Johnstown house hotel

trudub · 06-09-2011 11:09pm #1

Hi,

We are looking to book our wedding and I was wondering if anybody has been to a wedding or had their wedding in Johnstown house? It looks really nice but would be good to here from someone who has been there...

Moonbeam · 06-09-2011 11:12pm

We have a provisional booking there for ours , jsut waiting for them to get back to us with the paper work.

I have not been to a wedding there but the staff and food are always excellent when we go in so this made the decision for us!

Borderfox · 07-09-2011 10:10am

Staff were very good on the day and I really liked the venue, food was great and plenty of places inside and out to take pictures.

elvis jones · 07-09-2011 4:59pm

I've worked there a good few times and would you be taking the full or half room ??

Just be aware if its the half that they can have 2 weddings on the same day right beside each other.

trudub · 07-09-2011 5:38pm

elvis jones wrote: »

I've worked there a good few times and would you be taking the full or half room ??

Just be aware if its the half that they can have 2 weddings on the same day right beside each other.

That was a concern we had but the manager assured us that we would be the only wedding. If we do go with them I think ill have it in the contract. Very impressed wit it so far though

Ballyman · 07-09-2011 6:57pm

Also be aware that if there are two weddings on the same day they give priority to the one in the main room including use of the garden for photos!

Moonbeam · 08-09-2011 12:36am

They told us that they have a 1 wedding a day policy.

Ballyman · 08-09-2011 7:50am

They must have changed policy recently because I've worked there with two weddings on same day. I can imagine trying to organise two on same day must be some headache so prob makes sense to just have one.

elvis jones · 08-09-2011 8:43am

Ballyman wrote: »

They must have changed policy recently because I've worked there with two weddings on same day. I can imagine trying to organise two on same day must be some headache so prob makes sense to just have one.

I'd say the policy was changed for them with the level of weddings dropping:D

I have seen 2 weddings there and one group came in the events centre door and one came in the main door but it did get messy later in the evening.

Also Ballyman, when you say main room ?? The room cab be split in 2 and weddings are right beside each other, are you on about another smaller wedding in the main house ?

The Bridge House in Tullamore has had 2 weddings a day for years and they stagger the arrival of the couples by about an hr as they only have the main door. Now since the new room has been done i don't know if that has changed.

Ballyman · 08-09-2011 10:51am

elvis jones wrote: »

Also Ballyman, when you say main room ?? The room cab be split in 2 and weddings are right beside each other, are you on about another smaller wedding in the main house ?

Yea, the wedding I was doing was in the main house. We weren't allowed use the back garden area for photos as the main wedding had priority on that.

trudub · 08-09-2011 6:45pm

Ballyman wrote: »

Yea, the wedding I was doing was in the main house. We weren't allowed use the back garden area for photos as the main wedding had priority on that.

Cheers for the response, when did you have your wedding?

Borderfox · 09-09-2011 3:18pm

A lot of venues that had previously had two weddings on the day have dropped back to only one (because of volume) and then said it was a policy change to benifit the Bride

elvis jones · 09-09-2011 3:22pm

Borderfox wrote: »

A lot of venues that had previously had two weddings on the day have dropped back to only one (because of volume) and then said it was a policy change to benifit the Bride

and groom;)

windlin · 10-01-2012 7:37pm

Hi all,

Booked the middle package at Johnstown and all we could get over the advertised deal was two free rooms just wondering has anyone got more out of them. We are both rubbish at haggleing so just wouldn't mind knowing what i could get with a bit more pushing.

Thanks in advance

Shivers26 · 11-01-2012 2:52pm

Windlin - PM-ing you now!

razor12345 · 11-01-2012 3:01pm

Hi Shvers

Could you send me the same pm you sent to Windlin as well, were the same position as him and now Im curious

Cheers

Moonbeam · 11-01-2012 7:29pm

and me too please:)

I love Johnstown House and we have it booked for 2013.

Moonbeam · 11-01-2012 7:31pm

windlin wrote: »

Hi all,

Booked the middle package at Johnstown and all we could get over the advertised deal was two free rooms just wondering has anyone got more out of them. We are both rubbish at haggleing so just wouldn't mind knowing what i could get with a bit more pushing.

