can email me at [email protected] what are the perks you all get from carlton..?? is there any review about the ballroom/food??
Carlton Hotel
- Thread starter uma
- Start date
blur_blur1986
New Member
what kind of perks can we ask for? I'm interested in their lunch.
blur_blur1986
New Member
i heard my colleague say the food not nice izzit true?
blur_blur1986
New Member
is empress 1,2 & 3 izzit pillarless?
blur_blur1986
New Member
oh... actually i'm looking at crowne plaza or carlton. i like their esplanade room but max only 13 tables which is not enough for us.. crowne their coordinator super not friendly.. haiz!
imstarlights
New Member
We just had our wedding banquet there last weekend and overall it was an enjoyable and good experience.
Our guests commented the food were good (except for one table where the fish was not too fresh but the hotel got the fish changed promptly and no issues after that.) and i haven't heard any complaints on their service.
The wedding coordinators were also attentive and prompt in the following with our clarifications during the preparation phase.
Our guests commented the food were good (except for one table where the fish was not too fresh but the hotel got the fish changed promptly and no issues after that.) and i haven't heard any complaints on their service.
The wedding coordinators were also attentive and prompt in the following with our clarifications during the preparation phase.
puffycandies
New Member
Hi Starlight, Congrats on the successful banquet u had!
May I ask who is ur coordinator?
May I ask who is ur coordinator?
im having my wedding at carlton in 3 months time. booked the venue 1 1/2 years back already. Starlights - could you advise how long you took to do the march in? Im preparing my march in songs and im not sure if 1 min is too long? i want to march in till at least the chorus of each song..
imstarlights
New Member
Hi, Sorry for the late reply. My coordinator was Dennis. Joanna stand in for him while he was away on reservist. Both are friendly.
For the first march in, I think we took less than a min cos we walked too fast. I am not sure how long we took because we hired a live band and the band played for us during the march in. But i rem for the 2nd march in we took our own sweet time and it reached the chorus of the song. It's once in a life time. Just walk at your comfortable pace.
For the first march in, I think we took less than a min cos we walked too fast. I am not sure how long we took because we hired a live band and the band played for us during the march in. But i rem for the 2nd march in we took our own sweet time and it reached the chorus of the song. It's once in a life time. Just walk at your comfortable pace.
Does anyone have the bridal suite photos? I would like to take a look. My email is [email protected]
Thanks!
Thanks!
I'm also looking at Carlton for my wedding next yr. the person I'm dealing with is Dennis. Very sincere guy and is upfront with what they can or cannot provide. However as my number of tables are likely to exceed the limit for ballroom 4&5 (which is 34), I'm exploring to open up ballroom 3 as well. Minus point is that ceiling for ballroom 3 is low while 4&5 is high ceiling. Can anyone advice if it will look weird in the difference in the ceiling height?
Thanks!!
Thanks!!
Qian Hui: I can send you my menu for your reference if you like.. Just give me your email.
Aidygirl: What kind of wishes do you mean? I dont rem such things when i book last year. Perhaps memory failing me. haha
Ariel: we were also thinking of opening up ballroom 3 for ours in Oct this year as the tables are really not enough. But if you like Carlton and need say 36 - 38 tables so only 2 to 3 tables in ballroom 3, I think it's still ok. But since you haven't book, you have a choice and you shd look around before committing. Don't make the same mistake as us. Now hubby and i have to cut some friends due to lack of space.
Aidygirl: What kind of wishes do you mean? I dont rem such things when i book last year. Perhaps memory failing me. haha
Ariel: we were also thinking of opening up ballroom 3 for ours in Oct this year as the tables are really not enough. But if you like Carlton and need say 36 - 38 tables so only 2 to 3 tables in ballroom 3, I think it's still ok. But since you haven't book, you have a choice and you shd look around before committing. Don't make the same mistake as us. Now hubby and i have to cut some friends due to lack of space.
Shi wan:- just spoke to a friend yday who held his wedding last yr at Carlton, and he shared that actually ballroom 4 & 5 will comfortably seat 31 tables cos by squeezing in 33, there will be 2 tables which will be right at e extreme side corners of the stage without any view at all..so u might wish to take note of that..are u able to chk with the banquet manager if they can open up 3 for u too? Cos if it happens that they have no ongoing functions at ballroom 1-3 on the same night, they shld be quite flexible to do so..
