I did a 'sunset cruise' with all of my coworkers around Lake Minnetonka. The boat is a bit older. They offered a taco bar dinner that I wanted absolutely no part of. There was wine and beer offered along with margaritas. A few of us ended up sitting at the front of the boat on the lower deck to get the best views. Unfortunately, no one played any Prince music nor did they purify themselves in the lake water. What a bust. read more

Bayview Event Center - the sun setting over the water - Boating Near Me - Excelsior, Minnesota

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I came to Bayview Event Center for my friend's wedding and was very impressed. The first part of the reception was held downstairs with passed appetizers. The bartenders and servers were very quick. There really wasn't ever a line at the bar and there was almost always someone around with a tray of food. The party moved upstairs about an hour later to a large room with warm wooden beams and large windows. I loved the decorations and place settings. It was very elegant. We felt quite fancy as our waters were constantly refilled and champagne was poured. I was also a huge fan of the dinner buffet with mini sausages, peppers and onions, the spinach dip and crackers, sesame chicken, sauteed vegetables and various infused oils and breads. At the end of the buffet was a build your own pasta option. They had three chefs: one mixed the veggies and meat, another cooked the pasta and mixings, the third added the sauce and finished heating it. It was very impressive and such a great idea! I would just suggest that they line it up in opposite order next time so that it cooks from left to right (following the buffet line). People seemed a little confused and the line was held up. At this weeding there weren't a ton of guests, maybe a little more than 100 (if that), but the dance floor looked a bit crowded. In this particular instance it didn't seem to be a big deal since most people seemed to be good friends and close family. I'm not sure if that was the wedding party's choice or standard. There was more space for a larger floor, but it wasn't utilized. read more

I've been to Bay View for my wedding reception and two memorial services. The staff are always the perfect blend of courteous and helpful but unobtrusive. The setting is gorgeous: on the banks of Lake Minnetonka. The upper room is quite beautiful with beautiful views of the lake and a giant skylight. Lower level is also nice. read more

I recently went on one of Bayview's Charter Cruises, and had a blast! They were super professional about making sure everyone on the boat was having a good time. Their servers were very diligent about refilling the passengers with beer and various snacks. They also included a cash bar, with a bartender who poured generously and efficiently. The captain of my particular cruise was very friendly (i don't remember his name due to aforementioned beers) and he even had little tidbits of information about certain houses/buildings/islands we passed. All in all, Lake Minnetonka is beautiful and these guys really make sure their customers enjoy their time read more

We booked my wife and I's wedding 9 months in advance and had to change the wedding. We gave Bayview over half a year to book someone else on our previously reserved day. Due to signing the contract, they refused to give us our deposit back. I understand the contract and the purpose behind it if someone tries to cancel short notice. I also believe if they really wanted to go above and beyond to help someone, and improve their businesses name, they could have easily found another guest to fill our day. Is what it is. Just disapointed that they would rather enforce a contract than go a little out of their way to help someone. I don't like to do business with people who think this way, and make money more important than relationships. read more

Was a guest on this boat cruise for a rehearsal dinner back in June of this year. Found out halfway through the evening after enjoying a nice cruise around Lake Minnetonka that the company decided to stain all of the upper deck chairs 5 minutes before everyone got on board; and didn't notify anyone that they couldn't sit down on the chairs. New dress entirely ruined. To top it off, It is nearly 6 months later and the company is still fighting me to PAY FOR MY RUINED DRESS. I even mailed my ruined dress from out of state, and proof that I tried to dry clean it. I didn't bother to keep the receipt as I knew I wouldn't be returning the dress and they are fighting me to the death to not have to pay. I even supplied my credit card statement showing a purchase of the dress. WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE I HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED. I have sent 10 emails back and forth and I just want to pull my hair out, seriously just considering throwing in the towel this company is so hard to deal with. PLEASE DO NOT BOOK THEM -- you will be making a huge mistake and if anything goes wrong they will be a such a pain to deal with and will never bother to make it right. read more

I asked for an extension for a $75.00 gift certificate my son gave me for my 76th birthday. I'm handicapped and have difficulty planning for things like this. When I spoke to Loren, she said there would be no extension even though they'd already received their payment. When I asked for a reason, she gave none. Do they really think this is a good way to treat their customers? read more

My daughter was married at Bayview. The staff and setting was wonderful. The food and ambiance was equally wonderful. Would recommend this venue again and again. read more

I wouldn't even consider using this place to host your event. A good friend of mine was scheduled to get married there and he ended up passing away. His fiancé and two daughters were left without a father. Every vendor that was part of the wedding - graciously offered to return the deposits. She casually made a comment on Facebook about Bayview being the only one not willing to return it (which she understood) & when they saw that she had posted it - they reached out to her and asked her to take it down & indicated that they would work with her on some of the deposit. Ultimately, they decided not to refund any of the money. It was a tough loss for this family and all of us friends to lose our friend - the response from them and the games they played were simply cold & calculated. read more

I've been a guest at Bayview Event Center for several events over the years. Overall - venue, service, food - I would rate at 3.5 stars. There are other event venues that do it better but if you need to be in the western suburbs you will need to consider Bayview. I recently became aware of Bayview's management refusing to refund a significant $ deposit when a serviceman was deployed and unable to hold his wedding reception on the date reserved. Bayview was informed of the cancelation 9 months in advance (they haven't been able to rebook an event in June?????) and provided paperwork to document the deployment. They are not legally obligated to provide the refund, however, I find this decision deplorable. I believe in supporting local businesses whenever possible and will continue to do so, however, I will only do business with those who also support their communities....including those who serve our country. read more

Well, I wished this had gone better. Boat was filthy (and the "odor" went away once we were moving). Seats were not wiped off and needs repair to the stairs and other misc. areas. I was just glad no one fell down the stairs. Access to boat was very difficult for many of our guests too. The food okay, but would have been better if warm or even served hot. The noise in the Excellebella was so loud we HAD to be on the upper deck to talk, because you couldn't hear. The boat was too small. They say it hold 30, but we were crampped. Could not access the bathrooms, so I had four guests that had to hold it on the cruise. Staff was excellent! Boat shabby. View spectacular. We left the dock late and returned early (not fair). Thank goodness my group is easy going... this could have been caterstrophic! Try other boats on the lake - I've been on many on the lake and Bayview is the worst. Rep. from Bayview - should be fired for misrepresentation on many levels. Still waiting to hear from the owner. P.S. The Sales Rep and GM didn't even say the word "sorry". It wouldn't have fixed anything, but I would have felt better. read more