I don't know about Portage (I've never even heard of it...how close is it?), but you'll find tons and tons of motel/hotel/resort/cabin options in the Dells. I would opt to stay in the Dells, and if price isn't an issue, stay in one of the big waterpark resorts.
Edited: 9:24 am, January 08, 2013Baraboo is a good secondary option to look into. I think you'll find plenty of lodging to meet your needs though in Wisconsin Dells and it's plenty ahead of time to find available lodging. My suggestion would be to opt for the Dells as kren suggested. Though if Wis. Dells is meant just as a "visit" over a "stay" then you could find lodging elsewhere depending on areas that work to base your reunion out of.
Portage has a Best Western with a very nice view of the Columbia County Correctional Institute with a decent restaurant across the parking lot. There are also a couple of chain hotels at the Petro exit. Otherwise there are several mom and pops. None compare to the Dells in "flash" and may not be all that much cheaper.
Ochsner Park in Baraboo or Devil's Lake State Park south of Baraboo are both nice spots for family reunions.
We drive through portage anytime we head south since it is on 39. Not really much of anything there. Nothing to draw you there.
I would second staying in the dells or checking baraboo.
Maybe a little more info will help. Like is there any other specific things you want to see or do. How about in the dells? How many people? Are you wanting Esperanto rooms or would a condo/cabin work?
Edited: 5:04 pm, January 08, 2013I hate spell check on my iPod. Sorry espanarto or whatever it put in should say separate.
I wondered what an Esperanto room was...
