Love Retreats. They are great get aways and a lot can be accomplished. Eight people is not a large retreat space. The retreats I have been to usually house about 30. Since you are doing an analysis, I suggest contacting the local Guild and asking if you can post a survey on their website or at a meeting. Every area is different. It's not just price that is a factor. A lot has to do with how things are planned or structured over the weekend. Some bring in nationally known authors and quilters. Others just provide a place for quilting groups to work on their own projects.