Thanks in advance

Did you manage to get other extras thrown in for the cost?

liliq · 11-01-2012 8:00pm

Wow, that place looks lovely, and seems great value for what is included!
Could you send me that PM too Shivers?

windlin · 12-01-2012 7:02pm

Moonbeam, no other extras for us but may have to ask for something cause anyone who i talk to seems to get more extras from their hotels and don't want to be p1ssed off on the day that i never asked.

Then again maybe it could be just Johnstown give more in the first place.

Also if anyone from Johnstown is reading this (liliq maybe) please don't be annoyed it is just I'm new to the wedding game as i'd guess are most people who would like to know similar infromation so please understand this is not an anti-hotel movement just an information sharing exercise

trudub · 12-01-2012 8:03pm

windlin wrote: »

Moonbeam, no other extras for us but may have to ask for something cause anyone who i talk to seems to get more extras from their hotels and don't want to be p1ssed off on the day that i never asked.

Then again maybe it could be just Johnstown give more in the first place.

Also if anyone from Johnstown is reading this (liliq maybe) please don't be annoyed it is just I'm new to the wedding game as i'd guess are most people who would like to know similar infromation so please understand this is not an anti-hotel movement just an information sharing exercise

hi Windlin, can you send on the pm too please!

liliq · 13-01-2012 1:08am

Windlin- I'm in the same boat as you! New to this game and trying to figure out the rules!

haha. Don't want to be over demanding of venues etc, but want to get the best value possible for our v. limited budget!

liliq · 13-01-2012 1:08am

Windlin- I'm in the same boat as you! New to this game and trying to figure out the rules!

haha. Don't want to be over demanding of venues etc, but want to get the best value possible for our v. limited budget!

kittyo · 13-01-2012 12:40pm

Hi Shvers - we have Johnstown booked for 2012 - could you pm me the extras you negotiated too if you don't mind? Thanks.

Sleepy · 13-01-2012 12:43pm

Why are people so coy about the details of the deals?

The more we share prices that hotels are prepared to offer things for, the better the prices will be across the board.

I'm absolutely convinced the different packages offered by the hotels are an attempt to obfuscate their product offerings to deter straight-forward price comparison of venues.

Shivers26 · 13-01-2012 2:48pm

I'll just post it publicly, no big deal

We are on the cheaper package €59pp - discounted 10% so now €53.10pp

Extra's negotiated were prosecco on arrival instead of punch, evening food included, 5 complimentary bedrooms and a change in the main course options.
I was happy with that as their packages are pretty comprehensive and there is not a whole lot more you could add to it.

I have a friend who is looking at booking the Westgrove in Clane and their package is almost identical to JHH but they also include uplighters, a fairylight backdrop and an ice sculpture (!) for €65pp. They are probably not worth the extra money in fairness. I am booking those things separately (not the ice sculpture) and they would be cheaper than the cost of adding them into a package.

Also I have found JHH good to deal with and I am happy with them.

trudub · 13-01-2012 5:04pm

thank shivers, when are you booked for? (2012 or 2013)

Shivers26 · 13-01-2012 5:17pm

trudub wrote: »

thank shivers, when are you booked for? (2012 or 2013)

2012 - 2 months time!

Invitations posted today

razor12345 · 13-01-2012 6:03pm

Hi Shivers

Can you pm the details of where your getting the uplighters and fairlights and the cost, would really like to do something with the dividing wall.

Thanks

clint_silver · 13-01-2012 6:25pm

Shivers26 wrote: »

I'll just post it publicly, no big deal

We are on the cheaper package €59pp - discounted 10% so now €53.10pp

Extra's negotiated were prosecco on arrival instead of punch, evening food included, 5 complimentary bedrooms and a change in the main course options.
I was happy with that as their packages are pretty comprehensive and there is not a whole lot more you could add to it.

I have a friend who is looking at booking the Westgrove in Clane and their package is almost identical to JHH but they also include uplighters, a fairylight backdrop and an ice sculpture (!) for €65pp. They are probably not worth the extra money in fairness. I am booking those things separately (not the ice sculpture) and they would be cheaper than the cost of adding them into a package.

Also I have found JHH good to deal with and I am happy with them.

Mind me asking if the westgrove charged a cheaper price per head without those extras. These are fixed costs, they dont vary depending on how many people are at a function.

