Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about The Country Place.
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Q: What are your check-in and check-out times?
Q: What are your rates?
Q: Does the rate include our meals?
Q: Are the private rooms an extra charge?
Q: Do you require a deposit to reserve our retreat dates?
Q: After we pay our initial deposit of $750, what are our next steps?
Q: What form of payment method do you accept?
Q: What are your terms and payment schedule?
Q: What is your policy on cancellations?
Q: What happens if my number of participants changes?
Q: What are guaranteed minimums?
Q: Do you have a required minimum number of people for a guest group?
Q: How many people can you accommodate at your facility?
Q: I am planning a year in advance. How do you handle price changes?
Q: Can we bring our own meals and use The Country Place kitchen?
Q: Do we choose what we want to eat or does The Country Place choose our meals for us?
Q: Are your facilities wheel chair accessible?
Q: What is your policy on smoking, alcohol and illegal substances?
Q: I used an internet map and can’t find you – What are your directions?
Q: What should we bring?
Q: Will your staff clean my room each day?
Q: How are emergencies handled?
Q: Are pets allowed on the property?
Q: Do we have to share the property with other groups?
Q: What audio-visual equipment is available?
Q: Do you have a brochure?
Q: What activities do you have on-site?
Q: Do you have any meeting rooms/conference rooms available for our group meetings and group gatherings?
Q: Do you have any other amenities on-site?
Q: Are there any other places we can visit locally that you would recommend?
Q: How far are you from Major Cities such as New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia?
Q: Our group will be flying in from around the country. Do you offer shuttle service to the airport?
Q: What do our guests say about us?
Q: What are your check-in and check-out times?
A: Check-in is normally 5pm and check-out is 2pm. We do work with your group to accommodate your agenda.
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Q: What are your rates?
A: Depending on your group’s size, our rates can range anywhere from $95 – $200 per person/per night.
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Q: Does the rate include our meals?
A: The rate includes your dorm-style accommodations, meals, continuous non-alcoholic beverages and snacks.
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Q: Are the private rooms an extra charge?
A: Yes, the private rooms are an additional $50 up-charge per night. Here are brochures for our accommodations in our Main Lodge and Tree Tops Building.
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Q: Do you require a deposit to reserve our retreat dates?
A: Yes, we require a $750 deposit to reserve and guarantee your dates.
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Q: After we pay our initial deposit of $750, what are our next steps?
A: We will send you a welcome packet (either by mail or by email) which includes a retreat leader’s checklist. Click here to see Retreat Leader’s Checklist.
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Q: What form of payment method do you accept?
A: We accept Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.
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Q: What are your terms and payment schedule?
A: After you pay your initial deposit of $750 to reserve and guarantee your dates, your next payment will be Sixty (60) days prior to arrival, fifty (50%) of the final payment will be due. Thirty (30) days prior to arrival, the balance is due and a certificate of insurance is due. A credit card number must be provided as a “damage deposit” on file. If insurance certificate is not available, we will have you sign waivers. Please click here to see SAMPLE CONTRACT.
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Q: What is your policy on cancellations?
A: In the event cancellation is made at least 3 months prior to arrival, a full refund (less 20% administration fee) will be made or the full $750 Reservation deposit may be applied to other available dates without penalty providing new dates are within one year of original dates. No refunds will be made for any cancellation ninety or fewer days prior to arrival.
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Q: What happens if my number of participants changes?
A: Because early projections in the size of your group may differ from the actual final count, it is critical that we are kept informed of changes in your group size. Ninety (90) days before your arrival, you are asked to give us a guaranteed minimum number of guests. We place this information on your contract as well. The rate we give you is based on the minimum number of guests in your group. You must provide a guaranteed minimum number of guests you feel confident guaranteeing to pay for. This number can always increase, but cannot decrease from this point on. Then, in the days leading up to your retreat, we ask that you keep us informed if that number increases. Fourteen (14) days prior to your visit, you will be asked to give us your final count. We provide you with a rooming assignment form which you are asked to fill out and send back to us listing every member in your group. This rooming assignment form will be used to check everyone in on the day of arrival.
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Q: What are guaranteed minimums?
A: The guaranteed minimum number is the number for whom we agree to prepare for and for whom you agree to pay for. You will not need to give us this final guaranteed number until 14 days before your retreat arrival date.
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Q: Do you have a required minimum number of people for a guest group?
A: We require you to have a minimum of 20 guests; however, we have made exceptions in the past and have had groups of 10-15 guests. You must speak to The Country Place Manager to discuss the details of your retreat.
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Q: How many people can you accommodate at your facility?
A: We have 60 beds (dorm-style, shared and private accommodations). We can accommodate up to 60 people.
