I've gone to retreats twice a year for a few years now and the draw is the location. Retreat is literally a football field distance from the ocean. First time I went I had met one of the participants in person but soon got to know the others. I LOVE going to this retreat. The meeting room has issues BUT it is right on the ocean. Who can find fault there? Everyone pools their money to have food at the event so we don't have to take time to go out to lunch. (We do enjoy the seafood options at dinner.) Not sure I would feel the same about a retreat in a "garage". I'd either really have to like my quilting sisters or the retreat would have to offer something else "special" and I can't say what that would be for me (off the top of my head).