Honestly, finding a venue in the DMV that doesn't feel like a cramped basement or a sterile hotel hallway is a chore. If you've lived in Prince George’s County for more than a week, you've probably heard the name. Martin's Crosswinds Greenbelt MD is basically the "old reliable" of the region, but calling it just a banquet hall feels like underselling it. It’s a massive, 20,000-square-foot beast of a venue that somehow manages to feel like a high-end gala space every single weekend.
People go there for the chandeliers. No, seriously. You walk into that grand lobby and the first thing you do is look up. It’s that old-school Maryland elegance that modern industrial venues just can't replicate. Whether it’s a NASA symposium—which happens more often than you’d think given the proximity to Goddard—or a 500-guest wedding, this place has a specific "vibe."
The Space Breakdown (It’s Huge)
Most people don't realize how flexible the floor plan is. You’ve got four main ballrooms. The Grand Ballroom is the crown jewel, capable of seating up to 1,800 people. Think about that for a second. That is a small village's worth of people in one room.
But it’s not just for massive crowds. The Regency and Maryland ballrooms handle the mid-sized stuff, usually around 380 to 500 people. Then there’s the garden area. If you’re doing a wedding and want that "nature" look without actually being in a forest, the gazebo and outdoor pad are the go-to spots. They even set up massive tents out there if the weather is acting up.
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What Nobody Tells You About the Food
Let's talk about the catering. Martin’s is a catering company first, a venue second. They’ve been doing this since Martin Resnick started the family legacy back in 1964. The "Martin’s Manner" isn’t just some corporate slogan; it’s a specific way they handle service.
The menu is kind of legendary for its variety. You can get the fancy Signature Select three-course meal, or you can go full buffet with chef carving stations. If you’re a local, you know the crab soup is usually the star of the show.
- The Hits: Fried chicken that actually tastes like it came out of a kitchen, not a factory.
- The Specialized Stuff: They actually do kosher, gluten-free, and vegetarian options that don't feel like an afterthought.
- The One "Meh": Some people find the dessert options—like the strawberry shortcake—to be a bit hit-or-miss compared to the savory stuff.
The Weird Location Quirk
Okay, let’s be real. Finding the place for the first time is a bit of a trip. It’s located at 7400 Greenway Center Drive. If you’re following GPS, you might feel like you’re just driving into a random business park behind a shopping center. It’s tucked away. But once you pull into that parking lot—which is free and huge, a rarity for the Greenbelt area—the building itself makes up for the confusing drive.
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Why It Stays Busy in 2026
You’d think with all the new "modern" venues popping up in DC, a place like Martin's Crosswinds Greenbelt MD would fade out. It hasn't. In fact, it's busier than ever. Why? Because they handle the logistics that break other venues.
They just finished hosting a massive 160th Church Anniversary Legacy Gala recently that was completely sold out. They handle proms, graduations, and those high-stakes corporate meetings where the WiFi actually has to work. The staff there, like David the Banquet Manager and planners like Maria, are often cited in reviews as the reason things don't fall apart.
The Real Talk on Reviews
Is it perfect? Nothing is. If you go on a day where four events are happening at once, you might hear a bit of "noise crossover" between the rooms. It’s a trade-off for having such a massive, versatile space. Some critics say the decor feels "classic" (which is code for "it hasn't changed since the 90s"), but for most people booking a wedding, that's exactly the traditional look they want.
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Actionable Insights for Booking
If you’re actually looking to host something here, don’t just wing it.
- Book the Tour: Don't rely on the website photos. Walk through the lobby. See the chandeliers in person.
- Ask for the Personal Assistant: For weddings, they usually assign a specific person to the bride and groom. This person is a lifesaver for getting you food and drinks while you're busy being the center of attention.
- Check the Calendar Early: Because they host so many community events and NASA functions, Saturdays fill up 12 to 18 months in advance.
- Negotiate the Package: Since they are their own caterer, you have more wiggle room on the "per head" price if you’re flexible with the menu or the day of the week.
Check the current availability by calling their main office directly. If you're planning a large-scale event, ask for a breakdown of the "breakout" options in the Maryland ballroom to see if it fits your specific seating chart needs.