I came on board as the event planner for a H.S. graduation party after this venue had already been…read morebooked. If I had been involved from the beginning, I would not have chosen Claret Hall. While we were able to pull off a beautiful event, it was in spite of the venue -- not because of it. Dated Look & Layout Challenges Claret Hall's interior leans towards modest and practical. The mirrored walls in the main hall add a dated look, along with the wood floors, and a layout that's more "community center". Despite this, the staff carries themselves as if this is some grand, modern ballroom with marble floors and crystal chandeliers. Let's be clear -- it's not. The lobby has several design limitations: a brown beat up leather sofa that can't be removed because they "have nowhere to store it," and a built-in desk with a counter that takes up valuable space. There's a fireplace in the lobby with exit doors on both sides, and nothing is allowed near or in front of them (something we were reminded of multiple times), including while inflating balloons. If you're hoping to create a dramatic or welcoming entry moment, prepare to work around all of this. The catering/banquet room also had scuffed walls in clear need of a paint refresh. The main event room layout wasn't very functional either, because my design included a large balloon display and DJ booth, I had to carefully measure and adjust to avoid blocking yet another fire exit door. Inflexible Rules & Overbearing Oversight We had planned a mocktail bar setup for the grad on the outdoor patio. However, we were later told that we'd have to go through an entirely separate entity (and pay additional fees) just to use the patio for a "bar" that was NON-ALCOHOLIC, because it's technically not owned by Claret Hall. We ended up relocating the mocktail bar indoors. Additionally, we were told that we could not use any of their high top 32" round tables on the patio. During one of the walkthroughs, their staff member with the British accent, Ms. Eudene, used a very no nonsense tone, was borderline rude and not collaborative. The morning after our final walk-through, I called to ask for the fireplace measurements I had forgotten to take. The woman on the phone said a church event was happening and someone would have to call me back the next day. When I asked, "Isn't there a yellow measuring tape right there on the desk?" she paused, begrudgingly put me on hold, and minutes later returned with the measurements--but with an annoyed tone. It was unnecessarily difficult and honestly, lazy. If you're sitting right there, how does a church service stop you from walking four feet to measure a fireplace? She wasn't involved in the service! On the event day, all my vendors and helpers arrived on time! Granted, we were 30 minutes early, but the building was completely empty -- no church service or event in progress as we had been told there would be. Still, the staffer on duty would not let anyone in even 15 minutes early, citing liability and the contract terms. While I understand the policy, it was frustrating in the moment, especially with no one else in the building, balloon vendors outside with balloons, furniture vendors standing outside waiting, and a tight setup schedule. To top it off, as we were packing up at the end of the night; already actively cleaning and breaking down, the same staffer came over to me with a printed checklist, pointing out everything that needed to be done. I was beyond annoyed. Not exactly the energy you want at the end of a very long day. Final Thoughts Claret Hall is fine for modest events with low design needs. It is not ideal for creative designers who need a blank slate, creative freedom, or flexibility. Be prepared to design around fire exits, some immovable furniture, and strict staff oversight. It is also worth noting that a church regularly holds its services at Claret Hall, which can impact availability. I wouldn't personally book it again.

Last month, I went to a Claret Hall project occasion. The region has easy services, a stable AV…read moresetup, and plenty of space. Parking became scarce, but the body of workers become pleasant. Excellent surroundings for business conferences, however the air conditioner had hassle at some point of busy instances. All in all, a very good choice for activities; simply get there early to guarantee parking.

They have a variety of party rooms for rent to host a variety of total numbers of guests.read more

I have been a customer of Owen Brown Interfaith Center for more than a decade now. What keeps me…read morecoming back is the affordable pricing, convenient location, professional staff, and cleanliness of the venue. The staff has continuously been friendly, flexible, and helpful. I would recommend them to anyone looking to host a business seminar or training event. Aaron Burt Coalition International

Great place for any type of event! We attended a business meeting a few months ago. It was clean…read moreand parking was great.

It's a good venue for the last few events we've attended. They've all been work events, but for…read moreparties and such. The staff has been helpful when needed, which honestly isn't often. My only 'complaint' would be the sound system. The podium and microphone give feedback at weird variations. If you're not close enough: feedback. If you turn the volume DOWN: feedback. It's weird. Anyway, it's still a sizable location and pretty easy to get to. It's not far from US 29, but far enough away to be quaint and cozy (though the exterior doesn't really evoke this feeling). Great place for an office event, or probably an event of any kind.

