Review of the Adrianna Hill Grand Ballroom
October 2011



In July of this year, we hosted our daughter and son-in-law’s wedding reception of 176 guests at the Adrianna Hill Grand Ballroom on S.W. Yamhill Street in downtown Portland.

Even though the city works to cultivate its “Keep Portland Weird” image, there are a few places which harken back to kinder and gentler days with elegance and grace.

This is the case of the Adrianna Hill Grand Ballroom. It is a magical fairy tale setting with staff to match. The formal Victorian architecture contrasts nicely with Jessie, co-owner and number one cheerleader. Her energy and perkiness seem boundless, and her attention to detail - impressive, even for a demanding mother of the bride, like me. At times, I seriously wondered if she went home each day and kicked her cat. The small crew which works under her was also professional, thorough and on task throughout the event.

While the setting is stunning and Jessie and staff amazing, prepare to spend extra money on top of the contract price for items which are not included. The linens, chairs, glassware and silverware are all a bit shabby and in need of updating. With 176 guests, we rented water glasses because the venue did not have enough and Riedel wine glasses because of the quality of the existing ones. We also rented chair covers.

If your guests are “foodies” or “wine snobs”, you may want to consider another venue. Tim, co-owner and chef, does the best he can with no on-site kitchen. In addition, the wine is very low end. I inquired about changing out their wine for better wine which we would bring in. Not only was Jessie unwilling to give us a credit for bringing in our own wine, but she also insisted on charging us a corking fee.

The only other negative is that the ballroom is not air conditioned. Our July reception took place in 78 degree weather, and it was a bit warm inside even though the fans were running.

Overall, on a five-point scale with 5 the highest, I would give the venue a 4 (a 5 on cool day), the staff a 5, the food a 3 and the wine a 2. So, if your emphasis is not on food, wine, sparkling glassware and luxurious linens, but, instead on a beautiful setting with a wedding coordinator who does not miss a beat, the Adrianna Hill Grand Ballroom is your place.