The Occidental

- Central location in CBD - Room size was perfect for number of guests - Freedom to decorate room however you wished

- Functions staff were helpful with the initial booking of venue, but that's where it ended - Unable to contact functions staff by phone despite numerous messages - they were always in meetings and never returned calls - At time of booking I was told by functions manager they can make any cocktail I request with notice. I informed staff of desired welcome cocktail along with catering two weeks prior to event, only to be called the day before event to say they don't have the ingredients and can't do it. The alternative cocktail they suggested was very disappointing and just tasted like cranberry juice. - Day of function was a chaos with several functions being held at the same venue during the day and we were the last. So all previous guests occupied the entire venue downstairs which spilled out onto the streets and it seemed even the security guards found the crowds difficult to control - we were unable to enter the venue at our agreed time due to previous function running over time. Functions staff were unable to be contacted on the day - Staff on duty for our function were helpful however our one bartender was run off his feet and the wait for a drink was long - Catering was average. Despite providing a spreadsheet stating "no pork" we were presented with pork bao buns as a canape. Vegetarian pizzas were literally tomatos with cheese sprinkled on the top - Our vegetarians didn't eat much. Functions staff assured me vego food would come out on a separate platter however it was nowhere to be seen. No organisation - Picked up decorations the next day and organised with the person on duty a day for me to speak with functions manager to provide feedback. Arrived on nominated day and time, only to find yet again the functions coordinator was unavailable. Left feedback with staff member and was assured she would ask the functions team to call me. Still no word - Returned to the venue a third time to collect my tablecloth which they said had been taken to get laundered. Even though I returned on the day they had advised, my tablecloth was nowhere to be found and I still have not heard from the venue nor retrieved my item

The Occidental was an amazing place for my 21st to be held. The bartender Christine was nothing short of wonderful and she makes an excellent Espresso Martini. Venue was spacious and the private bar was perfect. Communication with the function managers was good too! Although we were not situated in the Glenmore room, rather their other function room, they are very similar, just lack of cocktail style tables and dimmer lighting :)

Potential you may be redirected to their other function room that is below the Glenmore room. Although we communicated through The Glenmore room, upon arrival we we're directed to the other function room.

Great communication from the staff before and during the event. Also a great venue, with a private room for big functions. Thank you for having us!