This is a beautiful venue to host a wedding. It has the courtyard to use for the ceremony and…read moreinside the barn offers a beautiful and intimate experience for your reception. A one stop shop with plenty of parking as well.

DARCARS Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of Silver Spring,Maryland…read more TheYhe Assistant Service Manager Mario Mina was absolutely fantastic. From the time my vehicle got in until I got it back was a nice experience. He kept me updated on all the details of the servicing, made sure I was in a rental vehicle and was definitely outstanding. I will highly recommend him to you for all your services and repairs need.

Seems like a very useful space to have for a conference. Parking can be an issue though if the…read moreevent is large as the parking lot did not have enough spaces and we had to circle around a bit.

Receptionist - one who attempts to provide service to customers seeking out information. Typically…read morehas a friendly and helpful disposition. This is my understanding, broadly, of a receptionist or administrative assistant's duties and responsibilities if they frequently interface with the public, (though I know they have infinitely more tasks to accomplish than just greeting guests). This has never been my experience at Oakland Mills Interfaith Center - The Meeting House. I have interacted with the young lady sitting at the desk no less than 6 times, maybe as many as 10 in the past 4 years or so and her disposition 99.98% of the time has been really nasty. I do my best to be sympathetic, understanding or give people the benefit of the doubt, if I meet them for the first time and they seem grumpy, but if I speak with you upwards of 6 times over 4 years, different seasons, rain or shine and you are always pissed, perhaps you've sought out a career in the wrong lane. The attitude some businesses have toward customer service, perhaps, has evolved over the years, but I would still think there is modicum of courtesy that is expected of staff when they meet people who potentially may be interested in doing business with their establishment. I don't know what the protocol is when you see the receptionist, but, typically, I don't like to just interrupt them and tell them what I want, or why I'm there because they're usually typing something that I'm assuming they need a reasonable degree of focus on, and I don't want to break their concentration. I could tell this receptionist was pissed, per her usual, so I just started talking as soon as I got to the desk. The space I was interested in was not available for the date I wanted which was no problem. I asked if I could look at one of the other rooms I could see from her desk. (I wasn't sure if it was being used). She said "Yes". When I walked over, I saw a room to the left of that room, which I couldn't see when I asked to see the first room, so I invited myself to look at that room to (there was no one in it). When I turned back around the corner, the receptionist shot me a look that could cut through a thousand tons of Philadelphia street on the coldest of December nights. She was in the middle of eating her lunch, and stopped, mid-chew, to try and stare me down as if I was trying to usurp her authority. I ignored the vibe and just asked if the 2 rooms were available to which she immediately retorted "I said no"....First of all, she didn't. Second of all, she needs to park all that attitude at the curb before she enters her place of business. I understand being a receptionist may not always be the greatest position because you have to deal with whatever walks through your door, but if you can't be friendly, at least be professional. I understand that the objective of this house of worship is, by no means, solely to make money, but I would think, even a billionaire wouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth if it took little to no effort to get it. Anywho, there is another lovely place where, if you're looking to hold a smaller event, that could probably accommodate your needs. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Church is also located in Howard County. As I recall, they do rent by the hour and I don't think it's more than $70/h. Seeing as I'm looking for a new venue to hold my event, I thought others may be to. I tried to include pictures of this venue below.

Amazing customer service, great price for the space, and overall extremely accommodating. I would…read morehost another party in this space and recommend it to everyone. The only drawback is the heating food restrictions, but I completely understand for safety reasons.

10% off for being a Columbia resident and you get a free hour if you check in! Chairs, table,…read moremicrophones...all of that is provided! This is very spacious and convenient! There's even a kitchen area nearby the rooms to keep things running smoothly if you plan to have food at your event. Highly recommend this event venue, we loved it!

This Event space/Venue is currently running a deal with a HEAVILY discounted pricing list due to it…read morenot being built out. They have a Unisex bathroom and can truly transform this warehouse into an amazing look! Definitely hit them up if you're looking to book for cheaper than what's on the website right now because it's only going to last until end of October. They're booking out to next year so the earlier you book your date the better! October's deal is for ANY DATE BOOKED I might add. As long as you Book and deposit This month, the price for right now is what you pay! No matter the date or season! I'd jump on this!

