Choosing the venue for your bar or bat mitzvah is often one of the hardest parts of party planning. Luckily our local area has so many options from swanky nightclubs to scenic castles – there’s a party venue that’s sure to please even the pickiest teen. Below are fun-filled options to help you navigate your search.
1. Castle Hotel & Spa
Nestled on top of a hill with scenic views overlooking the Hudson River, the Castle Hotel & Spa offers a unique and dramatic event space. From vaulted ceilings with Gothic stained-glass windows in the Great Hall to crystal chandeliers in the Caramai Ballroom, this historic landmark is sure to please the most discerning guests. Catering provided by award-winning chef Sean McAllister and his culinary team guarantees a sumptuous feast featuring seasonal items that your guests will remember. The hotel can accommodate parties of up to 200 guests and has 31 guest rooms on-site.
400 Benedict Ave., Tarrytown, N.Y.
631-1980
2. Life the Place to Be
An industrial building converted into NYC-style loft space, Life the Place to Be is the perfect spot for families craving a cutting-edge venue with an array of on-site activities. With customizable floor plans and more than 29,000 square feet, this venue can handle parties of 400+ guests. Flexible floor plans have played host to Hollywood Oscar-style themed celebrations to recreating an actual basketball court so guests can shoot hoops after dancing the hora. Teens can also enjoy an on-site rock climbing wall, laser tag, arcade games and bowling. Delectable catering by Abigail Kirsch rounds out some of the sophisticated offerings at this hot spot.
2 Lawrence St., Ardsley, N.Y.
591-4400
3. Radisson Hotel
If you are looking for one stop shopping for your bar/bat mitzvah affair, the Radisson Hotel in New Rochelle fits the bill. Conveniently located to all major transportation, the hotel features a newly renovated ballroom and a pre-function area for your cocktail hour. On-site Noma Social lounge is ideal for any die-hard party guests craving an after-party. Best of all, Bubbe and Zayde from Florida can get discounted hotel rates and if you have a large block of 125 guaranteed guests, the host family gets a complimentary hotel room.
1 Radisson Plaza, New Rochelle, N.Y.
576-3700
4. Ritz-Carlton Westchester
Located in downtown White Plains, the Ritz-Carlton promises an elegant affair with attention to every detail and unparalleled service. The hotel’s ballroom can accommodate 400 guests and the gallery featuring candle-lit floor to ceiling windows serves as a sophisticated option for your cocktail hour. Their catering team can whip up everything from a five-course dinner to more casual meals. Out-of-town guests can enjoy staying in one of the hotel’s 146 guestrooms. The catering team can also create a customized farewell brunch for your guests to end your soiree on a high note.
3 Renaissance Square, White Plains, N.Y.
946-5500
5. Slate NY
We’ve all been to parties where the teenagers are staring at their iPhones all night looking bored, but the Flatiron District’s Slate NY guarantees a fun-filled evening for them with ping-pong, pool, foosball and shuffleboard on-site. The dance floor is tricked out with a state-of-the art sound system and club lighting. A nine panel video wall serves as the perfect backdrop to display that montage that you worked so hard on. An innovative menu includes kid-approved options such as Southern Fried Chicken Littles with Jolly Rancher BBQ sauce. Customizable floor plans allow for celebrity performances, special appearances by professional athletes and even mechanical bulls if that’s what you envision for your celebration.
54 W. 21st St., N.Y.
212-989-0096
6. Whitby Castle
Modeled after Whitby Abbey in England, this picturesque venue overlooking the Long Island Sound features an impressive ballroom and two private reception areas for your affair. The mansion’s manicured lawns set on 126+ acres are well-suited for outdoor use during the warmer months. On-site catering provided by the Lessing’s family often uses artisanal ingredients for a European-inspired menu. Most recently the venue added new customized LED uplighting as an option to enhance the ballroom, dance floor and corridors to match your party’s theme. If you are looking for a magical and memorable bar/ bat mitzvah, Whitby Castle delivers.
330 Boston Post Road, Rye, N.Y.
777-2053
Stacey Pfeffer is a freelance writer based in Chappaqua.
