Affordable Family Reunion Locations

While finding affordable family reunion locations, a key consideration is to locate a great venue with either on-site or nearby reasonable overnight room costs.

Goal #1 – Find a median price range that will accommodate attendance for most members of the group
Goal #2 – Find available overnight lodging at least in close proximity to the reunion location if the event occurs over one or more days.
Goal #3 – Have fun activities and games for family reunions and small parties, or entertainment options for a weekend class, business, university or other group reunion.

1.  Affordable Reunion Locations – Bowlmor Lanes.  Need ideas for reunion games? Consider holding the main event or if planning a multi-day reunion, hold one of the events at a Bowlmor! This is a swanky bowling alley where guests can bowl, play mini golf, bocce ball, boardwalk games, enjoy the arcade with games and activities for the kids (and adults too). There are plenty of choices for meals, drinks and having fun, http://www.bowlmor.com/parties/home/.   Choose your food and beverage style and build the cost of the evening into the total reunion ticket price. Currently, they only have establishments in cities in California, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, New York, and Texas. Read their Terms and Conditions and sign up for a free party, other specials, coupons and discounts.
2. Affordable Reunion Locations – College Campuses.  For college reunions, many colleges and alumni associations host weekends for milestone reunions on their campus during the summer where guests can stay in dormitories. The rates are more reasonable than hotels and depending on the region of the country, guests also have access to onsite and offsite tours as hiking, cycling, kayaking, access to jogging trails, canoe trips and fishing excursions. Meals are typically included in the per person price. Yale College (New Haven, Connecticut) Alumni Associations, for example, has regular reunions http://aya.yale.edu/content/yale-college-reunions and activities and connections for alumni.

Accommodations. The Wayfarer has 31 private or dorm-style rooms with free Wi-Fi, 42” HDTV. Perfect for families and groups, the rooms are affordable and in the heart of Santa Barbara. Check out their rooms or call the hostel direct at 805.845.1000 to book 4 or more guests. They offer rooms with up to 5 beds, making it perfect for friends or families traveling together. Located right on the Urban Wine Trail, in the art-centric Funk Zone, this State Street hostel accommodations are nearby art galleries and wine tasting rooms, foodies, fashion lovers, beach adventurers. There are common kitchen facilities and a common living room/lobby. This particular hostel is close to the beach and to the State Street where there are many restaurants and shopping.

3.  Affordable Reunion Locations – Upscale Hostels.  Santa Barbara Wayfarer Inn. The Wayfarer Inn. A new addition to Santa Barbara, The Wayfarer sits on the Urban Wine Trail, home to over 20 wine tasting rooms, dining options, art galleries and more. One block from State Street, the hostel has easy access to shopping, wine tasting rooms, restaurants and bars. A gem amongst Funk Zone Santa Barbara hotels and hostels, The Wayfarer features affordable accommodations, daily complimentary breakfast, a community kitchen and an onsite pool. There are plenty of opportunities for planning family reunion activities in Santa Barbara.

Point Reyes Hostel in Northern California. Located a rustic retreat on the site of a historic ranch, Point Reyes hostel has group accommodations in the historic Ranch House and the Bunkhouse which can rent for up to 20 people, or both for up to 40 people. Shared rooms are dormitory-style i.e. bunk beds, and sleep 8-10 people per room. They offer both co-ed and gender-specific rooms. Both houses have large common rooms with beautiful park views that can be used for meeting space. Check their website for photos and more information http://www.norcalhostels.org/reyes/features#sthash.2OIJGZNN.dpuf.

Also, with the beautiful park and wilderness just steps away from the lodging is a patio with barbecue and picnic area with umbrella tables for outdoor events with a fully equipped, self-serve kitchen where groups can prepare meals. Just remember to bring your own groceries.

When looking for comfortable and inexpensive settings with all the amenities to plan a great family or other group reunion, check out these fun and reasonable locations. And please let us know how your event went, so we can share your stories with others.