In today’s economy, it can be a difficult decision for a church or ministry to choose between a Christian Conference Center and a Hotel for their retreat or conference.  For groups that are accustomed to going to a corporate hotel a change in the location from a downtown hotel to a conference center that is often in the country can be a tough shift.

Throughout the hospitality industry there is a desire to serve guests and provide for them.  Christian Conference Centers bring a different spirit of service.  At our Midwest Christian Retreat properties our staff prides themselves on “Serving one another with Love” from Galations 5:13.  Its not about just providing a clean comfortable guest room or a friendly face at the front desk, but more about creating an environment where our guests can connect with God.  From a smiling face and a warm greeting at the front desk or dining hall greeter to the host who digs through garbage to find lost car keys, or the maintenance man who dives into the lake to rescue a child’s lost stuffed animal, our goal is to serve guests not just because we want to provide for their needs but more to demonstrate Christ’s love in our hospitality.

Amenities available at hotel and Christian Conference Center properties vary.  Many planners are surprised to find that amenities available at most Christian Conference Centers are comparable with hotel conference centers.  At our Midwest properties all of our facilities feature motel style guest rooms or cabins that include linen service.  Our conference center properties are not primitive camps that people have seen in the movies.  I'd encourage you to take a look at the property amenities.  We'd be happy to schedule tours of our properties with your team.

Choosing a location is no easy task.  There are plusses and minuses for both corporate hotels and non-profit Christian Conference Centers.  Take tours of possible facilities, meet with potential attendees find out what is most important to them, and get to know property staff to find out what they can provide for your group.  Choose a location that meets your group’s amenity and travel needs and more importantly a location that will be conducive to achieving your event’s goals.