Pros and Cons – Hotel

In determining a location for your retreat, you can choose from basically two general categories:  hotels and retreat camps.  We have held retreats in both over the years.  This year, we again looked into hotels and retreat camps, comparing amenities and costs.  We listed our Pros and Cons for a Retreat Camp.  These are our thought on hotels:

HOTEL – Pros

• Rooms are private and comfortable;
• Cleanliness;
• More staff available to meet needs;
• Possibly better equipment and set-up (lighting, tables, podium, etc.);
• Weather issues are a non-issue with everything under one roof;
• Food quality may be better with better selection and service;
• Food can be served according to our schedule;
• More conducive environment for older or disable guests.

HOTEL – Cons

• Generally more expensive than a retreat camp, depending on accommodations;
• Other groups and functions at the hotel can be a distraction;
• Traffic in the city;
• Fire drills (and yes, we have experienced fire drills in the middle of the night more than once!);
• Bar in the lobby may create a worldly atmosphere;
• Not allowed to provide your own snacks in the meeting room for the group;
• Staff may be too busy to be attentive to your group.