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March 2024 by Keisha W
I was there for a private event. The theater is very nice. Parking is not so good, but that's the area.
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March 2024 by Jalen Randolph
Our wedding at the Hippodrome was truly unforgettable, thanks to the professional staff, stunning venue lighting, and seamless execution that exceeded our expectations. The beauty and joy of our special day were significantly enhanced by such a splendid backdrop, leaving us and our guests deeply impressed.However, we encountered challenges during the planning process, particularly with the bar service. The biggest notable concern was the miscommunication regarding the bar service options. Initially dissuaded from opting for an open bar, which we were led to believe would cost between $5,000 to $6,000, we chose a consumption bar based on the owner's advice where based on the duration of our event and the number of people, the subtotal shouldn’t be more than $3500 based off his experience. The owner did mention there was a caveat that it could be more with heavy drinkers but also heavy drinkers could make up for lesser drinkers, so we planned for it to potentially be somewhat higher. Maybe $1 or 2k over. However, the final amount seemed to be an extremely far cry from the estimate where, after speaking with guests, didn't seem to line up with how much was drank in reality to us. Unfortunately, the consumption bar led to an unexpected expense that more than tripled the estimated amount, and more than doubled the cost of an open bar amount due to some oversight and mistakes by the bartenders.Though the owner was quick to address and correct these mistakes, offering a partial refund, which demonstrated responsiveness and a willingness to correct mistakes, this highlighted a need for clearer communication and transparency in service offerings. Had we known that the estimate could potentially be so far off from the final total (even the corrected final total and considering tax and gratuity), we would have opted for the open bar option without a thought. I personally can't imagine our group drank that much more than the average wedding based off the original estimate we were given especially after conversations with some of our guests, in particular the ones I know will drink heavily at a wedding. Also factoring in the kids, the non drinkers, the guests who left early, etc., if I'm being totally honest, it all still doesn't sit super right with me. But we are grateful the owner was kind enough to correct the mistakes on the original bill.We recognize we are not free from blame. We blindly trusted and didn’t thoroughly read the final contract and notice that the selected bar option was marked as “unlimited” and that it did not have the limit we spoke about. Put that down to the stress and magnitude of the wedding, but we should have caught that. In a perfect world, the owner would've remembered our conversation and put the limit on the proposal without us having to follow up, but that just didn’t happen and we paid for it both literally and emotionally. It is what it is.Another point of frustration was the planning of the hors d'oeuvres menu, which was difficult to navigate and gauge quantities for. Despite this, the owner managed our budget and preferences well, ensuring guest satisfaction with the culinary offerings.Reflecting on our experience, we highly recommend future clients to closely review contractual details and advocate for clear, direct communication, preferably through calls to avoid misunderstandings, especially regarding costs. While we faced challenges, notably with the final cost of bar service, these did not overshadow the magnificence of our wedding celebration.We encourage future couples to engage closely with the venue's team, utilize transparent planning tools, and ensure (cannot stress enough) mutual understanding of all service details. Despite the hurdles, the charm and professionalism of the staff and the unique allure of the Hippodrome make it a venue we still recommend. Stay proactive in communication and budget discussions, and if you're content with the final contract details, you'll have the perfect wedding.
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March 2024 by Lynn McGhee
Excellent wedding venue.
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February 2024 by Remington Wright
Awsome venue
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December 2023 by Joy Zeh
Lovely venue, went here for a Christmas party, nicely decorated, heavy appetizers and tasty desserts. Very nice bar, excellent service.
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December 2023 by Gabi Jennings
We recently hosted our corporate holiday party here and everyone had a blast! Food was good, venue was beautiful, and the entire event went smoothly.
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December 2023 by Brianna Belcher
We had our wedding at the Hippodrome in Nov of 2023. It was a pleasure working with Ron throughout the planning stages. The food is incredible and the staff was great on the night of. The venue itself is charming and comes with a lot of perks such as lighting and sound. I highly recommend!
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October 2023 by Allison Perri Newman
I can not say enough about how perfect the Hippodrome was for our class reunion! As the chair of the planning committee, I was able to completely relax that evening knowing that the Hippodrome staff was taking care of all of the logistics. The food was delicious, the bar service was quick and reliable, all of the staff working the event were extremely helpful and considerate. I was a very anxious planner with a lot of questions for Ron - he was always very gracious with my many questions and concerns. On the day of, he was helping us get everything straight and was extremely flexible and generous. I'm leaving this review one week after the event and people have not stopped talking about what a success it was. THANK YOU, Ron & Hippodrome!!
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July 2023 by Fostina Hardin
Great setting...good for all kinds of affairs. Location , location , location?. Staff very hands on.
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July 2023 by Dream Jones
The fact that you can go under peoples negative reviews and lie says a lot. Just look how many bad things people are saying about you Ron. It’s not just me. You lied and said I called you out your name. Lied! When you originally answered the phone you were rude. I tried to explain and you keep cutting me off, I had to beg you to even listen to me.You need to stop accusing people of yelling when matters are just wanting to be resolved. Why do you talk to people like that? Then lie about it. Look at your reviews! Horrible.Don’t lie on me! You said I called you a name, what? Yes I did get upset but that was after you were rude to me so please do not lie on here.You’re a rude person. As a planner I wouldn’t recommend anyone to go here. As your reviews say, you’re rude. I’m not the only person who said so.Why do you want to run a business like that? I don’t know it gives racist vibes. The way you’re disrespectful towards black women is a pattern. Go to therapy or let someone else run your business and stop Lying!
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July 2023 by Nikki H.
Ron is the worse person to deal with there. When I was at the event the staff were nice but the other guy Ron, No. The way he speaks to people is unacceptable. As a venue owner you should be pleasant and welcoming. He was not! All I wanted to know was one thing, could of been easily answered but instead he played victim as if I were yelling at him and was not. I do not recommend this venue for business.
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June 2023 by CLAUDE HINES, SR.
Food was excellent, the atmosphere was perfect and the occasion was electric. It was a surprise birthday party for a very special cousin of mine.
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June 2023 by Karen Fisk
I am so lucky to be a subscriber to the Hippodrome. The musical/plays that are presented have been suburb
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June 2023 by Patrick Hiltz
This place is so cool! Went there for a wedding. Such a fun vibe. Check it out!
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April 2023 by Jessica W. Stockdreher
As one of the main teacher coordinators for my high school's Junior/Senior Prom (Deep Run High School in Henrico County, VA), I have planned our Prom event for over 15 years. Our school has planned this event at many venues throughout the Metro Richmond area, and while they have been successful and fun, NOTHING compared to the experience we had this past spring in May 2022 for our Prom at the Hippodrome! Owner Ron Stallings is one of the kindest and most savvy individuals in the Hospitality/Restaurant Service industry in Richmond and he personally worked with me and other school staff every step of the way in planning our event, down to the smallest detail. Our students that attended Prom were literally "WOWED" by the venue, its restoration, the AWESOME in-house DJ, the professional security staff, and all the courtesies Ron's staff showed all of us that night. We were literally blown away at how the evening was such a success and mostly, how fun it all was! We all felt that we were transported in time with how meticulously the historic venue has been lovingly restored and at the same time, with the modern lights and sound system! All this being said, we immediately booked the Hippodrome venue for our Prom 2023, and we are thrilled. Ron-we thank you again in advance and cannot wait for next year!