Initially I almost signed with Swissotel Merchant Court but glad I didn't..service sucks and I felt that they were not very sincere and forthcoming with their offers..it was only when we saw the contract that they inserted some ridiculous clauses and we were not informed beforehand..felt cheated..so now me and my HTB are back to canvassing again
Initially I almost signed with Swissotel Merchant Court but glad I didn't..service sucks and I felt that they were not very sincere and forthcoming with their offers..it was only when we saw the contract that they inserted some ridiculous clauses and we were not informed beforehand..felt cheated..so now me and my HTB are back to canvassing again
Ariel - we need 36 tables.. and the coordinator told us max 35. yup and we have 2 tables at the extreme corners of the stage. no choice cos when we booked, they told us 34 tables so we thought ok. Only when parents start doing up their list, then they start requesting for more tables.
They can't open 3 for us cos Wah Lok having reno and they using the ballrooms 1-3 for the operations now..
So do really sit down and decide on your tbl requirements before booking.. we regretted booking due to lack of space.. lucky my evening gown is mermaid style so when taking photos won't take up too much space..
They can't open 3 for us cos Wah Lok having reno and they using the ballrooms 1-3 for the operations now..
So do really sit down and decide on your tbl requirements before booking.. we regretted booking due to lack of space.. lucky my evening gown is mermaid style so when taking photos won't take up too much space..
sasapearlyn
Member
hi, im keen on Carlton too. Anyone is willing to share what perks they offer? please email me at [email protected]
Just had a meeting with the coordinator at Carlton. Probably the worst I've seen so far. She doesn't seems keen on the business at all. The package received and mentioned was totally different. When we questioned, she replied that we sent her an enquiry in August and now is already October. But she could've sent us the new packages to take a look before meeting isn't it?
Told her my concern and would require sister room and extra night stay. She rejected upfront without even trying. Didn't even brief us on the rate if extra room required. Fine.
We explained that we will have about 30 tables. And she said,"20 bottles is what we have in the package." I was so pissed with her attitude and told her that as a wedding coordinator, I don't think she's understanding at all. She quickly jumped in and said she's been working there for 3 years and that's what she knows if the hotel can provide. We further elaborate that our wedding is weekday. She replied,"for weekend, we don't give. Least to say weekday."
Next, we looked at the open area next to poolside for solemnization. She sarcastically told me,"pls informed us 1-2 hours in advance before actual event if u want to change the location due to wet weather. And this space is subject to availability. U only have 30mins for your solemnization use."
I really cannot imagine what kind if "surprises" I'll get from her for my actual day if I sign up with Carlton. Wouldn't recommend for sure.
Told her my concern and would require sister room and extra night stay. She rejected upfront without even trying. Didn't even brief us on the rate if extra room required. Fine.
We explained that we will have about 30 tables. And she said,"20 bottles is what we have in the package." I was so pissed with her attitude and told her that as a wedding coordinator, I don't think she's understanding at all. She quickly jumped in and said she's been working there for 3 years and that's what she knows if the hotel can provide. We further elaborate that our wedding is weekday. She replied,"for weekend, we don't give. Least to say weekday."
Next, we looked at the open area next to poolside for solemnization. She sarcastically told me,"pls informed us 1-2 hours in advance before actual event if u want to change the location due to wet weather. And this space is subject to availability. U only have 30mins for your solemnization use."
I really cannot imagine what kind if "surprises" I'll get from her for my actual day if I sign up with Carlton. Wouldn't recommend for sure.
sasapearlyn
Member
Hi shingene. May I ask who is your coordinator? As we are meeting one next week
Joanna Tng. she emphasized that she's been there for 3.5 years. That really puzzles me. Does she really knows that a wedding coordinator is very important? We needed their help on actual day. Please go thru their packages carefully. Wine corkages not waived. Solemnization room subject to availability.
I told her that she's actually not an understanding and helpful coordinator and she told me off that she's been around for 3.5 years. But... After 3.5 years of experience, is this the service we deserve?
I would say that a good wedding coordinator is very important.
I told her that she's actually not an understanding and helpful coordinator and she told me off that she's been around for 3.5 years. But... After 3.5 years of experience, is this the service we deserve?
I would say that a good wedding coordinator is very important.
sasapearlyn
Member
Hi ShinGene,
We met up with her also. But she dun seem that bad. We also requested one sister room and mentioned will check it out. Not sure whats the outcome though. Btw which other hotels are good too that you are looking ar?
We met up with her also. But she dun seem that bad. We also requested one sister room and mentioned will check it out. Not sure whats the outcome though. Btw which other hotels are good too that you are looking ar?
