I'd like your ideas on a place to host a cocktail reception for 75 people in San Francisco
 

We are the host couple for an international meeting which is being held in mid April at the Argent Hotel on 3rd at Market. We want to have a reception or dinner and there is no guarantee that the Argent's remodel of their bar/restaurant will be completed by then. We'd like a place that will show off SF in a nice way but isn't terribly expensive. City Hall was my first choice but they charge about $10,000. Drop three zeros and maybe we could do it. The Ferry Building is also on the wish list but they haven't responded to my inquiry yet. Any other thoughts? Thanks!

drop 3 zeros???

You want to host a cocktail reception in SF for $10 per person?

I don't think you can even come close unless the cocktails are Budlight and the venue is the corner of Geary and Jones.

What is your actual budget so folks can give you practicle options?

okay...being less of an a$$ (rough morning)...

Do you want a place to cater food & drink also or are you doing that separate?

I've been to the De Young Museum in Golden Gate Park for a dinner and that was very nice...no idea about cost.

What about some restaurant bars or lounges such as Cityscape (Hilton), Top of the Mark (Mark Hopkins), Tonga Room (Fairmont), Equinox (Hyatt)?

Maybe take a cocktail cruise around the bay...again not sure about cost.

Check this website ... should be helpful. At least 600 places listed for SF, w/their websites, etc.
http://tinyurl.com/328xqy

Hi-our company hosted a cocktail party for 250 at the SF Wax Museum; for 75 people it would be much more fun as it was pretty crowded. The entrance to the place is like an old movie theatre; a touch of mustiness but not enough to turn people away. There is room for a band (we had a Frank Sinatra impersonator). Also had a Marilyn Monroe & Groucho to work the crowd and for photo ops. Had it catered. $2K to rent the place + food + entertainment.
people thought it was fun. ;;)

Check out the Hass-Lillenthal House,The Green Room at Herbst, Marines Memorial. They probably have caterers they would recommend.

Also: Check out the Griffin Hotel,Hotel Vitale, Ozumo. These are all down by the Embarcadero and could afford your guests great views of the Bay Bridge at night.

I attended a reception at The Empress of China...empressofchinasf.com...wow what a place!

How about the Beach Chalet?

PamSF,
My BIL is a Lilienthal: his abuela (grandmother) lived in the Hass-Lilienthal house until her death in 1972. Lots of her stuff is still there.
I was a member of the Marines' Memorial for many years.
Small world.
M

In addition, I have asked all for their recommendations.
M

Mikemo~pix of the new baby anytime soon?

PamSF,
Most recent from Tia Maria (daughter Marie-Adele) looked awfully intense.
Dad says it's a colon thing, lol.
Have my 2 GB SD loaded.
M

Mikemo~Tell them to try "Gripe Water".

Okay, I'm back to checking my thread here on the reception. Sorry about that, saps, I wasn't very clear about details like cost. When I mentioned City Hall I was referring only to the basic rental cost at $10,000. That doesn't buy you any food or drink. I do realize you won't get anything in this town for $10 per person.

Frankly I don't know how much the professional organization that might foot the bill is willing to spend but I wanted venue ideas from Fodorites. There's another caveat, like it would be nice not to have to taxi to this event. This is one reason I thought of the Ferry Building - we can walk or catch the F Market.
I will check out all that has been recommended here. Thanks for your time.