Housing, Meals, Facilities, and Travel

Campus Facilities

Whitman College is located in Walla Walla, in the heart of Washington’s wine country, and offers excellent air conditioned facilities for all program activities. The Retreat will rehearse and perform in Cordiner Hall, the Hall of Music, Chism Recital Hall, and in various academic buildings on the compact campus. The campus is a beautifully landscaped, shaded, classic brick college with a stream running through it. Link to the campus map.

On-Campus Housing

On Campus housing in dormitories consists of single and double occupancy rooms in (typically) Prentiss, Douglas and College House dorms. Prentiss has air conditioning. Douglas Hall does not have air-conditioning, but is well shaded by large trees. College House utilizes evaporative cooling, but has no elevator. College House features en suite restrooms. There is a surcharge for all single occupancy rooms. Housing includes bedding, linens and towels.

On-Campus Housing will be assigned by the Registrar. Applicants must have completed their registration before housing will be assigned. If necessary, housing may be assigned by lottery.

Non-paying overnight guests can be accommodated in on-campus housing for an additional fee per night. If you expect a guest, please speak to the MMR Registrar about registering as a non-participant as required by our rental contract.

Personal Air Conditioners

Walla Walla can get very hot in the summer. Regardless of the dorm assignment, you will want to bring a fan to help keep you cool.

Participants may also choose to purchase and bring to camp an authorized evaporative cooler. Campers assume financial responsibility for the purchase of this device and any water damage the device may cause. The name and model number of evaporative coolers authorized for use by Whitman College are listed below.

  • NewAir – Frigidaire 2-in-1 Evaporative Air Cooler and Fan, 350 sq. ft. with 4 Fan Speeds and Large Detachable 5 Gallon Water Tank – White
    Model: EC300W-FA
    SKU: 6419943
  • HESSAIRE MC18M Portable Evaporative Cooler – Color May Vary, 1300 CFM, Cools 500 Square Feet, White
    See the Hessaire MC18 Portable Evaporative Cooler on Amazon.com.

On-Campus Meals

If you choose to purchase a meal plan, meals are provided by our caterer, Bon Appetit, and feature local produce and a wide variety of options. Meals are served cafeteria style in the Dining Hall, Cleveland Commons, and include vegetarian and other dietary needs options. There are different meal plan options: lunch only, lunch+dinner, and breakfast+lunch+dinner.

Off-Campus Housing

Many campers find off-campus housing in Walla Walla. Vacation housing is available through AirBnB, VRBO, and B&B’s.  

Some hotels offer discounted rates for MMR campers:

Super 8 Motel by Wyndham
2315 Eastgate Street North, Walla Walla, WA

  • MMR Rate – Single Queen $90/night.
  • MMR Rate – Double Queen $100/night.
  • Cancellation without penalty within 30 days prior to reservation. Any cancellations made after the 30 day deadline of June 28, 2024 will result in a penalty fee which is a charge of at least a one night stay. Any reservations made after the 30 day deadline will be booked at regular rack rate.
  • Free breakfast 6:00 am to 9:00 am.
  • Microwave, mini fridge, Wi-Fi.
  • Pool open 6:00 am to 10 pm.
  • 5 minute drive to Whitman campus.
  • Call (509) 525-8800 for reservation, ask for “Midsummer Musical Retreat” group rate.
  • Limited number of discounted rooms available. Book now before all the discounted rooms are reserved!

Best Western Plus Motel
7 E. Oak Street, Walla Walla, WA

Website

  • Single Queen $135/night.
  • Double Queen $145/night.
  • Free breakfast.
  • Microwave, mini fridge, and Wi-Fi.
  • 6 minute drive to Whitman campus.
  • Call (509) 525-4700 for reservation, ask for “Midsummer Musical Retreat” group rate.
  • Limited number of discounted rooms available. Book now before all the discounted rooms are reserved!
  • Cancellation policy – 24 hours of check-in.

The Finch
325 East Main Street, Walla Walla, WA

Website

  • King: a couple remain at the lowest discount (as of March 1, 2024)
    • Sunday – Thursday $119
    • Friday / Saturday $199
  • King: additional discount once the above fully booked:
    • Sunday – Thursday $149
    • Friday / Saturday $249
  • 2 blocks walking distance to Whitman College campus.
  • Free local coffee and danish in lobby.
  • Mini fridge and Wi-Fi.
  • Short walking distance to Whitman College campus.
  • Booking link: Midsummer Musical Retreat. (Booking code automatically applied: 2407MIDSUM)
  • Book yours before all the discounted rooms are reserved! 

Travel

Use your favorite map app and search on 345 Boyer Avenue, Walla Walla, WA 99362 for driving directions.

Our friends at Alaska and Horizon Airlines offer a discount code for some flights to both Walla Walla airport and Tri-cities airport in Pasco, WA.

The Discount Code for MMR 2024 is ECMK278.

To use your Discount Code go online to www.alaskaair.com and input the Discount Code when searching for flights. The discount will be applied to any eligible flights. By clicking the “?” next to the discount code box after entering the code you may view a detailed description of the rules. You may also use the Discount Code by calling Alaska Airlines Group Desk; however, a $15.00 per person service fee will apply. 

For travel policies and company baggage allowance information and fees, go to www.alaskaair.com prior to travel.

Midsummer Musical Retreat