Hi Pearlyn,
I am looking at Pan Pacific and Sheraton! Read through some reviews for Pan Pacific and Sheraton. Very tempted by their package. Will try to arrange a meeting with them and see how it goes.
Back to Carlton, I did explained to her that I would require room for entourage but she rejected stating that she knows it is Impossible. I actually wrote a feedback to Carlton Singapore pertaining to the bad experience. And not knowing that I was not informed that the date that I wanted was taken up, the Catering Manager actually told me that the date required was taken up. That make things worst. Hence, Carlton is definitely a NO-NO to myself.
Anyway, I really do not expect such service from Singapore hotel. It is the first time that I received such service from hotel personnel.
I am looking at Pan Pacific and Sheraton! Read through some reviews for Pan Pacific and Sheraton. Very tempted by their package. Will try to arrange a meeting with them and see how it goes.
Back to Carlton, I did explained to her that I would require room for entourage but she rejected stating that she knows it is Impossible. I actually wrote a feedback to Carlton Singapore pertaining to the bad experience. And not knowing that I was not informed that the date that I wanted was taken up, the Catering Manager actually told me that the date required was taken up. That make things worst. Hence, Carlton is definitely a NO-NO to myself.
Anyway, I really do not expect such service from Singapore hotel. It is the first time that I received such service from hotel personnel.
bubblybubbles
New Member
hi Ariel,
i am also dealing with Dennis.
just wondering if we can exchange packages offered?
do me me at [email protected]
i am also dealing with Dennis.
just wondering if we can exchange packages offered?
do me me at [email protected]
sasapearlyn
Member
Hi ShinGene,
Hope you will have a good hotel soon. Hoping for mine too =)
Hope you will have a good hotel soon. Hoping for mine too =)
sasapearlyn
Member
Hi Ariel and Elithia,
Do you mind exchanging your package offered by Dennis? If yeah, pls email me at [email protected]. =)
Do you mind exchanging your package offered by Dennis? If yeah, pls email me at [email protected]. =)
we did our wedding at carlton at the beginning of oct. our coordinator is Joanna. and she's good.. i had a surprise for my hubby and she really helped to coordinate the practice session and all. gave me moral support on the actual day just before the surprise too! the banquet manager, raymund, was also v good.
quite surprised that so many of you had lousy experience with her. but yeah must say they quite strict abt free rooms. all my overseas guests had to pay for their own room using their internet rates.
but other than that, my guests were all v happy with the food and service.
quite surprised that so many of you had lousy experience with her. but yeah must say they quite strict abt free rooms. all my overseas guests had to pay for their own room using their internet rates.
but other than that, my guests were all v happy with the food and service.
cherrycheries
New Member
I personally do not recommend Joanna's service as well. I feel that she only provide "good" service to clients spend a lot on the banquet itself.
Follow-up service is weak. When we recently emailed her to check when can we do the food-tasting, she just replied via email, will contact us in Nov or Dec.
Not helpful at all
Follow-up service is weak. When we recently emailed her to check when can we do the food-tasting, she just replied via email, will contact us in Nov or Dec.
Not helpful at all
krtnghotmailcom
New Member
agree that joanna behaves abit laid back and çan't be bothered type when i met her for ballroom viewing and she's quite strict and inflexible on the packages.
mashmallowdreams
New Member
seems like there's mixed reviews for the coordinators here..
but it seems like their package is rather inflexible on certain things and what i heard is that the perks are better at wedding shows but not sure when is it
but it seems like their package is rather inflexible on certain things and what i heard is that the perks are better at wedding shows but not sure when is it
terminator87
New Member
i am looking at holding my wedding banquet in 2014.. Currently shortlisting intercon and pan pac... i have ard 35 tables.. wonder whether carlton can accomodate that?
cherrycheries
New Member
We have just held our wedding last weekend. Everything went on smoothly like a dream, even Joanna's attitude was so much better. She was polite, smiley and accommodating.
However, 1 of the dish went really wrong. I think that was the time I went to change my gown. No one feedback to us, only after the hubby has signed the bill.
What happened was that the tea smoked chicken was overly smoked, and our guests were wondering who was smoking in the banquet hall (yes, that bad!).
We also had quite a number of guests who were upset and feedback to the asst. banquet manager who insisted the chicken "is like that".
Ended up, we realised the asst. banquet manager already knew something was wrong - the head chef tasted the chicken and told the asst. banquet manager that the chicken is not right. Yet he still insisted that the chicken "is like that" when we were discussing after sending off the guests.
I personally tasted the chicken, after they send the dish to our suite that night. And it tasted sourish, tough and too smokey.
