Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
$200/hr$150/hr$100/hr$50/hr
- Capacity for your layout: Don't simply inquire about the maximum occupancy. Ask what the room comfortably holds for your event type, whether that be a seated dinner, cocktail party, offsite, professional panel, dance party, etc.
- Guest flow: Confirm there’s a natural sequence for arrival, mingling, the main moment (speeches/ceremony/presentation), food, and any dancing or activities.
- Back-of-house space: Look for a staging area for coats, gifts, vendor storage, and trash so guest-facing areas stay clean and uncluttered.
- Base rate and minimum hours: Clarify the required minimum booking length and what time access begins/ends.
- Cleaning and staffing: Confirm any cleaning fees, required professional cleaners, or staffing requirements.
- Security: Ask whether security is required, how many guards, and for how many hours.
- Furniture and rentals: Verify what’s included (tables, chairs, lounge seating) versus what you must rent.
- Kitchen and catering access: Confirm kitchen rules, prep space, and any catering fees.
- AV and WiFi: Ask what’s provided (speakers, mics, projector/screen) and whether WiFi is reliable enough for your needs.
- Overtime policy: Get the overtime rate and how it’s charged (per half-hour, per hour, grace period).
- Insurance requirements: Confirm what coverage is required and who must provide it (you, your vendors, or both).
- Parking and transit: Check nearby parking, loading zones, rideshare drop-off, and access to BART/bus routes.
- Load-in/load-out: Confirm elevator access, stairs, doorway widths, and how early vendors can arrive.
- Noise and timing rules: Ask about quiet hours, amplified sound limits, and outdoor music policies.
- Weather backup plan: If any portion is outdoors, confirm a real Plan B (indoor option, tent rules, and timing for weather decisions).
- Walkthrough timing: Tour at the same time of day as your event so you can judge light, street activity, and neighborhood vibe.
- Recent comparable photos: Request photos from events with a similar setup. Don't depend on styled shoots.
- Review patterns: Look for consistency around responsiveness, cleanliness, and accuracy of listing details.
- Vague answers: Watch for unclear pricing, unclear rules, or “we’ll figure it out later” on important details.
- No operational plan: Be cautious if there’s no clear plan for trash, restrooms, or staffing—even for smaller gatherings.
- Restrictions that block your vision: Confirm constraints early with things like outside vendors, music volume, furniture, candles and other decor.
