First off, I would like to offer an apology if you recently had an event, or are in the process of planning an event at one of the three venues that I am about to mention. I'm sure your special day was everything you wanted and more. However being in the event business for some time now, I have done extensive research on venues in Tucson, and all that they have to offer. That being said, I am continually astonished at the amount of people who decide to book events at the following locations. Here me out, on the top 3 underwhelming and overused event venues in Tucson:
1. La Mariposa
This venue must go down as being the most overused venue in the greater Tucson area. Every single event held at La Mariposa looks identical to one another. It lacks originality and most of all character. They use the exact same floor plan for each event. The room is small and barley fits 100 guests comfortably. The shape of the room itself is also extremely awkward and leaves nothing to be desired to the aesthetic seeking eye. The worst part of the venue is that they make all the decisions for you. You must use there DJ and there bakery- here in lies the exact reason for the venue lacking any originality. With major decisions made for you, a less than appealing floor plan, and overall bland environment, your event is destined to look exactly like every other wedding held at the venue.The term 'cookie-cutter wedding' was coined especially for La Mariposa.
2. Angelica's Wedding and Events
I need to stop and take a deep breath before discussing this next venue.... phewww.. In fact I use the term 'venue' loosely, it is located in what seems to resemble a strip mall directly on Speedway Blvd. Nothing is made or prepared on property, four white walls and a table is pretty much the extent of what you get and not even for a reasonable price. This venue is one step below a backyard wedding. Ouch. I know what was harsh, but I speak the truth. A backyard wedding can be fabulous given the right tools. I would definitely opt for that over spending money on Angelica's.
3. Radisson Inn Suites
At one point in time say 15 years ago the Radisson must have been an average option to host an event. Nowadays the amount of money that this two star hotel charges for an event, should be a crime. There is nothing private or memorable about the Radisson.. all of your guests are well aware of what the inside of this standard hotel looks like. Dance floor? What dance-floor? You are lucky if they rent an un-sturdy fake slab of wood in the shape of a square that will be passed off as a dance-floor. Not to mention the tacky red carpet and blank walls will remind you of the barmitzvah you attended in middle school with the majority of guests being 7 times your age. The one appeal of this venue, will be there non- existent 'site fee', the sales rep will try to convince you of the amount of money you will save as they will wave the site fee and only charge you for the meals if you guarantee at-least 100 guests. What this really means is: all of the guests that are staying at the hotel during your event, that will all be present as they walk through the lobby in there flip flops and towels on the way to the pool.. paid way to much for there rooms, therefore eliminating the need for you to pay a site fee. The hotel is already making money whether they have your event or not. So don't expect this venue to go above and beyond to make your day memorable. I would skip the reception all together and get a 'suite' (if you can call it that) at the hotel, drink some cheap champagne, and call it a night.. before I ever host an event at the no tell hotel of venues.
I felt the need to write this entry as somewhat of a public service announcement. Don't settle for a venue that packages everything together, the venue gets a 'kick back' every time you are suckered into using a service that they offer such as there DJ or Bakery. One stop shop in the venue business means that you are probably getting ripped off.
Check out these venues for a classy, unique tastefully memorable event:
Arizona Inn - This is one of the classiest venue spots in Tucson, its vintage feel and cozy environment will leave your guests wanting to stay wayyyy past last call.
Skyline Country Club- Skyline is right! the view of this venue is out of this world. You have to see it to believe how gorgeous it truly is.