The end conclusion is that, Carlton did not offer any compensation, and Joanna just said that they will recommend couples to NOT take that dish if they cannot take the strong taste.
Sounds like it's our fault. Gosh.
However, 1 of the dish went really wrong. I think that was the time I went to change my gown. No one feedback to us, only after the hubby has signed the bill.
What happened was that the tea smoked chicken was overly smoked, and our guests were wondering who was smoking in the banquet hall (yes, that bad!).
We also had quite a number of guests who were upset and feedback to the asst. banquet manager who insisted the chicken "is like that".
Ended up, we realised the asst. banquet manager already knew something was wrong - the head chef tasted the chicken and told the asst. banquet manager that the chicken is not right. Yet he still insisted that the chicken "is like that" when we were discussing after sending off the guests.
I personally tasted the chicken, after they send the dish to our suite that night. And it tasted sourish, tough and too smokey.
The end conclusion is that, Carlton did not offer any compensation, and Joanna just said that they will recommend couples to NOT take that dish if they cannot take the strong taste.
Sounds like it's our fault. Gosh.
vivianying
New Member
Hi Cherry
Is your wedding coordinator Joanne Chee?
I have made an appointment for site viewing with Joanne and she was not serious in showing me around and seem like she is eagering to go home.
Is your wedding coordinator Joanne Chee?
I have made an appointment for site viewing with Joanne and she was not serious in showing me around and seem like she is eagering to go home.
pencil12
Member
Just had my wedding there last Saturday at Carlton, everything went on very smoothly with Dennis and Nicholas ( wedding coordinators) being very helpful and responsible from the start till the end of the wedding. Dennis is very accommodating and responsive to my request and queries prior to the wedding which makes it a lot easy and at ease with the intense preparation just weeks before the wedding. Though the perks given may not be as good as other hotels, at the end of the day, the whole banquet went on so smoothly with responsible people handling the night is most important. The food is also very much praised by my relatives and friends saying that the fish is sooo fresh and the quality/ quantity is the same as food tasting, maybe better.
Carlton is one of my short-listed places too. Love how Empress 3 and 4 looks, and the coordinator we met up (Maureen) with is lovely! She makes me really comfortable and share with us lots of information we did not think of. She gives us the feeling that we can safely leave everything to her and she will ensure everything will be ok. Very prompt follow up as well. Both my hubby and I feel that if we do sign up with Carlton, it's because we love Maureen's service.
daffy duck
Member
i made an appointment to the hotel this fri.
can anyone share their experience on their service? what additonal perks should i ask for?
can anyone share their experience on their service? what additonal perks should i ask for?
Honestly, they are really stingy on perks. We are in talks with them & close to putting down our deposit.
Asked to help provide x2 of a particular wish (the additional 1 night stay) within the allowed number of wedding wishes. & they would not even allow.
If you want to go with Carlton, gotta be prepared for that. Not customer-oriented, won't really entertain customers' requests
Really the minimalist kind.. no frills.
Would like to share my recent experiences with Carlton Hotel for our Wedding dinner in 2014.
Were keen on Carlton for the good Chinese food & considerably reasonable price and got in touch with a coordinator since June.
when we tied down our confirmed date in a meet-up, the coordinator unfortunately was not too meticulous & did not key in our date in their "system" immediately.
On the day to place our 5k deposit (4 days after the last meet), we got a call only on that day to inform that we lost our date to another couple whose coordinator was faster to key into the system.
The other couple have not placed a deposit, hence we challenged to place a deposit earlier than them to secure our date. That was not possible & our coordinator did not stand up for us nor help us. so, we lost our date & had to (you know how crazy it is) and re-align all schedules, family concerns, solemnization venue dates again. If you call & try to speak to a manager for a complaint, be prepared to wait for a few working days.
Totally mistreated.
No follow-up, no nothing until we stomped down to the hotel that night & complained.
1 week later, the director of catering Ms Koh met us & spoke to us. She is friendly & was trying her best.
She shared that their policy is they do not propose to you what they can give as token of compensation, but you have to request, then they consider if they can give it to you. well, fine then. Perhaps an attempt to be more customer oriented.
Since I can name my requests, I said 20% off total bill (~8k off), which Ms Koh took notes on. Many of my colleagues & friends said we were too nice. should have asked for 50% off for all this additional hassle & even possible losses ;( (we alr placed deposits on some of the big ticket items) .... but anyway.. then we continued to ask for additional night stay etc, more people for menu tasting... which was confirmed on the spot by Ms Koh as a compensation.
