A buyout means the whole venue is yours for the night, with no public guests. At Music For A While in Chelsea that is both rooms, the Vinyl Room and the Club Room, with two private bars, a private entrance and capacity for up to 300 standing.
Here is how buyouts usually work in New York and what to ask before you sign.
How buyouts are priced
Most NYC venues price a buyout either per guest, through food and drink packages, or as a food and beverage minimum you agree to spend. Day of the week and season move the number a lot: weeknights and January cost less than a Saturday in December.
At Music For A While packages are priced per guest, and the events team quotes each date rather than publishing a rate card.
What to ask any venue
Get these answered in writing before you commit.
- Is the whole venue closed to the public, or only part of it?
- What is included: staff, security, sound, DJ equipment, furniture?
- How many hours, and what does an extra hour cost?
- Can you bring outside vendors, such as a photographer or DJ?
- What are the deposit and cancellation terms?
What a Music For A While buyout includes
Both rooms and both bars. The Vinyl Room has the curved bar, banquettes, lounge seating and the on air booth. The Club Room has the laser ceiling, a DJ booth and a full sound system. A podcast studio sits inside the Vinyl Room if you want to record content on the night.
Guests arrive through a separate lobby entrance and private elevator. For bigger events the Hotel Alameda's Creatures Rooftop and Lobby Bar & Garden can be added, up to the whole building.
Ready when you are.
Questions
Can I book all of Music For A While?
Yes. A buyout covers the Vinyl Room and the Club Room, for up to 300 guests standing.
Is there a minimum spend?
Pricing is per guest and depends on the date and package. The events team sends a proposal for your date.
Can we book the rest of the hotel too?
Yes. Creatures Rooftop and the Lobby Bar & Garden at the Hotel Alameda can be added, up to the whole building.
How far ahead should we book?
Fridays, Saturdays and December go first. Inquire as soon as you have a date.