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Q: I am planning a year in advance. How do you handle price changes?
A: The Country Place Retreat and Conference Center has the right to raise rates each calendar year to keep pace with rising costs. Your group will be notified of any approved rate increase no later than 90 days prior to your retreat. Should such an increase be necessary, it will be no more than 5% of the fee on your signed contract.
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Q: Can we bring our own meals and use The Country Place kitchen?
A: No, we have 2 Executive Chefs who provide your group with 3 gourmet meals a day. Your rate is an all-inclusive rate (includes all your meals). For health and liability reasons, we do not allow groups to use our kitchen to prepare food. The Country Place provides all meals and cleanup after meals. Guest groups are asked to take their own plates, cups and silverware to the bus pan in the serving area.
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Q: Do we choose what we want to eat or does The Country Place choose our meals for us?
A: We will ask you for your group’s dietary restrictions and food allergies. Once we have this information, we send it to the chef assigned to your group. He/she will then create a menu based on this information. We will email you the menu for your review.
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Q: Are your facilities wheel chair accessible?
A: Yes, we have several areas on our property that are wheel chair accessible. Our Main lodge has an upstairs and downstairs area that is not wheel chair accessible. There are 2 private rooms on the main level of our Main Lodge that are wheel chair accessible. We also have 4 private rooms in our Tree Tops Building that are wheel chair accessible. Our entrance to the reception area in our main lodge is wheel chair accessible as well as our outdoor Blue Heron Pavilion.
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Q: What is your policy on smoking, alcohol and illegal substances?
A: Smoking is allowed outdoors but not inside any of the buildings. We ask you to discard your cigarette butts in the sand buckets outside the serving area and main entrances of the buildings.
We do allow alcohol on the grounds. We do not have an liquor license, therefore, we cannot provide the alcohol. You may bring it yourself for your group. We do require you to sign an alcohol policy waiver upon your arrival. Firearms, fireworks and illegal substances are strictly prohibited.
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Q: I used an internet map and can’t find you – What are your directions?
A: We are located at 45 Country Place Lane, White Haven, PA, however, we have been told that Google Maps and MapQuest do not have us in their system. Therefore, we provide you with written directions and you may also use the following address to locate us – GPS Units Use: 2140 Oley Valley Road, White Haven, PA 18661. Or check out our Directions Page.
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Q: What should we bring?
A: You should bring the following items:
- Personal toiletries
- Sturdy shoes (weather appropriate: i.e. boots for winter, flip flops and sneakers for summer, hiking boots for hiking trails, etc.)
- Change of clothing (appropriate clothing for time of year)
- Sunblock
- Umbrella
- Pen, Pencils and notepads for any sessions
Bed sheets, blankets, pillows, towels are provided by The Country Place Retreat and Conference Center. We also have insect repellent on the reception desk, flashlights, and alarm clocks in all rooms.
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Q: Will your staff clean my room each day?
A: As a retreat center, we do not offer housekeeping services to our guests. Our housekeeping staff cleans before your group arrives and after your group leaves. Linens are provided for our guests. Your beds will be made upon your arrival.
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Q: How are emergencies handled?
A: Upon arrival, we provide you with an emergency contact list. Emergencies, including injury and severe illness should be immediately reported to The Country Place Manager. We have a phone located at the reception desk in the Main Lodge as well as our kitchen. You may use either phone to dial 911.
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Q: Are pets allowed on the property?
A: For reasons of health, safety and our mission to provide a peaceful setting, we do not allow any pets on-site.
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Q: Do we have to share the property with other groups?
A: If your group is more than 20 people, your group will have exclusive use of the property. We will not have another group on-site during your stay.
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Q: What audio-visual equipment is available?
A: We have the following AV Equipment available at the following additional charge for use of equipment:
- Audio System = $50
- Audio Visual (DVD or lap top hook-up) = $150
- Audio Visual and Computer = $250
Q: Do you have a brochure?
A: Yes, we have a brochure for The Country Place Retreat and Conference Center. Please click here to see PDF of brochure.
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Q: What activities do you have on-site?
A: We have volleyball and several other games like football and soccer. We also have a horse shoe pit. We have 2 hiking trails and a labyrinth. If you love to fish, bring your fishing poles along and go fishing on our beautiful pond. In the evening, our guests enjoy s’mores, singing and bonding at our fire ring (bonfire) across from the pond.
We also have our Team Challenge Course (low-ropes course) available for an additional fee. We have on-site Certified facilitators that work with your group on the team challenge course. You may use either your own Certified facilitator or one provided through The Country Place. Here is some additional information about our Team Challenge Course. If interested, please call our office at 570-636-3858.
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Q: Do you have any meeting rooms/conference rooms available for our group meetings and group gatherings?
