The Bay

Write a Review850-622-2291

OPEN NOW - Closes at 9:30pm

Our business relationship began on 10/29/2012 when I requested additional information on booking the venue for my wedding the following year. Their representative, Alexa Pleas, e-mailed me and we then corresponded back and forth regarding venue hours and availability until I was able to schedule a tour on 01/30/2013.



In one of the documents I received from Bentley's on the Bay, Inc. prior to my tour, they supply a FAQ section on the last page states the following:



"Can we bring in our own alcohol? All alcohol will be handled by the caterer. You are able to purchase and supply the caterer your choice of alcohol. The caterer will hire a bartender who will serve the alcohol to your guests. The cost for a bartender for your event is $175."



Upon deciding I wanted to use Bentley's on the Bay, Inc. as my wedding venue, I signed a contract and paid them a rather large deposit to reserve the venue. Alexa then e-mailed me on several weeks later supplying a menu via e-mail that stated several things we hadn't discussed prior to signing the contract. Among these things, not only was a bartender required (as stated on their FAQ), but you must have one bartender for every 50 guests you have (I stated to Alexa I was planning for 100-150 guests). There was also an additional charge of $875.00 for use of the bar. Alexa did not alert us to either one of those requirements when we met, toured the facility and then signed the contract. We were led to believe the only other charge for supplying our own alcohol for the event was one (1) charge of $175.00 for a bartender.



Concerned there were going to be additional conditions such as the one mentioned above (especially ones we were not alerted to prior to paying the deposit), I wrote several concerned e-mails to Alexa. I did not get a response from any of these complaint e-mails until a gentleman named F. Lloyd Blue, Jr. e-mailed me from events@bentleysonthebay.… stating he was an attorney for Bentley's on the Bay and advised my fiancé and I seek legal representation. We felt this was insulting, unbelievably unprofessional and just plain bad business. I clearly stated in an e-mail back to Mr. Blue that I do not need an attorney to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau or to leave online reviews with my honest opinions. Thank you for your correspondence, though. Have a great day.



There were several red flags that kept pushing us toward deciding Bentley's on the Bay, Inc. was not the venue for us as there seemed to be several "hidden costs", obvious bait and switch tactics and Alexa would not return any of my concerned e-mails. My fiancé and I were utterly dissatisfied with the lack of communication and the added insult to have their attorney e-mail me before trying to ethically handle the situation. Although the spot is beautiful, their business is run very poorly and we highly recommend you steer clear of this venue.