If you find yourself leaning toward the Conrad when you think about overnight accommodations, then…read moreyou'll likely want to stay far away from Richmond, Indiana's Quaker Hill Conference Center, a quiet little gem in an area populated by two of the historic peace churches, Friends (Quakers) and Church of the Brethren. For those who are aware, Earlham College in Richmond is a Quaker college, while Church of the Brethren operates their seminary, Bethany Theological Seminary, in Richmond right alongside the Earlham campus.
So, yeah, you should take a hint that "Quaker Hill" is very much guided by, but not necessarily limited to, Quaker values encouraging simplicity, hospitality, social responsibility and being, well, friendly.
I've stayed at Quaker Hill Conference Center on multiple occasions over the years as a graduate of the seminary and, at least until recently, a Church of the Brethren pastor. As Christina C. noted in her 2014 review, Quaker Hill is run by the "nicest people" and has the "best food" ever.
Quaker Hill is mostly geared toward small to moderate-sized gatherings including conferences, workshops, special events, retreats and more. The main building, Evans House, existed as a private home from its construction in 1855 until the 1940's. During World War II, the house was used as a place for refugee resettlement, while it also housed a day camp and a Rural Life Association. Woodard Lodge was added in 1971 and they also offer an outdoor amphitheatre, dining options (up to 60 can be accommodated), meeting rooms for 10-60, and a neat little feature called a Solitude Room for personal retreats. They also have a picnic shelter and even limited long-term apartment options.
You are able to have your meals at Quaker Hill - indeed, the food is terrific and typically served buffet style. Prices per meal range from $9-15, though they do offer some value conscious options.
While it may sound like Quaker Hill is only for groups, every single time I've stayed there it's been alone while attending classes at the fairly close by seminary. If you require accessibility, this is definitely a place where you want to make that known up front. While they can often accommodate, their buildings are older and if you don't make your needs known you could show up on a weekend with every room booked and you've been assigned an inaccessible room - and yeah, I did this once and learned from it. It was completely my fault.
Prices do vary by arrangement - I'm hesitant to cite prices as it can vary between groups, conferences, etc. I would plan on something above a Motel 6 and substantially lower than most hotels.
If your body is somewhat requiring of a more luxurious sleeping situation, you may want to visit Quaker Hill first to see if it meets your needs. The room I was in, for example, often had a full-sized bed. They do have different options. Again, communication is pretty important here.
So, why a 5-star if I communicate reservations? The people are stellar, the facilities are top notch and you are treated well here. The conference center is set close to a business corridor, but in a wooded area with tremendous privacy. If you're truly treating this is a retreat or personal getaway, this is simply stellar. If you go into it expecting a "motel" type setting, you may be setting yourself up for disappointment. While I'm done with seminary, I wouldn't hesitate to return and I find myself often recommending Quaker Hill to friends visiting Richmond.