When asking yourself about something to do near me in Los Angeles with a group of friends or family, consider
The Alexandria Ballrooms
Why The Alexandria Ballrooms is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, The Alexandria Ballrooms stand as a historic and legendary event destination that offers an unparalleled setting for weddings, corporate events, social mixers, and film shoots. This iconic venue houses three beautifully restored ballrooms—the Palm Court Ballroom, Mezz, and King Edward Ballroom—each bringing a unique ambiance that caters to a range of event styles and sizes. The Palm Court Ballroom is renowned for its luxurious banquet setting accommodating 250 to 500 guests, along with an adjacent Cocktail Lounge with a built-in bar, perfect for elegant receptions or red carpet moments. Mezz, the largest ballroom, boasts over 14,000 square feet with skylights and large windows giving panoramic city views, making it ideal for large gatherings up to 800 guests. The King Edward Ballroom enchants with gold leaf ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and a romantic fireplace, plus an elegant balcony terrace bathed in natural light from skylights. The venue combines historical charm with modern amenities such as audiovisual equipment, WiFi, valet parking, and handicap accessibility, providing a seamless experience for hosts and guests alike. This magnificent setting creates a memorable atmosphere where history meets luxury, perfect for meeting up with friends or celebrating special occasions in style.
Here's what people think of The Alexandria Ballrooms
As of recent, The Alexandria Ballrooms holds a 4.4-star rating based on 120 reviews.
User reviews of The Alexandria Ballrooms reflect a highly positive experience, underscored by an impressive 4.4-star average rating from over 120 reviews. Many guests highlighted the venue's stunning historic aesthetic and versatile event spaces as major strengths, making it a dream setting especially for weddings and large social gatherings. Reviewers consistently praised the professionalism and responsiveness of the management team, particularly commending staff members, such as Jemma, for their accommodating and flexible service—even in challenging circumstances like pandemic-related postponements. Positive remarks often mentioned the smooth coordination on event days, the spacious bridal and groom suites, and the inclusion of elegant furnishings such as white Chiavari chairs. On the other hand, some negative reviews pointed to occasional issues with pricing transparency and limited availability of on-site parking, as well as standard challenges that come with hosting at a historic venue. Despite these, overall sentiments remain strongly favorable, with guests appreciating the ambience, the unique historic character, and the venue's luxurious details. The reviews suggest that The Alexandria Ballrooms is a respected and cherished venue for creating memorable events that blend grandeur with excellent service.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Meg Le Vu
Epically Hollywood, the ballrooms can boast both upper class and industrial masculinity. So many spots for fashion-forward photography. This all-indoor wedding venue will mean you need to be proficient in off camera lighting to make everything look natural. Gold is the color that ties every room together and looks so grand and scaled up. It definitely screams high-end. Photos by KLV Photography
Faith M
Hey, just a warning. Before you book this place for an elegant event, look at the reviews for the "Alexandria Hotel". The Alexandria Ballrooms are elegant ballrooms from the 1930s but there are several reviews that say maggots dropped from the ceiling into guests' food at a wedding or special event, and there were roaches in the bathrooms. To explain why, look at the reviews for the "Alexandria Hotel" and you'll see the rest of the building is an apartment building for people on government assistance or who need a very cheap place to stay. It's not well-maintained and it's got a lot of pests from the residents.
Elias D S Caballero
At the 46th Annual Meeting of the Indo-American Psychiatric Association with leaders in Indian, Canadian and American psychiatry
Monica Orsot
Lovely and elegant venue for a wedding. Big staircase with elevator available for those limited mobility. Large spaces with well-designed trim and detail-work that make great backdrops for photos.
Kimberly H
Beautiful building inside and out, the area outside is not very clean or safe, not much parking in the area either.
How to reach The Alexandria Ballrooms
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Why The Alexandria Ballrooms may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Alexandria Ballrooms with your friends?
