My fiancé and I signed a contract with The Garden Ballroom, 353 3rd St NW, Winter Haven, FL…read more(operated by Once Upon A Dream Events by Lorraine, LLC) in January 2025 for our wedding reception to be held in February 2026. Recently, Lorraine informed us that she had lost the lease to the contracted venue due to issues with other building tenants. At first, she suggested an alternative location, which we agreed to. Weeks later, she would not confirm the arrangements at that location and then attempted to force us to hold our reception at another venue in a different city, several miles farther away from the original location, without our approval. We rightfully declined and requested a refund of our deposit. She refused, claiming in email, it is within her rights to move or transfer the venue to any place legally based on her DBA. After consulting an attorney, we have been advised she is in breach of contract, as the original location was a material and central part of the contract. She should not be able to move the location without consent from her clients - namely us. In our opinion, this business practice is unethical, unprofessional, and deeply unfair to anyone who trusts her with their special events. We caution anyone considering this company to think twice and protect yourself by consulting an attorney before signing anything to avoid being faced with a similar situation. We are sharing our experience so that others are fully informed before making such an important decision. We all deserve better than to be strung along, displaced, and denied refunds when a vendor cannot deliver the contracted service.

Do no book this venue. The owner's are extremely unprofessional. The couple thought it was okay to…read moreberate a mother carrying her child while the event was taking place. They yelled and yelled, showing complete lack of respect for their client as the doors were open. After being advised that she was the aggressor, the owner, Lorraine, threatened to get aggressive with the mother. She thought it was okay to snatch a $15 candle from a mother, which could be considered as assault. Then follow the mother into the lobby to continue scolding her. If you want your event to go smoothly without any hiccups keep looking. Their conduct was completely unacceptable and they felt okay behaving like high school bullies because, "They are the owners."

Lovely little home. I you are a realistic person who has…read morelived in Florida and knows how rain is a part of daily life, do not book this venue. If you understand there really is no (as in ZERO) backup for rain and still love it, go ahead. Forget the rain. Tried to start ceremony 15 minutes early as bride and photographer wanted to get outside photos during pause in rain and were shut down. NO. Not happening. We managed a few photos post ceremony and skies opened. Observe cocktail tables in dance area during cocktail hour but no one from venue escorted or guided guests to that room so dining room was used. Not pleased. Saw two appetizers shrimp tossed on a plate and Costco-style spanikopita. I know I paid for the Platinum Package and son said he had a beef Wellington. Will take his word for it. Oh, asked for a Coke prior to ceremony and was told I can have lemonade or water. Okey dokey. No wine poured with dinner. Rolls served after salads finished. Father's meal served 12 minutes after others at the table. And cold. Father was also informed he wasn't on their schedule for speech and had to wait till they got around to pouring champagne. He informed representative that that was just not going to happen and adjust their time line. Quite honestly, fortunate my husband didn't totally lose his mind by then. Good thing I ordered dessert platters for all tables in addition to cake as our cake was cleared before we had a chance to eat it. There appeared to be a mas rush to clear so staff could get home and this was not yet 9.30pm. If on a budget, I see the charm. If it is sunny, perhaps different experience and perhaps they will learn to be more fluid and flexible with their timelines. Roof leaked as well. Left a cocktail table on already cozy dance floor. Cocktail table was there to collect the rain water so it wouldn't puddle on floor. You really couldn't make all this up. I do have a great florist recommendation, though. Management should be ashamed at how the evening progressed.

It has taken me some time to write this but that is not for a lack of wonderful things to say. From…read morethe moment I contacted Town Manor, they were nothing but wonderful, warm and inviting. I truly cannot say enough wonderful things. When my now husband and I decided to use Town Manor, we did not fully understand what we were getting - we were being accepted and welcomed into a new family, with open arms. The moment I began to plan, and stress over the details, Town Manor stepped in, like the amazing people they are, to alleviate that stress. Any time I had a question, they were there to respond. Any time I was stuck or needed to meet in person, Nandy and Emily were available to help me and to walk me through the planning. They made the process so easy and stress free which made me able to worry about other things. From an allergy free menu to a custom play list, they made it happen. Anything I needed; they were there for. If you are on the fence about Town Manor, let me help you with a decision. For the price, you will get perfection. For the price, you will have a dedicated team that will be there for you and help you along the way. For the price, you will have peace of mind and an amazing experience that I know other vendors cannot match. I met and spoke with at least 30 other places and options before I found Town Manor and I am so glad I found them! Their price was better than everyone else's and they made me feel welcome, loved and appreciated - like I mattered - from the very first conversation. Above all, you will be welcomed in to a wonderful, loving family of some of the best humans I have ever met in my life - I am grateful to Town Manor and to Nandy, Don and Emily, to which I say, thank you. Side note: the food is seriously amazing and the cake was the best I have ever had in my life.

My first time at The Ritz in Winter Hagen did not disappoint. It has all the old world charm but…read morestill great acoustics for concerts. We checked out a Motley Crue Tribute from Detroit and had a blast. They're concession was just that...chips candy and drinks... there was also a limited alcohol selection. We had drinks prior to the show next door at Central Tavern...see that review...

The renovation of The Ritz is excellent. We went for the Tuesday Tribute night and the band…read moreAlmighty Queen did a phenomenal job. Everyone in our party had a great night. The only negative that we came up with was the Bud Light beer was outdated. The can had September 2022 for a date. We are already looking for our next show to go to. If you haven't been here for a show you need to look the up and treat yourself to a night out.

I've stayed at this newer Courtyard a few times and each time has been great. New, modern and sleek…read moredesign and property is very clean. Check in is always smooth. They have a nice fire pit area. This location also offers a Starbucks. I don't like that there is no free coffee other than what is in your room. They also have a full bar area and bistro for dining and drinks which is very nice. They also offer a small market with snacks and basic travel necessities. The rooms are spacious and well appointed. I love that the rooms have a refrigerator and a microwave. Legoland is right across the street so it's definitely convenient if you're visiting the park. Restaurants and limited shopping options are nearby such as TJMaxx. Overall I feel this property is a great value and offers comfortable accommodations so I will continue to return.

At walking distance from Legoland was a great location for a few days stay and to start our…read morevacation. The check in and the cafe staff was pleasant. The room was spacious and had a keriug, mini fridge and a microwave. Cafe serves breakfast and dinner.

One of my favorite venues. Parents aren't crowded along the side. It also gives the players a…read morefeeling of playing in an arena. We have only been here for volleyball but everyone is so fri

A wonderful new multi purpose venue in the heart of Winter Haven. From basketball, to swimming, to…read moreevents, and training area for the Lakeland Magic.

This is a really beautiful venue not only for weddings, but an assortment of events, as well as…read morejust having lodging so you can stay on campus in a quiet area but still be near a lot of attractions. We hosted a work event at the boathouse here and it was super nice. The estate looks out over a huge lake so the views are stunning, and it's really lovely to be outside and enjoy nature. The main house area is huge and could host a lot of people. It has a cobblestone courtyard area that lights up at night and it's all so quaint. The grounds are kept meticulous by workers and all of it is so quality and nice. Everyone we worked with from the Adams Estate were also super friendly and helpful.

Beautiful views of the lake. Clean restrooms. Comfortable tent with AC for parties. Ample parking.read more