Frequently Asked Questions
Coming on retreat at Siena? Here’s what you should know:
For Sponsored Events: Sponsored retreat payments are nonrefundable or transferable. Consideration is only given in emergency circumstances; in these situations, 10% of the total payment will be retained for administrative costs.
For Private Retreats: The total balance must be paid at time of making reservation (credit card over the phone or check in the mail to arrive prior to retreat start date). Cancellations received more than 10 business days before the scheduled retreat will be responsible for 20% of the overnight room charge. Cancellations received fewer than 10 business days before the scheduled retreat will be responsible for the cost of all meals ordered and 50% of the overnight room charge.
For Hosted Groups:
Our catering team is able to accommodate vegetarian and gluten free requests. Special needs must be indicated at the time of registration so that we can plan for your needs. Guests with dietary restrictions beyond what the kitchen can accommodate will need to bring their own food. A refrigerator, microwave, & toaster oven will be available for storage and prep.
If you are not sure that you’ve let us know, contact our Arrangements Coordinator as soon as possible but at least 7 days before your scheduled retreat at arrangements@sienaretreatcenter.org or by phone at 262-898-2580.
Bedrooms are pre-assigned. Medical requests (such as ADA accessible rooms and rooms near an elevator) must be made at least 10 days prior to arrival. We cannot honor any other type of room request.
Siena Retreat Center serves adults for the purpose of spiritual renewal, enrichment, individual and group retreats, prayer, and contemplation. Use of the Center is restricted to those activities and pursuits that fit within this aim. Because Siena Retreat Center does not serve minors, minors of any age are not allowed at Siena Retreat Center for retreats or programs.
The front desk is staffed for check-ins 9:00am – 4:30pm Monday through Friday and 9:00am – noon on Saturdays and Sundays.
Doors lock at 5:00pm on weekdays and at noon on weekends. The door code is provided at check-in.
If you are coming for one of our sponsored retreats you will receive an email approximately one week before the event with instructions on when to arrive.
The bedroom floors are silent spaces. Each guest bedroom includes:
- Private bathroom
- Individual temperature control (including A/C)
- Wi-Fi
- Bed linens & towels
- Soap (please bring your own personal toiletries)
- Writing desk and chair
- Rocking chair or recliner
- Small dresser
Guests are not permitted to use candles in the private bedrooms. There are a small number of hairdryers available in the guest laundry room on each of the bedroom floors.
We accept cash, check, and credit cards.
Please make your own arrangements for transportation.
Continental breakfast is available at any time in the Retreat Dining Room.
Currently, lunches & dinners are served one of two ways at the Retreat Center.
- When there are 16+ guests signed up, lunches and dinners are served hot from the buffet line
(Lunch 12-12:30 pm and Dinner 5:30-6 pm)
OR - When there are less than 16 guests dining, meals are preplated and made available for guests to heat & eat at their convenience.
The meals provided are the same menu items regardless of method of serving. Meals must be ordered at least 7 days in advance through our Arrangements Coordinator.
Our catering team is able to accommodate vegetarian and gluten free requests. Special needs must be indicated at the time of registration so that we can plan for your needs. Guests with dietary restrictions beyond what the kitchen can accommodate will need to bring their own food. A refigerator, microwave, & toaster oven will be available for storage and prep.
A freezer, refrigerator, toaster oven and microwave are available in our dining room. When using the refrigerator and freezer, please clearly label your food with your name. Bedrooms do not have their own refrigerator.
Please take unused food with you when you leave.
The Beverage Center in the dining room is open 24/7.
Drink options include:
- coffee (hot and iced)
- tea
- hot cocoa
- juice (flavors vary)
- ice and water dispenser
- low-fat milk
Please note while we make every effort to accommodate individual needs we are unable to supply milk alterantives such as soy, almond, or oatmilk. Should you require a lactose-free alternative please plan to bring your own and we will supply refigerator space for storage. Thank you!
- Our outstanding bookstore is open Monday – Friday from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm, on Saturdays from 9:00am – noon, and closed on Sundays and holidays. Click here for more information about what we carry in our bookstore.
As you come along the drive, you will notice a sign for Retreat Parking, which will be located on your left just after you reach the stop sign at the end of the drive. There are additional handicap stalls closer to the building around the retention pond which you are welcome to use if needed. You are also welcome to stop at the front door to unload before going to park.
If you are an overnight guest, we will need your license plate number upon check-in.
A washing machine, dryer, iron, and ironing board are provided on both bedroom floors for your use. Laundry detergent is available.
Unfortunately we are not able to ship items purchased from the Bookstore.
- Bring comfortable shoes and clothes. We recommend bringing a sweater as room temperatures and individual comfort levels vary.
A hermitage is not on the Siena campus, but a rustic hermitage is located at the Eco-Justice Center, four miles to the north. The Eco-Justice Center is also a sponsored ministry of the Racine Dominican sisters.
For more information, visit the Eco-Justice Center website at https://ecojusticecenter.org/hermitage.
Siena Retreat Center permits service animals in accordance with Americans with Disabilities regulations. Other animals are not allowed.
No. Urgent health matters would be treated as emergencies, and emergency medical staff (911) may be called.
The entire Siena campus is intended as a place of healing, peace, and wholeness and thus smoking is not allowed on the campus. Smoking is only permitted in private vehicles with the windows rolled up.
Fees are calculated on a per person basis, based on our expenses. We aim to keep our fees as affordable as possible, while covering costs. Retreat fees cover approximately 60% of the actual cost, with donations, fundraising, support from the Racine Dominican Sisters, and Bookstore purchases making up the balance.
Siena Retreat Center makes every effort to be a place of peace and wellness. Hand sanitizer and areas for hand washing are available throughout the building. Siena Retreat Center continues to follow CDC guidelines for health and safety precautions.
Please take care of yourself and others by staying home if you have a fever or other COVID-19 symptoms. Please stay home if you have been in contact with someone with COVID-19 or have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last five (5) days.
Questions may be directed to Claire Anderson at (262) 898-2588 or canderson@sienaretreatcenter.org.
