Big disappointment!

After attending a wedding at the Jewel and getting good reviews from the bride and groom, my husband and I were convinced this was the place to host our 15th anniversary party. Before the party, Joe made us feel like our party of 40 guests was just as important as any wedding reception of 200 guests. So we signed the contract. On the night of the party however, we had to go in search of staff as no one was present in our room, we had to ask for our hors d'oeuvres which were eventually served 1 hour and 15 minutes late, our "bartender" did not know the drinks and did double duty serving food when no other server was there. He was obviously very inexperienced at tending bar and serving tables - slopping food all over plates, tables and some guests. Guests waited at the bar for long periods and eventually commented on the poor service. Very embarrassing! We had to go search for someone to request another bartender. One waitress appeared a couple of times but was just as sloppy in her service. We learned later from Joe that the "bartender" knows only the basics and wondered why our event was chosen as the training opportunity for an inexperienced staff member. Then we learned from a staff member that the "big wedding" downstairs that night was that of a co-worker and that's where they all were during the evening. Wish we had known we would have to compete for good service! Turns out we didn't stand a chance - not only were we competing with a big wedding but we were competing with the big wedding of a staff member. It doesn't matter very much what the venue looked like or what the food tasted like when you feel you've been treated like you're of no consequence. It all leaves a bad taste in your mouth. Our advice - find out what else is happening at the Jewel on your big night. If there is anything else going on, think twice! Your party might be as insignificant as ours turned out to be to the Jewel and you won't realize until it's too late.