. Also, given the history of JA's and your personal experience, if it were me, I'd probably change venues.

PrincessConsuela Posted: Nov 04, 2004 10:27 AM

Re: HELP !!!!! John Anthony's vs. Chatau La Mer?????

The owners of terrace on the park bought them. the food should be great then. I would try to get things straightened out first before i go and book somewhere else.....

bridget&jimmy Posted: Nov 04, 2004 10:43 AM

Re: HELP !!!!! John Anthony's vs. Chatau La Mer?????

I went to a wedding at Chatau La Mer, and it was awesome. I only went to John Anthonys once for a christening, and it was ok. But I have to say the wedding I went to a couple of weeks at the Chatau La Mer was the best wedding I have ever been to.

Bridget

AJsMommy122 Posted: Nov 04, 2004 10:46 AM

Re: HELP !!!!! John Anthony's vs. Chatau La Mer?????

I dont think you really have to worry about staying in the same price range. Chateu la mer is just as nice but is alot cheaper then JA

leighdvm Posted: Nov 04, 2004 11:02 AM

Re: HELP !!!!! John Anthony's vs. Chatau La Mer?????

It's all in what you prefer. I've been to John Anthony's and the food there is much better than Chateau. I went to see Chateau a few months ago and while Nick was nice, I wasn't impressed with the layout or decor of the second floor or the staircase. He did say that they were re-modeling, though.

bridget&jimmy Posted: Nov 04, 2004 11:06 AM

Re: HELP !!!!! John Anthony's vs. Chatau La Mer?????

When I went to Chatau La Mer which was a couple of months ago the whole place was just rennovated, everything was pretty much brand new. And the food at Chatau La Mer was very good.

Kra5hnburn Posted: Nov 04, 2004 12:35 PM

Re: HELP !!!!! John Anthony's vs. Chatau La Mer?????

Hey, I went to a wedding at John Anthonys before I booked a hall and before the whole bankruptcy issues. The place was nice and food was good, but I didn't find anything that stood out. CLM caught our eye for several reasons. The upstairs room doesn't do anything for me, but I love the downstairs room with the vaulted ceiling. Also, the food at the food tasting was incredible (and that's not necessarily because they're trying to impress you, cause we went to other food tastings where would most definitely not say they were good!). Nick was a huge plus too. He has been the most amazing BM so far, going out of his way to make us happy and help. Plus, if you're a summer bride, you can make your grand entrance on the yacht! I don't think you necessarily have to worry about JAs, but if you can still get your money back, I think CLM is a good choice. I don't think your budgetw ill be a problem. Good Luck!

mrswask Posted: Nov 04, 2004 03:43 PM

Re: HELP !!!!! John Anthony's vs. Chatau La Mer?????

We were pretty much deciding between JA's and CLM - a couple of things turned us off about JA's so we went with CLM. My review of CLM and Nick is on the review board - tha should show you how I felt about them!

mcaula Posted: Nov 04, 2004 04:45 PM

Re: HELP !!!!! John Anthony's vs. Chatau La Mer?????

Definately would say the Chateau La mer the food is awesome the serivice is amazing Nick and Lou wll help you plan from start to finish. the venus is beautiful on the water the yacht you get to come in on there always upgrading something making it better. I say definately go check it out you will not be dissappionted price $ wise either.
GOOD LUCK

lillian771 Posted: Nov 04, 2004 04:50 PM

Re: HELP !!!!! John Anthony's vs. Chatau La Mer?????

We checked out both and chose Chateau. FM me if you want details.

cmastro25 Posted: Nov 04, 2004 04:52 PM

Re: HELP !!!!! John Anthony's vs. Chatau La Mer?????

I'm going to be biased becuase I am about to book with Chateau, but I think it's a great place. Nick is AWESOME so far and I've heard that is so great from planning stage until day of wedding. The food is outrageous (go to a food tasting and you'll agree) and they keep renovating and making it even nicer. There's not much garden decor outside, but it's gorgeous waterfront property, the food and service is impeccable and that's what guests remember most.

GoingNutty Posted: Nov 04, 2004 05:09 PM

Re: HELP !!!!! John Anthony's vs. Chatau La Mer?????

Never been to JA's but Chateau La Mer in amazing... great food, wonderful service and the place is gorgeous! Not to mention the price is definetly right!!!

SweetCin704 Posted: Nov 09, 2004 07:10 PM

Re: HELP !!!!! John Anthony's vs. Chatau La Mer?????

I'm not even engaged yet, but we're definitely talking and I was leaning toward CLM also. I wanted to know if someone could FM me rates for a summer Sat/Sun afternoon wedding. Thanks so much!

Nessa79 Posted: Nov 09, 2004 10:06 PM

Re: HELP !!!!! John Anthony's vs. Chatau La Mer?????

ill bump my CLM review for you it should help and you will def get a better deal than 128pp
its on the brides review website

Kel Posted: Feb 06, 2005 11:09 PM

Re: HELP !!!!! John Anthony's vs. Chatau La Mer?????

I'm a biased John Anthony's bride .. of 2001.

Food was excellent, service was wonderful.

Sorry to hear you're having second thoughts and trouble with the people you've been dealing with.

Maybe you should just confront them on the issues you have, and that you're concerned.

The one time I was at CLM years ago was such a huge turn-off .. I've never wanted to go back .. and still don't think I'd want to .. despite the glowing reviews.

newnybride2be Posted: Feb 06, 2005 11:40 PM

Re: HELP !!!!! John Anthony's vs. Chatau La Mer?????

I have never been to john anthony's but I did go to visit Chateau la mer and was totally turned off. Sorry for you other ladies, but this is my opinion. I think it had something to do with the banquet manager, Lou. He actually turned his back to me like I wasnt even in the room while he explained everythign to my fiance. There was nothing great about the rooms on the second floor and the bridalsuite was nothing special to me. I really do think that it had a lot to do with the attitude the guy gave us from the moment we met with us. It was like he wasnt even expecting us. I do have to say the lobby is nice.

DayBeforeThanksgiving Posted: Feb 07, 2005 10:15 AM

Re: HELP !!!!! John Anthony's vs. Chatau La Mer?????

I will also sound pretty biased since I booked with CLM... As far as Lou giving you his back.... I'm surprised he's been nothing but attentive and great to both of us. But to be honest with you... Nick is much more down to earth and really truly helpful... he's wonderful!

CLM is beautiful... You'll be able to look at the gorgeous water all day/night from whatever room you are in. The food was amazing and you get a TON of food for your money. 4 choices of entrees + free seconds of anything you want. The carpeting was already redone, and the stairwell and bridal suite will be done around July or so. It's gorgeous as it is now and will only get better. Since you are looking for the summer- ABSOULTELY CLM... you get the free yacht arrival! You can't make a more grand entrance than that! Good luck... by the way - did I mention I'm only paying $55 pp and that includes open bar! Can't beat that! (Only so cheap because of my day...) but their prices in general are very good!

KellyBride Posted: Feb 07, 2005 10:23 AM

Re: HELP !!!!! John Anthony's vs. Chatau La Mer?????

There is a thread about John Anthonys on the 2006 board. I think 3 2006 brides are booked at JA so far & it discusses the whole new ownership/renovations.

I don't know how to make a link to take you directly to the thread...sorry!