Gathering friends or family for a memorable event at The Alexandria Ballrooms offers more than just a venue—it’s an experience steeped in history, elegance, and urban charm. Located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, this iconic spot combines a grand ambiance with the convenience of an exciting city backdrop, making it a perfect place to rally and celebrate together. The venue’s stunning ballrooms offer high ceilings, exquisite architectural details, and versatile spaces that can be tailored to the needs of your group, whether it’s a casual meetup or a grand celebratory event. Moreover, the Alexandria Ballrooms is known for its accommodating and professional staff, who ensure every aspect of your gathering goes smoothly, enhancing the joy of your time with friends. It also features spacious areas like the Cocktail Lounge, where guests can mingle and relax outside the main event space. With enough capacity to comfortably hold large groups and a setting that invites both celebration and connection, this is a place where memories are effortlessly created. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a larger festivity, The Alexandria Ballrooms offer an atmosphere that encourages laughter, closeness, and shared experiences, making it an ideal venue to rally with your friends.
What activities and spaces does The Alexandria Ballrooms offer for a group meetup?
The Alexandria Ballrooms features a collection of versatile spaces suited to a variety of group activities, whether you’re planning a party, celebration, or casual meetup. The Palm Court is one of the most luxurious banquet halls in the venue, capable of accommodating between 250 and 500 guests, making it an exceptional area for dinner parties or large social mixers. Just outside this ballroom lies the spacious Cocktail Lounge, which provides a stylish setting with a built-in bar perfect for pre- or post-event drinks, fostering a lively yet comfortable atmosphere for mingling. On the second level, The Mezz is a large, light-filled space covering over 14,000 square feet with windows and skylights offering charming city views. It's ideal for creative events, dance parties, or even film shoots, featuring an open layout that allows groups to move freely and engage in various activities together. The King Edward Ballroom, with its gold leaf ceilings and romantic fireplace, has a more regal ambiance suitable for formal gatherings or elegant receptions, and it includes a balcony terrace that enhances the experience with an outdoor perspective of the venue. Across these multiple ballrooms, guests can enjoy a mix of socializing areas and event-specific setups, making The Alexandria Ballrooms a dynamic environment tailored for groups of all sizes and styles of gatherings.
Why is The Alexandria Ballrooms perfect for hosting group events?
The Alexandria Ballrooms is an exceptional choice for group events due to its historic grandeur combined with flexible event planning options. The venue’s classic architecture, with crystal chandeliers, marble staircases, and rich decorative details, creates an impressive and timeless backdrop that instantly elevates any gathering. This level of sophistication makes it ideal not just for weddings, but also for social mixers, birthdays, and corporate events. Additionally, the venue's extensive capacity—ranging from intimate spaces to large ballrooms that hold up to 800 guests—allows it to be adapted to the specific size of your party without feeling cramped or empty. The Alexandria also offers various amenities such as included furniture (tables and white chiavari chairs), ensuring your group has the essentials covered so you can focus on enjoying your time together. Its downtown location provides easy access for guests, plus the surrounding Historic Core with nearby dining, lodging, and entertainment options amplifies the convenience and appeal for out-of-town attendees or those looking to extend their meetup. Support from attentive, responsive venue management ensures your event details fall into place smoothly, making the entire experience relaxed and enjoyable for organizers and guests alike.
What makes the location of The Alexandria Ballrooms a draw for tourists and locals alike?
Situated at 501 S. Spring Street within Los Angeles’ Historic Core, The Alexandria Ballrooms stands as a landmark amid a vibrant urban neighborhood known for its cultural richness and architectural gems. This prime location means when you choose to meet up here, your group benefits from a scenic and historic atmosphere that enhances the event experience. Surrounded by iconic buildings, the venue offers a unique chance to combine an elegant indoor event with exploration of nearby attractions such as eclectic shops, art galleries, and diverse restaurants. The Historic Core is a favored destination for locals and tourists, creating a lively energy that helps keep your group entertained beyond the venue itself. In addition to city views from ballrooms like The Mezz, guests can enjoy a short walk around to capture memorable photos or discover hidden gems in downtown Los Angeles. Accessibility is another strong point, as the venue is well-connected by public transit and major roadways, simplifying group logistics and encouraging full attendance. This blend of urban charm, cultural significance, and convenience adds tremendous value to hosting your meetup at The Alexandria Ballrooms.
How does The Alexandria Ballrooms accommodate different types of groups and event styles?
