Great place , parking was easy especially for a day like Christmas I'd have thought it'd be packed. The Christmas tree and the decor was really cool. The message was on point. I expected him to stick to some script like a robot but he talked about his own life which was really cool. The speaker told us a story about him and his dad. It was super great to see him speaking especially hearing about some health issues he had. The guy speaking seemed like a really genuine guy with a great message. It was great to see him there. The singing was amazing. I didn't realize till today that nuns don't have to wear the nun anymore so I gained some knowledge coming here. This place has a real warm welcoming vibe yet still sticking to the Godly ,Biblical ways. The whole area is really nice. Outside they have some nice pathways to walk on. read more

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I have been coming Mercy Center for decades Going on retreats, East West Meditation and I will be forever grateful to the Sisters of Mercy and Mercy Center for their hospitality and everyone I come into connect with have been helpful the rooms clean and the food delicious. My spiruality has grow so much because of coming to Mercy Center! read more

I'm really surprised to see all the negative reviews. I came here for a non-denominational silent retreat a month or so ago and it was such a positive experience I am planning on exploring a private retreat here in the near future. The chapel is a wonderfully peaceful spot for silent meditation, as are the individual rooms. I didn't explore the grounds due to the weather, but it is an idyllic setting. The facilities are basic, exactly what you'd expect for a retreat, with one exception: the food is absolutely fantastic! They even have Wi-Fi for those who aren't interested in completely unplugging. I had my phone off the entire time which was a profound experience in and of itself. I can't wait to visit again. read more

Very merciful place. At the end of September my wife will be attending a training there and they mercifully declined to allow my wife to stay on their campus with my daughter, who will be 11 months old then. In their infinite mercy, they sent us on a search to find an expensive rental nearby, you know, the type of rental that costs the merciful rate of bay area rentals. We are bathed in the mercy of giving money we don't have, to cover a place for them to stay. The rental is almost three times the cost of staying on campus and the only one we could find to meet our needs. Their mercy abounds so much so that on top of the lodging "blessing" they have given us, my wife now has to pay a "comuter fee" of $360 to pay for food she will not be eating as she races to the rental at lunch and dinner to breastfeed our daughter. Their love and mercy is a light to our path to bankruptcy. As Jesus said, "Forget the kids. Take the wealth you have accumulated from donations to your church and cause teachers and therapists to pay extra to learn to serve the needs of the broken." It was either that or "But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea." We are grateful to be blessed by their mercy. read more

Nice space to walk around and there is an outdoor pool for the students!

Lovely, unique, calming, special retreat center. Have attended Taize, day-long meetings and week end Retreats. There is something so unique about Mercy nuns...it is an honor to know several. If you get a chance, seek out th retreat schedule. Just completed a Writers Retreat with Liz Dossa. Great. Mercy: Build a Gym and They Will Come read more

I remember coming to the Kohl House at Mercy in the 1970s for discussions on the issues of the day, of which there were many- from Watergate to Civil Rights to Jonestown and so on. Always remember what wonderful people the nuns were- and what a diverse group they were from young to old, outspoken and quiet, some out to change the world and others a bit more reflective about the time it takes to make progress. It was such a beautiful and calm place to ponder the madness in society while trying to discuss the ways to make the changes so desperately needed. We need that dialog now more than ever, and am so grateful that Mercy is still there to be a facilitator. It's the kind of place that is so important, and as such to be blessed and cherished. read more

Lovely retreat center/school/convent. Was here for a 3-day retreat a couple of weeks ago. Didn't stay overnight as it's only 30 minutes from my house, which was part of the draw for me. I did get a chance to walk the lovely labyrinth they have. I particularly like the stone at the center. It was a warm day and the stone was hot from the sun, which made it seem like it was radiating energy. It was both energizing and relaxing. The food was just ok. Passable institution food. Could have definately been more mindful- the whole campus is mindful, with candy dishes dispersed around as part of their commitment to hospitality- even the bathrooms seemed to be cared for mindfully, but the food seemed lacking in that respect. The gift shop was small, but quite useful. Bought 2 children's books on meditation and a CD of chakra drumming. Had lots of cool stuff I would have liked to explore further, but I was afraid to go broke! read more

