We hosted our engagement party at HMC Karaoke and overall, it went good after a few snafus.
We reserved Room #9 after some back and forth with the older gentleman over the phone who was insistent on reminding us that we had to be sure of our date, because if we cancelled, we would forfeit our deposit. He recommended we come down and see the room for ourselves before reserving.
After checking it out in person, we decided it was big enough for our party of around 25. We booked it and put down the deposit, which was half of the total cost of the room. We picked this place because the price includes the food warmers and the ice chests with ice. We made our party during the day because the rates were less, and also, it was Thanksgiving weekend, so we knew people would be busy.
They told us that our set up time was 12:30. The Karaoke lounge opens at 12, so the day of the party, we arrived at 12, hoping to set up early. Not the case. The older gentleman (same one who kept reminding us that if we canceled we wouldn't get our money back) told us that they are firm on the 12:30 set up time because "they have to pay the electricity bill." When we said we would just wait in our car, he offered to let us in early for an extra $20. I was offended, especially because no one else was around or in sight. He wouldn't even let us just throw our stuff in the room leaving the lights off. I wasn't TOO surprised because after looking around, the entire establishment, even though it was open, was dark. They must be really tight! When the worker said he'd hate to see us sit in the car, I told him, then please let us at least put a few things in the room, then we can turn on the lights at 12:30. The worker told me, "That's not my style. I don't sway, I see things in black and white because I'm a businessman." Hmmph!
That hurt my feelings, but I couldn't hold onto it for long since we technically were early. We waited outside until our firm start up time, which was 12:30 on the dot. From there, the worker's tune changed and he suddenly became friendly and helpful, getting us food warmers and filling up our ice in the coolers.
Once we set up, our guests arrived and everything went well. I quickly (sort of) forgot about the worker who so curtly beared down on us with the rules and tried to remember him hustling to get our room set up nicely instead. Our guests enjoyed the food and drink we brought and the sound system in there is really good.
The only drawback is that you have to turn your songs into the front desk to be programmed in. The sound system is amazing, but because they program each song individually for you, there's sometimes and awkward pause between songs. Also, they shuffle the songs for you, so you never know when your song is going to come on. I sort of liked that, meaning it's not the same person singing for hours at a time, but guests that have to leave felt obligated to stay longer to wait around for their song to come on.
Overall, a great party. Not sure if I'd book again. If you're looking for a decently sized room for a party, book here, but don't expect the service to go above and beyond by any means. read more