The bigger-ticket items require higher management approvals and so require 1-2 days to get back.
Ms Koh also offered us complimentary buffet dinner at the cafe after our meet.
Genuinely appreciated the meet-up with her.
BUT.... the email came back from the higher management. my gosh. our 20% off request went all the way down to 2-3% off.
First thought . if you can't even meet halfway, then pls don't even offer -.-/ totally pissed.
Second thought, Are there any of value additional perks to make it up? No. +10% of confirmed attendance allowed free parking and invite cards - just that?!
Replied the email but get back the usual corporate-y clinical reply which means nope they're not budging.
They will also define for you to either confirm within 3 working days on our date, OR they need to give up to other couples.
Very tired with all this tussle... & hope not to go through this with another hotel. So disturbingly, first choice is still Carlton. but now preparing a back-up hotel / restaurant in case all else fails. If it just fails, we will make sure our unfortunate encounter is shared on social media, everywhere.
Hope not for any wedding couple to undergo the same thing as us.
We all know date is the HARDEST to tie down. once you tie it down, more relieved and everything gets more on track.
Final hurdle, we had to change our dates again after some issues again. & now awaiting reply from the hotel.
In essence -
If you want to deal with them. be prepared for no budging, & always remember to have black & white (email confirmation)
Customer-service wise, not really. Ms Koh is walking the talk, but the higher management is just lip-service.
& better to be more kia-su, follow-up & ensure your choice date has been keyed into "the system" by your coordinators (don't assume)
what else? Even if you are the paying customer, you are not the most important to them.
Were keen on Carlton for the good Chinese food & considerably reasonable price and got in touch with a coordinator since June.
when we tied down our confirmed date in a meet-up, the coordinator unfortunately was not too meticulous & did not key in our date in their "system" immediately.
On the day to place our 5k deposit (4 days after the last meet), we got a call only on that day to inform that we lost our date to another couple whose coordinator was faster to key into the system.
The other couple have not placed a deposit, hence we challenged to place a deposit earlier than them to secure our date. That was not possible & our coordinator did not stand up for us nor help us. so, we lost our date & had to (you know how crazy it is) and re-align all schedules, family concerns, solemnization venue dates again. If you call & try to speak to a manager for a complaint, be prepared to wait for a few working days.
Totally mistreated.
No follow-up, no nothing until we stomped down to the hotel that night & complained.
1 week later, the director of catering Ms Koh met us & spoke to us. She is friendly & was trying her best.
She shared that their policy is they do not propose to you what they can give as token of compensation, but you have to request, then they consider if they can give it to you. well, fine then. Perhaps an attempt to be more customer oriented.
Since I can name my requests, I said 20% off total bill (~8k off), which Ms Koh took notes on. Many of my colleagues & friends said we were too nice. should have asked for 50% off for all this additional hassle & even possible losses ;( (we alr placed deposits on some of the big ticket items) .... but anyway.. then we continued to ask for additional night stay etc, more people for menu tasting... which was confirmed on the spot by Ms Koh as a compensation.
The bigger-ticket items require higher management approvals and so require 1-2 days to get back.
Ms Koh also offered us complimentary buffet dinner at the cafe after our meet.
Genuinely appreciated the meet-up with her.
BUT.... the email came back from the higher management. my gosh. our 20% off request went all the way down to 2-3% off.
First thought . if you can't even meet halfway, then pls don't even offer -.-/ totally pissed.
Second thought, Are there any of value additional perks to make it up? No. +10% of confirmed attendance allowed free parking and invite cards - just that?!
Replied the email but get back the usual corporate-y clinical reply which means nope they're not budging.
They will also define for you to either confirm within 3 working days on our date, OR they need to give up to other couples.
Very tired with all this tussle... & hope not to go through this with another hotel. So disturbingly, first choice is still Carlton. but now preparing a back-up hotel / restaurant in case all else fails. If it just fails, we will make sure our unfortunate encounter is shared on social media, everywhere.
Hope not for any wedding couple to undergo the same thing as us.
We all know date is the HARDEST to tie down. once you tie it down, more relieved and everything gets more on track.
Final hurdle, we had to change our dates again after some issues again. & now awaiting reply from the hotel.
In essence -
If you want to deal with them. be prepared for no budging, & always remember to have black & white (email confirmation)
Customer-service wise, not really. Ms Koh is walking the talk, but the higher management is just lip-service.
& better to be more kia-su, follow-up & ensure your choice date has been keyed into "the system" by your coordinators (don't assume)
what else? Even if you are the paying customer, you are not the most important to them.