I have been attending workshops at the Mercy Center for four years. The grounds are beautiful, the silence and abundance of nature creates a perfect container for contemplation. The rules around drinking alcohol are to keep the energy in the buildings and on the grounds, quiet and peaceful. It's often hard to do that when you aren't fully present to yourself and others. I have never encountered any harshness; the staff is very loving, nurturing and helpful. It isn't a "nunnery", in fact, most Mercy sisters now have their own housing off campus. But it IS a retreat center and many people, including myself, go there to be able to engage with Spirit and Silence. There aren't alot of opportunities like this around, and if people want to drink and have that kind of fun, there are so many other ways to do that. I can imagine, too, what a beautiful place this would be for a wedding or other important ritual occasions. I love the food (and I'm fussy): find it tasty and healthy and there are ALWAYS lowfat alternatives. I'm about to leave for a five day intensive retreat to learn how to do spiritual direction with groups. So blessed to be returning there, for prayer, connection to others, relaxation and learning. read more

I recently attended my cousins wedding here and I was pleasantly surprised. Stunning. Romantic. Classic. The spaces at this center were ideal for a earthy, open and bright wedding. The room the actual ceremony was in had huge high ceilings and stunning natural light through very large French doors. The clean simplicity of it along with the incredible landscaping made this absolutely stunning. Even my boyfriend said that he could see himself getting married in a place like that (yeah, a real life GUY said this...). We had a small reception prior to dinner outside in the courtyard which, although a bit windy, was still stunning. Really great for pictures and lots of space for a 100-200 person wedding. There was a fountain and I think a labyrinth with flowers and hedges everywhere. We moved inside to dinner and I looked up to notice the lighting; large amber-toned lighting with images of leaves. I was so impressed by it all. The ceilings had to be at least 30 feet high, which gave the impression of royalty and elegance. We even snuck upstairs and looked down from a balcony on the dancing wedding party and was just in awe of the space. Lots of parking, clean bathrooms, plenty of space for the bridal parties to get dressed. And, it's in Burlingame of all places. Close to the city, but out far enough to feel like you're in a magical land far away...I'm pretty sure my cousin broke the bank on this one, but he didn't care. It was everything he could have imagined his wedding to be. read more

After returning to the Mercy Center a few times, I feel I was a little unfair to the Sisters of Mercy in my previous review. They are, after all, giving their beautiful space to retreats at a very reasonable price while presumably maintaining their school and other endeavors. I figure it's only fair to be respectful of their rules, and I think my first experience here was an aberration. Since then I've been back a few times and found the Sisters were mostly quiet and not at all in my way. I hear the beds are still hard. I guess I'm fortunate to now live close enough that I can come home at night and still sleep in my own! ;-) read more

This place is a scam. They will try to nickel and dime you for terrible service. My guess is that they will go out of business in the next couple of years. read more

I don't post on here, but I had to make an account just warn people about this place. I stayed here for a conference a while back. I arrived late at night with a colleague and parked in the parking lot, for anyone staying here, this the main parking lot which you must walk up the hill to get to main entrance. My colleague went off ahead to make sure they were still open to let us in. I gathered my stuff and started walking up the hill. I was stopped and hassled for ID by the security guard Barry, I was kept here in the freezing cold for 10 minutes asking me a load of questions. He then told me that I had to leave the property, says that he's seen my kind before and says I am nothing but trouble, as a black man this is unacceptable. It was at this point my colleague came down to get me. Barry then left and I got checked in. I reported this incident to the receptionist who said they reported it to higher ups who will taking action. My stay was quite pleasant apart from the incident. The food was great, and the staff was amazing, so I decided to book another private stay here with my wife. I called in to see what the steps are and out of curiosity asked what happened to Barry, I was told by the person of the other side of the line that nothing happened, and management did nothing about it and in fact rewarded him with more hours since he's been doing such a good job making this place safe. This made me furious, furious enough to make me write this review. I wanted to sweep this under the rug but the fact that I was racially profiled, and they were rewarded makes me hate this place. I don't believe that a place so single minded should succeed. read more

I have made several silent retreats here, gone to many of their wonderful programs and go there for spiritual direction. It's peaceful, beautiful and nourishing, a spiritual home. Check out their website for upcoming events, or just go and walk the labyrinth, pray in the chapel. You'll be glad you went. read more

I had a blessing ceremony at the Mercy Chapel, and it was absolutely fabulous. It's one of the prettiest settings in California, and Connie and the rest of the staff were wonderful to work with in every way. This hidden gem would be the ideal setting for a memorial service, christening or small wedding. The Taize service and some of the yoga workshops I've attended are awesome- we are so lucky to have this facility in Burlingame! read more

