Anybody have a quick answer?

[DizBelle]

About how much would it cost to rent a hotel ballroom and cater for a party with 100 guests?

Let's say a Hilton type place with heavy hors d'oeuvres.

 

[EthansMom]

This totally depends upon the region, the location of the hotel (more popular/less popular), the day of the week/time of year, the food served, etc...

 

[DizBelle]

This totally depends upon the region, the location of the hotel (more popular/less popular), the day of the week/time of year, the food served, etc...

Jeez Louise!!! Who knew there were so many variables...

Sunday afternoon, early November, Atlanta area (but could be out in the 'burbs). Not a prime location but a nice location.
Is more info needed than heavy hors d'oeuvres?

I'm thinking things like meatballs, chicken nuggets, finger sandwiches, veggie trays with dip, fruit trays, that kind of thing.

 

[Rora]

I'd say $500-1000 depending. Thanks to all my wedding research!

 

[Handbag Lady]

I have just planned a party for 125 this Spring. (Which we canceled eventually)

The total was $3000 or so and included heavy hot and cold passed appetizers, soda, and a bar such that everyone could have two drinks and pay cash for the rest. (Long story as to why!). We had the room for six hours.

This also included use of a podium and the location fee and two security guards (due to the alcohol and it was a mixed-age party.)

It is in a not very fancy but nice hotel. Free parking was included. This was for a Saturday night in a high-tourist area.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

I'd say $500-1000 depending. Thanks to all my wedding research!

This is very low, consider yourself lucky . did you mean $5k-10k instead - because that what I could see it costing.

I cater my 4th of July party, italian beef, sausage, pasta and fried chicken for about 70 people and its close to $500 and THAT'S cheap.

You will never ever feed 100 people anything in a hotel for $500. That's what some hotels charge for a cup of coffee.

ETA: I meant a cup of coffee for each guest....not one cup

 

[DizBelle]

Did any of you get a cake? I know prices can vary GREATLY but how about a decent, reasonably decorated (nicely decorated but nothing out or the ordinary) cake to serve about 100?

My guess is $200 for a fairly plainly decorated, buttercream frosted, ordinary flavor cake to $500 for a cake with fondant and minor decorations.

How close am I?

BTW - this would be a birthday thing.

 

[DizBelle]

This is very low, consider yourself lucky . did you mean $5k-10k instead - because that what I could see it costing.

I cater my 4th of July party, italian beef, sausage, pasta and fried chicken for about 70 people and its close to $500 and THAT'S cheap.

You will never ever feed 100 people anything in a hotel for $500. That's what some hotels charge for a cup of coffee.

ETA: I meant a cup of coffee for each guest....not one cup

That sounded pretty low to me too. I would guess the absolute minimum for hotel catering for 100 people to be $10 per person for probably only cold food (veggies, fruit, cheese, probably no meat). $15 - $20 per person if you wanted some hot food (like the meatballs and chicken nuggets).

 

[Handbag Lady]

Did any of you get a cake? I know prices can vary GREATLY but how about a decent, reasonably decorated (nicely decorated but nothing out or the ordinary) cake to serve about 100?

My guess is $200 for a fairly plainly decorated, buttercream frosted, ordinary flavor cake to $500 for a cake with fondant and minor decorations.

How close am I?

BTW - this would be a birthday thing.

Three years ago I planned a retirement party. I had a specialty cake made of a giant parking cone. It was $200 and it fed about 100 people.

I think $200-500 is the right range, maybe a little high for a plain cake.

 

[EthansMom]

I'd estimate $3000-$4000 for the hotel and catering, depending upon the hotel. Definitely price out a few different locations... there really can be a wide difference in price.

 

[TLSnell1981]

Did any of you get a cake? I know prices can vary GREATLY but how about a decent, reasonably decorated (nicely decorated but nothing out or the ordinary) cake to serve about 100?

My guess is $200 for a fairly plainly decorated, buttercream frosted, ordinary flavor cake to $500 for a cake with fondant and minor decorations.

How close am I?

BTW - this would be a birthday thing.

A regular cake would go for around $4 per slice....fondant as much as $10 per slice.

I would say $40-$60 per person for h'or dourvres and prices for beverages can vary greatly. You may or may not have to pay a rental for the room. Oh, be prepared to pay for waitstaff and gratuity.

 

[DizBelle]

Thanks everyone!

Any other info is appreciated.

 

[*pixie*dust*]

Heck, a boxed lunch around here will run about $10-12 each.

I would guess $30-40 per person plus drinks.

Also a birthday cake with decent decorations to serve 100 would be $200-400

Id figure 5-6K all total.

 

[BuffettFan]

When I planned my wedding we paid $125/person, and that did not include the cake....that was for sit down dinner ona Saturday......but that was also 18 years ago !

The most recent party I had catered in a hall was for my folks, about 5 years ago. It was hot/cold appetizers, cake coffee, non alcoholic drinks, and a small assotment of desserts....and even that was $52/person. And that was a "Hilton" style hotel.....maybe a little more upscalel , but not much....

So I'd say you're probably looking at approx. $5000 for something nice.

 

[kkdai]

that depends on which region, which level of hotel.......you should make some search in search engine, and then call the hotel

 

[Disney Doll]

One hour north of NYC...that would run you about $50-$100/person, depending on the bar bill.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

First of all, as long as you meet the F&B minimum there normally is no rental charge for the room (including tables and chairs) itself.

I would suggest going to the individual hotel web sites and look into a category of "Meetings" or something similar. They will normally have their menus posted with prices.

If you want any decorations, including flowers, or you want tablecloths of a non-standard color, or any audio equipment (such as a hook-up into the rooms sound system) you will have to pay extra. You should find a lot of this information in the meetings area of the site.