A: Located in our Main Lodge is our GREAT ROOM/conference room where our guests can have their meetings. The GREAT ROOM is 32’ x 30’ with its pyramid wall of windows and natural lighting, is the main meeting room and is fully equipped with comfortable chairs and/or back jacks, audiovisual equipment, dry erase board, flip charts, markers and controlled lighting to set the appropriate mood.
We also have our Downstairs gathering room and upstairs gathering room: Here are some pictures of our GREAT ROOM, Downstairs gathering room and upstairs gathering room. Both gathering rooms have a cozy furniture and fireplace.
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Q: Do you have any other amenities on-site?
A: We do offer massages. We have our White Dove Spa which is an additional charge during your stay if you do choose to have a massage. Pricing ranges from $86 – $150 (depending on what massage services you schedule).
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Q: Are there any other places we can visit locally that you would recommend?
A: There are several places we recommend:
1. WhiteWater Challengers: http://www.whitewaterchallengers.com/ Located only 15 minutes from The Country Place Retreat and Conference Center. Great for rafting, canoeing, ziplining, paint ball, biking and kayaking. If you stay with us at The Country Place, you will receive a discount on your trip to WhiteWater Challengers. Inquire with The Manager of The Country Place.
2. Jack Frost Big Boulder (JFBB): http://jfbb.com/
570-443-8425
PO Box 1539
Blakeslee, PA 18610
Jack Frost Mountain provides an inviting ski area with a summit elevation of 2000 feet, base elevation of 1400 feet and vertical drop of 600 feet. 21 different slopes to include: ski school learning slope, 4 Easiest (beginner slopes, 6 More Difficult (intermediate slopes), 8 Most Difficult (expert slopes) and 2 Terrain Parks. There are 9 lifts: 1 quad, 2 triples, 6 doubles and 1 ski carpet.
Big Boulder Ski Area is devoting 50% of its overall terrain to park features. The base elevation is 1700 feet with a summit elevation of 2175 feet and a vertical drop of 475 feet. Big Boulder boasts the most progressive and innovative terrain park program. 15 different slopes to include: 4 Easiest (beginner slopes), 3 More Difficult (intermediate slopes), 3 Most Difficult (advanced slopes) and 5 Terrain Parks. There are 8 lifts:2 triples, 5 doubles and 1 ski carpet.
3.Jack Frost National Golf Club: http://www.jackfrostnational.com/index.php
Call them at: 570.443.2414
Jack Frost National Golf Club – located in the heart of the Pocono Mountains – designed by Terry LaGree, is unique to Northeastern Pennsylvania and has all the features you would want in a mountain course and none of the shortfalls.
Considered a “large golf course” spanning over 7,200 yards, and more than 200 acres, the course covers magnificent terrain, beautiful landscapes and offers striking vistas and views. The course is located on the crest of Jack Frost Mountain that encompasses an elevation of 2000 ft and the natural Oak Forest highlights the movement of each golf hole.
Its player friendly design and gives players of every skill level an enjoyable golf experience.
4.Restaurants: http://powerhouseeatery.net/ for information on 3 local restaurants
Connor’s Grillroom
Monday through Sunday 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Sunday 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
55 Memorial Hwy
Dallas, PA 18612
(570) 674-5100
Ovalon Bar & Grill
Hours: 4 – 10 PM Everyday
252 N Wyoming St
Hazleton, PA 18201
(570) 454-0853
Powerhouse Eatery
Tuesday through Sunday 11:30 AM -9:30 PM
Monday 4-9:30 PM
60 Powerhouse Rd
White Haven, PA 18661
(570) 443-4480
Other Resources: We always have brochures and information available at our reception desk.
Luzerne County Convention and Visitors Bureau: http://www.tournepa.com/ or call them at
1-888-905-2872
Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce: http://www.hazletonchamber.org/ or call them at 570-455-1509
Pocono Mountains Vacation Bureau: http://www.800poconos.com/ or call them at 1-800-Poconos (800-762-6667) or 570-421-5791
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Q: How far are you from Major Cities such as New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia?
A: We are approximately 2-4 hours from each of these major cities.
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Q: Our group will be flying in from around the country. Do you offer shuttle service to the airport?
A: We do not offer shuttle services, but we can recommend a transportation company.
Limousines for Less
www.limousines4less.com or call them at 570-424-6913
They have worked with us and provided our clients with transportation services from major airports such as Avoca, Allentown, Philadelphia, Newark and NYC.
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Q: What do our guests say about us?
A: Our guests have enjoyed being surrounded by the natural beauty offered at The Country Place Retreat and Conference Center. Click here to see what some of our guests are saying about us.
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