Gals,
Sorry for discussing about other hotel here paiseh
Yaya,
It depends on what you are looking for in your banquet
I'm not particular about ballroom appearance, as I believe that the standard in decoration makes a bigger impact. When I shortlist hotels, I do it based on min table requirement, service, costs and decoration theme. My BF and I find HIA ballroom appearance boring, so he didn't want to take HIA up as banquet venue. Last Sat, I brought my BF to see 3 on-going banquets at HIA. After seeing 1 decorated ballroom, he immediately agreed hehe!
Actually HIA is very popular for corporate functions. Some of my friends' companies and my organisation held functions there. In terms of wedding banquets, it's still not as well-known as other 5-star hotels .
I actually like the ivory & gold theme of Carlton! It looks elegant. Too bad, its 2008 quotes not out yet.
Hope you and HTB find your dream ballroom soon! I have gathered quite many hotel quotations for 2008. PM me if you want.