Introduction:

Here at Hotels Unlimited we have a committed staff at each of our locations that is here to cater to our clients’ needs. Today, we continue with our ”Meet the Staff” series in which we will inform you of our resources that are available for your opportune moment.

Hotels Unlimited interviewed Valerie Lobato, the Catering Sales Director of the Crystal Ballroom located inside the Radisson Hotel of Freehold, NJ.  For the latest updates, be sure to check out the Crystal Ballroom Twitter and Facebook pages and the Radisson of Freehold Twitter and Facebook.

Photo taken courtesy of David Todd.

HU: How long have you worked at Hotels Unlimited?

VL: I have worked with Hotels Unlimited a little over three years now, and have been at the Radisson for all three years.

HU: What is the most common type of event that your banquet facility holds?

VL: We do tons of Weddings, Bat Mitzvahs and Bar Mitzvahs. We do everything from corporate events to social including anniversaries, bridal showers, breakfast the next day after the event, and baby showers.

HU: What is your most memorable event that you have done?

VL: The most memorable event we had done was a wedding that was planned through David Tutera, the famous celebrity planner who is on “My Fair Wedding.” David and his whole crew had chosen one of our brides and had selected our venue for the show. It was very exciting.

HU: What do your clients like most about the facility?

VL: Our clients like the beautiful chandeliers which you will have to see for yourself when you come visit. We have outdoor wedding ceremonies, and just the convenience of the hotel as well.

HU: What enhancers do your clients use the most?

VL: Our clients like to use our chair covers as well as our Hollywood lighting packages for the night because it definitely changes the mood of the evening and they can make it their own, and I am a big fan of the Sweet Memories package in which we serve sweet treats butler style.

HU: What is your favorite part of the event planning process?

VL: My favorite part is the initial working with the clients and watching them see the Crystal Ballroom for the first time and see the “wow” look on their faces. I also really enjoy walking with them through the whole booking process and it’s so wonderful to feel that they chose me for their special day.

HU: Any advice you would recommend to any couples getting married that are looking around?

VL: Don’t listen to too many opinions of family and friends. Obviously they should work with the parents and such, but brides seem to have too many people put in their opinion and it can get overwhelming. When something is right, they will feel it. Although everyone has a budget to work with, all of our properties will work with them and in the end it is their decision.

HU: What is your most unusual event request?

VL: We had many unusual event requests, but there are two that really stick out to me. Once while planning a Bar Mitzvah, we had a client who wanted to ride in on a dirt bike since the party theme was extreme sports.

The other event was during a gay wedding where the couple had requested a drag show during the reception and “Beyoncè” was part of the act.