I still have never ventured to the R&R Hotel, not a good experience? I think I've read it gets crowded and its hard to get to. Anything else?
It just gets so damn hot in the main room during crowded shows. Plus their sound sucks like 90% of the time. That room is just miserable. They do have an awesome upstairs which has free dance parties (usually during cool band's performances haha) They do seem to book lots of cool acts and keep prices fairly low. I go where the music I like is, so I end up there a lot it seems.
My opinion:
1. it isnt hard to get to, if you drive. I have yet to had a bad experience parking or getting there.
2. Ive seen a variety of acts there over the years, and most have sounded excellent.
3. It gets hot at EVERY crowded venue. Ive been miserable at a crowded 930 club in the summer, so i dont know why RNRH would get hate for that.
4. Prices for shows are usually reasonable.
5. They book pretty great bands, usually.
Some people stay away because the bookers might screw over locals. I do not have insider knowledge, just going off of what others say.
What I do not like:
1. If the show is sold out... Yes it can be hard to move around, and a bit much for claustrophobic types.
2. (also if the show is sold out) sight lines can suck. The venue is shaped like a long rectangle. It would be nice if it was a bit wider. This is also amplified by the fact that the stage is kind of low.
Anyways, my opinion is it is a good venue to see bands of a certain size. Would I rather go somewhere else? Yes. Usually I would prefer similar sized bands to play Black Cat (and would hands down pick to see them at the Ottobar). But I have fun there, and have seen some amazing shows there.
i've certainly been to a few really hot shows at the 930 and the BC, but EVERY RnR show that i've been to has been a sweat-box. sightlines are horrible for 80% of the crowd. while easy to get to if driving, i generally prefer not to drive to shows... H street ain't great for public transpo. the sound is too loud and distorted, at least every time i've been there - which admittedly hasn't been in a few years. went to 4 or 5 shows, which i thought was more than a fair chance to prove themselves, and i disliked every one of my experiences... so i haven't been back. i haven't heard anything that makes me think they've improved, so i'm in no hurry to go back.
FreeFest is something I look forward to..
+1.