From the owner: At All In Events & Co., we believe every celebration deserves creativity, intention, and a flawless…read moreexecution. We’re a dynamic team fueled by passion, backed by a growing network of talented vendors, and committed to delivering memorable event experiences. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a large-scale celebration, we bring vision, organization, and attention to detail to every project. With strong relationships across the industry and a fresh take on event design, we help bring your ideas to life, seamlessly and beautifully.

Great for weddings (indoors and out), receptions and large meetings…read more The mansion is like stepping back in time to a fine country estate. After climbing a full set of stairs (handicap accessible only on the first floor thru a side ramp), you enter a grand foyer lit by brass chandeliers with a dramatic staircase on each side. Entering thru double doors, you are in the main ballroom that has two fireplaces and crystal chandeliers. The main ballroom leads to an enclosed Veranda that offers great views of a wooded back yard and grounds. There is a small exhibit room up stairs and a parlor where we all gather for a family member's wedding ceremony and big reception afterwards, outside. All was great on the location and venue choice tip. My only gripe with this venue, was the poor planning for a large wedding party. My cousin had her wedding here in August (dog days of summer) and the venue provided a really nice tent set up for an outdoor reception. It really fit the bill until you walked inside and realized it felt like a greenhouse! The outdoor AC units were running on high and useless. The venue management should have planned better given the weather and knowing it's the dead middle of the summer in MD....which is always HOT! The tent was apparently setup shortly, hours before their wedding and the AC units did not have time to cool the place. Instead, they should have been running overnight because it was extremely uncomfortable and everyone was sweating bullets in the place--drenched. lol. It definitely dampened the occasion for such a nice venue. Other than this, I have nothing but good things to share about this venue. The staff were friendly, helpful and guest felt at home....despite the AC issue. If you are looking for a place that feels inviting, relaxed and a bit like home for your next engagement, I would suggest this place as a "potential" option....just make sure it is not in the dead heat of the summer.

Fantastic place to host a party! It's a very nice property with very professional staffing.read more

Such a wonderful place that I never knew existed until this weekend when We attended a wedding…read morehere. Actually, I officiated. So, I got to check out the grounds around the main building before the bride and groom arrived for rehearsal. They have a wonderful wandering Garden with Fountains and water features. I could sit by a loud water feature for hours. The wedding was in the garden, but the facility had prepared the Veranda in case the rain didn't clear up. In addition to the new main structure, they have Historical buildings and Summer camps.

Howard County Conservancy…read more We'll walk you to see the biggest beaver dam in Howard County Conservancy. Are you excited? Let's walk with us to the Wetlands trail! First you walk from the parking lot to the old barn, you can see it's located by the entrance roadside, and once you get there, walk down the trail, and keep going. You'll be in sort of intersection on your left but we won't turn left here, keep walking and you'll see a walking path *watch on your right with a (ruined) stone gate alike. Walk across the stone gate, turn left and walk for around 10-15 foot steps and turn right, and keep walking until you'll see a sign of small pond on your left, then you're on the right path. You can walk closer to the pond through the short path on your left (that's what we did) and watched any movement around the water, and we found a turtle from here! Or, you can continue walking down the previous path until you see a bridge on your left. From the bridge, you'll see the biggest beaver dam was created along the water line. How cool is that? Another coolest thing was, we bumped into THE BEAVER!! Aaaahhhh!?! Yeeessss!?! We explored and walked back to the trail and found wineberries patch and mulbery tree, so we stopped there and enjoy the berries! *check your left while walking up the hill. Along the walk, we also found A Story Walk, a Demonstration Garden next to Nature Play Scene, a sleeping Eastern Screech Owl, goats house and chickens house. That's a wrap for our good hike today! It was good since the ground was dry and allowed us to explore more around the wetlands 10520 Old Frederick Rd, Woodstock, MD 21163 Daily 9AM-3PM, Sunday Closed inside the Gudelesky Environmental Education Center, with water fountains next to it. some stone trails/path in Clark Honor Garden are accessible both for strollers and wheelchairs. The grassy trail/path are in moderate to strenuous level for both. parking lot around the entrance road ℹ howardnature.org #beaverdam #howardcountyconservancy #hcconservancy #preservefootprints