7/25/2026
The Best Questions to Ask a Retreat Location Before Booking
Before booking a retreat location, it's worth working through a short list of questions — otherwise, plenty of issues only turn up once you're already there.
On Capacity
- How many people can actually be accommodated, and in what room configuration?
- Are there single rooms or separate apartments, or only shared dorm-style rooms?
On the Program
- Does the location come with its own course program, or does it just provide the rooms?
- Is there a room or garden suitable for group practice?
On Catering
- Is catering included, optional, or does the group have to organize it entirely on its own?
- Are there kitchens available if the group wants to cook for itself?
On the Surroundings
- How loud or quiet is the surrounding area really?
- Are there outdoor areas that belong to the location, or just a room?
At Johann & Anna in Stainz, we're happy to answer all of these questions directly and honestly — even when the answer is sometimes "we're not the right location for that."
Why These Questions Matter
Most disappointments with rented retreat locations don't come from the place being bad, but from unclear expectations going in. Anyone who asks the questions above before booking knows exactly what to expect afterward — and can focus on planning their own program instead of worrying about the location.