The Alexandria Ballrooms excels in providing flexible event solutions tailored to a variety of group types and functions. Whether you’re organizing a private family reunion, a lively friends’ night out, or a formal corporate gathering, the venue’s multiple distinct ballrooms and lounges allow customization to best fit your group’s size and vibe. For a high-energy dance party or social mixer, The Mezz’s expansive open area with abundant natural light creates an inviting and spacious environment. For intimate occasions or more formal affairs, the King Edward Ballroom offers elegant architectural features and cozy spaces such as the fireplace and balcony terrace for a more refined atmosphere. The venue’s blank-slate nature allows organizers to bring in personal decorations, preferred catering, and entertainment options, further enabling customization unique to each event. This flexibility is especially valuable for groups who want complete creative control while hosting within a historic, elegant setting. Moreover, The Alexandria’s capacity to hold anywhere from a few dozen to hundreds of guests without compromising comfort ensures that no matter the group size or event style, the venue can accommodate your needs seamlessly.
What services and amenities enhance the group meetup experience at The Alexandria Ballrooms?
Beyond its stunning spaces and central location, The Alexandria Ballrooms offers an array of services and amenities designed to enhance any group event. Included in the venue rental are white chiavari chairs and tables, providing elegant, cohesive decor basics that relieve event planners of sourcing these items themselves. The venue management team, notably praised for being responsive and accommodating, assists throughout the planning process and on the day of the event to ensure smooth operation and to handle any unexpected issues. Security personnel are available to help maintain a safe environment, which is especially important for large groups or late-night events. For special occasions like weddings or VIP group gatherings, the venue offers luxurious bridal and groom suites, affording private spaces for preparation or relaxation away from the main event. Events at The Alexandria can continue until 1 a.m., giving your group more time to enjoy the celebration than typical LA venues that often close earlier. This blend of practical amenities, professional support, and generous policies makes The Alexandria Ballrooms a professional yet welcoming place to host a memorable group meetup.
How do past guests rate their experience at The Alexandria Ballrooms?
Past guests consistently highlight the grandeur, historic charm, and the accommodating staff as standout qualities at The Alexandria Ballrooms. Reviews often commend the venue for its stunning, elegant ballrooms that create a memorable setting for weddings, corporate events, and social parties alike. The professionalism and flexibility of the management, especially the responsiveness of event coordinators like Jemma, are frequently noted as key factors contributing to a smooth and enjoyable experience. Guests appreciate the venue’s allowance for customization, such as bringing in their own décor and catering, which enables a personalized event that aligns perfectly with their vision. The spaciousness and layout contribute to comfortable flow and mingling, even with larger groups, enhancing the overall event atmosphere. While a few reviews mention room for improvement in organization, the majority express high satisfaction, recommending the venue especially to those seeking a historic yet modern space that accommodates late-night festivities comfortably. This positive feedback underlines why The Alexandria Ballrooms enjoys a strong 4.4-star rating across over 120 reviews and remains a sought-after venue in Los Angeles.
What makes The Alexandria Ballrooms an iconic venue in Los Angeles?
The Alexandria Ballrooms' iconic status in Los Angeles stems from its rich history, elegant architecture, and role as a cultural landmark in the city’s Historic Core. Since its establishment, it has hosted a wide range of distinguished events, welcoming Hollywood stars, political figures, and social royalty, which contributes to its reputation for sophistication and prestige. The venue showcases classic design elements such as gold leaf ceilings, crystal chandeliers, marble staircases, and decorative fireplaces that transport guests to a bygone era of glamour. Its three distinct ballrooms — Palm Court, Mezz, and King Edward — each offer unique aesthetics, combining historic charm with modern adaptability that appeals to contemporary tastes. This blend of heritage and versatility keeps The Alexandria Ballrooms relevant and highly sought after whereas many newer venues might lack the same ambiance and gravitas. Its frequent recognition by top wedding and event industry publications secures its position as a premier event venue in Los Angeles, making every event hosted here feel like part of a continuing legacy. This sense of prestige and character ensures that hosting your gathering at The Alexandria Ballrooms elevates the occasion, creating lasting impressions for you and your friends.