Hyde House Public Studio — Attraction in Tampa

While Hyde House is undeniably a beautiful venue, our experience trying to plan our wedding there was deeply disappointing—and costly. We ultimately lost our $6,000 deposit despite giving ample notice and genuinely trying to work with them to find a reasonable alternative.

We initially signed a contract for a wedding but soon realized the venue didn’t align with our needs. Our event was intimate, and the entire month of our scheduled date remained completely open—they had no other events booked. We reached out in good faith, asking to scale down and repurpose the deposit for a smaller gathering, like a rehearsal dinner or engagement party, ideally within their own portfolio of venues.

Although their public response claims they offered “flexible solutions,” what we were actually given were inflated pricing models that didn’t reflect the significantly smaller scope of the new event. For example, staffing costs more than doubled per guest, and rental fees increased on a per-person basis, despite the event size being cut in half. When we asked for clarification, the answers were vague, and the tone shifted from collaborative to dismissive.

Ultimately, Hyde House refused to offer any meaningful accommodation and retained the full $6,000 deposit, even though no services were provided, no resources were used, and the date remained unbooked. They portray this as leniency for not charging us more, but keeping the entire deposit for an event they didn’t host is hardly generous.

We didn’t cancel to be difficult—we just realized early on that this wasn’t the right space for us. We tried to pivot respectfully and practically, but were met with rigidity rather than empathy.

If you’re a couple looking for a venue that will treat you with fairness, flexibility, and integrity, I strongly suggest you look elsewhere. A stunning space means nothing without a team that’s truly willing to support you through what should be one of the most joyful experiences...

I've been a member of the Commerce Cub for years and was looking for an alternative. The comments are accurate that there are conversations, including phone conversations, going on all the time, but that's part of the experience. However, there is a supposed quiet space. There have been telephone conversations in that space, as well as one Zoom meeting that I witnessed--each time, I just left. The long center tables in that space don't seem to have power outlets anywhere, so one needs to sit at the window ledge if plugged in (this is something that could be fixed easily). The seats in the quiet area are not at an ergonomic height, which no doubt is why most of us would rather sit elsewhere. Something that I have noticed: not once has anyone greeted me upon entering with even a Good Morning or Good Afternoon or Welcome. I can't even catch anyone's eye at the desk myself, and when I've introduced myself, I've had to ask for the names of those who work up front (I guess they are engaged in more important business). Just seems odd to me. Perhaps others have had a different experience, but today, for example, the lack of just common acknowledgement as well as the interior crowding (I guess a lot people are members) meant that I just left.

[After the reply below] I really do appreciate the reply, but I'm going to reiterate that I never have been greeted. I'd fix that immediately. I say this as someone who specifically has trained area employees in customer service and response. (I was disappointed that there wasn't any direct outreach to me. That seems like an easy fix.) But I will consider giving it another shot before deciding whether to remain a...

If you are considering booking this venue for an event in Hyde Park--don't. JUST DON'T. Save your time and money. Unless you desperately need to or are willing to deal with and pay for most entitled and puzzlingly misplaced attitude from staff of the venue. Upfront, my opinion about this joint should be obvious but here are some facts. They cannot lower the temperate below 72 because "they just can't." Ask for a venue liaison other than Brook/BrooKaren if you prefer someone helpful or someone with more manners or professionalism, because the answer is always NO. I'm not even sure what that person's purpose was other than to say no and be extremely rude while pretending to be busy. The overall attitude trickles down from the top, like THEY are doing you a favor, so BrooKaren/BrooKen--whatever. SO UNPLEASANT. Bring your own broom, vacuum and help. Be prepared to be reminded multiple times throughout the night to clean up your mess even if you're a guest. The place was dirty and dusty even before the vendors arrived. Saltbox provided superior quality food AND staff. Isabella Tran and her crew from Saltbox--friendly, attentive, professional from beginning to end. Consider an Airbnb with Saltbox, like a gorgeous big space with a view and less attitude. This can't be the only space in Hyde Park to host an event. Your special event deserves better. All the positive reviews of this place focus on the vendors, not the venue's...