Just had a retreat here for work for two days. We were hard pressed for a overnight center because of the lateness of our booking. What drew me to it were the reviews on YELP and the description of 40 acres of gardens/grounds and walking paths discussed. Unfortunately, the grounds are covered with buildings for the nuns and High school. So, it is a very lovely, large center for services. The food has definitely improved from the past reviewers. They had organic choices, they had both vegetarian and meat options. The soups were good. And for the visitors they provided all day coffee and tea and provided glass mugs, which was very eco friendly. I did take a walk around the perimeter of the grounds which was a nice jaunt in to a somewhat more rustic experience, yet you are right in the middle of a suburban neighborhood so you aren't in any real retreat. The single bedrooms were simple. I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable the beds were. They have tried their best to warm up what is essentially a large institutional feeling building with lots of rooms along long hall ways. They did this with lovely colored accent walls and having candy every where. the staff was mostly kind and supportive. For those who were catholic in our group, it felt familiar, for those who were not it felt simply large, too large of a building. The rooms for meetings were great. Large, with high ceilings and lots of light. Inside these large rooms were wonderful old pieces of furniture that added character to the more bland business furniture. I would recommend for day work meetings for groups of 15-25. I would not recommend for overnights if you really want a feeling of nature and get-a-way in your staff/organizational retreat. The gardens were lovely and the grounds very green. However, I didn't feel compelled to take any pictures - ahh... read more

This place is great, you should check it out. From the outside it looks imposing, but actually it's open to the public, has a number of really nice trees and garden areas. Kids will like the walkable maze. The gift shop is a treat - significantly less then the usual 800% Burlingame markup - and some quality items. There's a senior living area here, and a full high school too. All sorts of groups use this place, across many creeds, it's kind of open. Mostly I like it cause it's quiet and peaceful and I use it like a park - a park with really good gardeners tending to it. read more

I still stand by everything I said prior. I do want to add: If you are looking for a place where you feel as though you are tucked away in nature, this is not the retreat center for you. There is one walking path down by a stream so that does redeem it a bit but it's right in the middle of a very rich neighborhood with normal neighborhood sounds and make sure your retreat is not when school is in session because outside time will be accompanied by the sounds of Mercy High School--perhaps not the most reflective of sounds. The nature on the grounds is nice (they have a labyrinth) and it's all very well groomed but it feels more suburban than out in true awe inspiring nature. Perhaps there is a better spot for a review of their first Friday Taize services? Until I figure it out, I will put it here: I am a bit of a Taize snob having spent a week praying in Taize during my semester abroad. I think one of the most important aspects of Taize prayer is that it is a meditation. Similar to the rosary--each song is played for a long time to let you really sink into the repetitiveness of the music and sink into meditation. The Mercy Center doesn't do that. Each song is very short--no time to sink in. It is very dark in the chapel, so dark that many people had flashlights in order to see the song sheet. Originally, I thought I wouldn't need a flashlight because in Taize, France I could easily hear what words were being sung and the songs were simple enough that after one or two repeats I could join in. Here, not the case. None of the singers had microphones and none of them had the lungs to project very well at all. Additionally, I could not for the life of me make out what they were singing--I could here their quiet notes but that was it--and I have young ears and do not go to concerts. Thus, I had to follow along with the song sheet using my flashlight. Because of the poor song leading, everyone seemed to be singing very timidly, such that when I started singing at normal volume, it sounded as though I was attempting to drown out the rest of the church. That said there were tons of people there and the friend I was with found it very relaxing but I did not find it to be the meditative experience that true Taize prayer offers. :( read more

I live near the Center and enjoy attending classes, retreats and lectures there, right in the neighborhood. Mercy Center is located in part of what was built as the Motherhouse for the local group of Sisters of Mercy. They bought the Frederick Kohl Estate in the 20's and subsequently in the 30's opened both a new Motherhouse and also Mercy High School, a girls' college prep school still going strong in the former Kohl Mansion . Mercy Center now comfortably co-habitates with the sisters and with the High School on the 40 beautiful "oak clad" acres only about 10 blocks up from El Camino and a 10 minute ride from SFO airport. Mercy Center is friendly, serene, and beautiful. The halls are filled with beautiful art, the chapel offers a quiet retreat always, and their website allows easy registration for courses or retreats. There are walk ways all over the campus, a creek, a beautiful labyrinth and ancient oak trees spreading overhead. It is a treasure. Catherine W read more