I mean if they said its 60e per head plus 500e for the extras you'd know where you stand. Maybe the only package they have is 65e and they throw in the extras anyway.

Shivers26 · 13-01-2012 6:35pm

razor12345 wrote: »

Hi Shivers

Can you pm the details of where your getting the uplighters and fairlights and the cost, would really like to do something with the dividing wall.

Thanks

Uplighters from uplighters.ie and they are costing €250 for the whole room. They will do deals if you book your DJ with Pro DJs. These also have a fairylight backdrop available for hire now so they would probably do you a good deal.

Fairylight Backdrop is from Michael Costello in Flower Petals in Edenderry. The backdrop is costing €325 but it is most definitely the nicest one I have ever seen. He is also our florist and flower prices were extremely reasonable.

clint_silver wrote: »

Mind me asking if the westgrove charged a cheaper price per head without those extras. These are fixed costs, they dont vary depending on how many people are at a function.

I mean if they said its 60e per head plus 500e for the extras you'd know where you stand. Maybe the only package they have is 65e and they throw in the extras anyway.

I can't comment on Westgroves prices as it is my friend who is going there. I think she said €65pp and the extras were included in that package price. She got them to take out things like uplighters and ice sculpture and added more food and wine and the price remained the same. She said they were very nice to deal with so if you were interested, make an appointment and go in for a meeting and show around.

lollypopsem · 23-01-2012 3:38pm

Shivers26 wrote: »

Uplighters from uplighters.ie and they are costing €250 for the whole room. They will do deals if you book your DJ with Pro DJs. These also have a fairylight backdrop available for hire now so they would probably do you a good deal.

Fairylight Backdrop is from Michael Costello in Flower Petals in Edenderry. The backdrop is costing €325 but it is most definitely the nicest one I have ever seen. He is also our florist and flower prices were extremely reasonable.

Hi Shivers, Im Trudubs fiance. Just wondering are you using the whole room or just half? Where are you putting the backdrop? We are only using the half room and like the others I really want to do something with the wall. It bugs me!!! the only thing I dont like about the place!

clint_silver · 23-01-2012 3:50pm

lollypopsem wrote: »

Hi Shivers, Im Trudubs fiance. Just wondering are you using the whole room or just half? Where are you putting the backdrop? We are only using the half room and like the others I really want to do something with the wall. It bugs me!!! the only thing I dont like about the place!

Hi, if you google "starcloth" or "rent led backdrop", youll be led to a number of companies where you can either buy or rent.

This type of thing

http://addalittlesparkle.com/lights.aspx

Shivers26 · 23-01-2012 3:50pm

lollypopsem wrote: »

Hi Shivers, Im Trudubs fiance. Just wondering are you using the whole room or just half? Where are you putting the backdrop? We are only using the half room and like the others I really want to do something with the wall. It bugs me!!! the only thing I dont like about the place!

Our numbers are out about 170 adults plus a few children so we are getting the full room, thank god. We are putting the backdrop in front of the window where the stage thing is (at the suggestion of the guy putting it up as he has done it loads of times in JHH). We are getting the uplighters because I think the function room is a little boring so they will just create a nice atmosphere. What are your numbers like. We were originally borderline with 150 but when we did our guest list we went over it.

We had our menu tasting on Saturday so nothing to worry about in that department, it was amazing!!! Also the function room was all set up for a function and it looked really really well.

Shivers26 · 23-01-2012 3:53pm

clint_silver wrote: »

Hi, if you google "starcloth" or "rent led backdrop", youll be led to a number of companies where you can either buy or rent.

This type of thing

http://addalittlesparkle.com/lights.aspx

Actually that reminds me - I am sure one of my suppliers said something about draping walls that didn't look very nice. They would cover them in a white draping (similar to the backdrop) and then you could get uplighters for added effect?

clint_silver · 23-01-2012 4:33pm

Shivers26 wrote: »

Actually that reminds me - I am sure one of my suppliers said something about draping walls that didn't look very nice. They would cover them in a white draping (similar to the backdrop) and then you could get uplighters for added effect?

I would have thought the white drapes and uplighters do tend to work well. It can be done "only ok" or it can be done "wow, the room looks amazing" which youd like to hear if you were spending the money on it.

the black star cloth, or LED cloth, is more night time entertainment stuff.

Once the hotel own the drapes and lights though, its just a matter of spending an hour for staff putting them up. I cant understand why they charge extra for them. They should just build it into their overall price. I know theres a rental cost if you had to go get them yourself. But say 400-500e for anything decent on trying to make a room look better. For me, other then floral arrangements, thats not the bride and grooms job.

Shybride2016 · 23-02-2015 9:53pm

Hi everyone,

I know this is an old thread but didn't want to start a new one in case.

Anyone any recent dealings with Johnstown House? We went to see it and were very impressed with the wedding coordinator and the place overall.

Would be great to get some up to date feedback from people please as its on our shortlist at the moment.

Thanks all!

windlin · 24-02-2015 12:21am

I know it's a while back (Sept 12) but must say was very happy with everything. John was our main contact on the day itself and really couldn't fault a thing. All the best

Shybride2016 · 24-02-2015 12:48pm

Thanks for the reply. We're dealing with someone else but she's also been fantastic to deal with, so far anyway. Glad to hear your feedback, thank again!

ShortAPennt · 29-01-2020 12:26pm

Hi All,

I know this is going back a while, i am just wondering if anybody has had their own wedding or attended any weddings reccently in Johnstown?

How did you find the food/drinks/venu?

We are looking at this hotel or Carton House for a Civil Cermony & wedding and wanted to know peoples experiences.

One thing i heard about Carton House is that there is no residence bar, anybody know how long they serve drink in Johsntowns for? We won't need an all nighter but i know a few would like a bit of a sing song and a pints until around 3am...

Any thoughts on the matter would be greatly appreciated....

Shybride2016 · 29-01-2020 11:34pm

ShortAPennt wrote: »

Hi All,

I know this is going back a while, i am just wondering if anybody has had their own wedding or attended any weddings reccently in Johnstown?

How did you find the food/drinks/venu?

We are looking at this hotel or Carton House for a Civil Cermony & wedding and wanted to know peoples experiences.

One thing i heard about Carton House is that there is no residence bar, anybody know how long they serve drink in Johsntowns for? We won't need an all nighter but i know a few would like a bit of a sing song and a pints until around 3am...

Any thoughts on the matter would be greatly appreciated....

Hiya,

As above, we got married there in 2016, before it was refurbished to what it is now.

The food was amazing and the portions were all well-received. Everyone ordered their main and then the staff went around the tables offering seconds so some of our guests basically had three mains and still rave about it now haha!

The drinks reception was perfect for us and we had wine with the meal also as well as a toast drink which we paid for.

The staff in the planning stages were brilliant and on the day itself they couldn’t do enough for us. I had a big drama with my dress and they were fantastic and they also threw in a few extras which we didn’t realise until we got the final bill and saw that we weren’t charged for them.

I know some of our guests were up til the wee hours singing and we didn’t hear any issues with that so I’d assume it’s similar but best to clarify if it’s something that’s important to you.

Best of luck with it all. I can’t recommend Johnstown Estate enough and we love going back for our anniversary and random drinks if we’re in the area, it’s a gorgeous hotel.

witchgirl26 · 12-02-2020 3:25pm

ShortAPennt wrote: »

Hi All,

I know this is going back a while, i am just wondering if anybody has had their own wedding or attended any weddings reccently in Johnstown?

How did you find the food/drinks/venu?

We are looking at this hotel or Carton House for a Civil Cermony & wedding and wanted to know peoples experiences.

One thing i heard about Carton House is that there is no residence bar, anybody know how long they serve drink in Johsntowns for? We won't need an all nighter but i know a few would like a bit of a sing song and a pints until around 3am...

Any thoughts on the matter would be greatly appreciated....

My sister got married there back in 2017. As a guest and bridesmaid I found the place to be really good. Despite the wedding planner changing 2 weeks before the wedding (which led to a couple of minor hiccups in the lead up) they really were on top of things.

The food was nice enough. The only thing I didn't like (looking at it with planning my own in mind) was that they wouldn't tell my sister what the vegetarian option was in advance.

I didn't stay up mad late but the party was still going at 2am when I went up to bed in the reception room.

Location for photos is beautiful and my sister got some lovely ones with the grounds and the fountain out the front.

I know that overall she was really thrilled with the whole experience there (they had the ceremony and reception there) and recommends it to other people.

Johnstown house hotel

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