Lifes a Bear Hideway/Cozy Lake Area Cottage in McHenry

• a very relaxing place to stay

  a very relaxing place to stay

  • Guest cheddrchz326
  • Date of stay 03/24/13
  • Review Submitted 04/09/13
  This cabin was perfect for our a romantic retreat for my boyfriend and I. It is close to local restaurants and within walking distance from a grocery store, yet still feels very secluded (probably because of the calming creek and woods that surround it). The hot tub was wonderful, but our favorite part by far was the hot chocolate machine (it was very snowy while we were there). We also really enjoyed all of the games and puzzles this house had to offer. Those, along with the old-school VHS tapes that were a wonderful blast from the past kept us entertained for our snowed in week! We would definitely recommend this house for a getaway, it has everything you could want to kick back and relax!

  Recommended for: Girls getaway, romantic getaway.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

• Perfect place for us!

  Perfect place for us!

  • Guest Carolyn
  • Date of stay 02/08/13
  • Review Submitted 02/15/13
  We spent the weekend in "Life's a Bear" and loved it! It was exactly what we wanted! My fiance and I stayed here with another couple and it was a blast! It was wonderful to have the hot tub and so much space to spread out in the living areas. I was surprised how big the place was once we walked inside and it could easily fit a large group without being crammed! Also, it was great being so close to Wisp and the restaurants! Next time we come, we hope to stay for longer than a weekend. The time just flew by! We definitely will stay here again and recommend it to anyone whether you are a couple or a big family! We cant wait to go back!

  Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

• Kathy D.-Great New Years Stay

  Kathy D.-Great New Years Stay

  • Guest Kathy
  • Date of stay 12/30/12
  • Review Submitted 01/01/13
  We enjoyed a very relaxing two days at "Life's a Bear". The house is much larger than it appeared in the pictures. Our rental was at the last minute, booked over Christmas and Karen the owner was very easy to work with. Our daughter and her friends enjoyed the hot tub, everything was ready to go for them. The fireplace lept the house very warm and there was plenty of room for everyone to spread out. We had a great New Yrs. eve meal at the Santa Fe Grill and a tasy breakfast at Little Sandy's Diner. We hope to return agin in the coming year.

  Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

• Wonderful Holiday Getaway

  Wonderful Holiday Getaway

  • Guest Debra C.
  • Date of stay 12/23/12
  • Review Submitted 12/29/12
  Thank you Karen for allowing us to rent your mountain getaway!! The house was clean and very well stocked. The view of the ski slopes was beautiful along with Wisp only being a couple minutes away by car and a great 20 mins. walk. We felt off the beating path but the location was very convenient with restaurants and grocery stores 5 mins. away. The gas fireplace was so warm and welcoming. The weather was accomodating until our last day when the "blizzard" hit as we were packing our car. Still a great vacation!!

  Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

• A special time away

  A special time away

  • Guest Mike D.
  • Date of stay 08/14/12
  • Review Submitted 08/30/12
  This was the perfect place for my wife and me. Everything was exactly as promised in the web description, and the home was clean, comfortable and ready for us when we arrived. There was plenty of space for our son and grandsons to visit for a few days; the kids enjoyed the games and other things available for use. After their departure,our daughter and her boyfriend spent several days with us, and we especially enjoyed meals on the spacious deck. The welcoming committee was comprised of a black bear less than 50 feet from the driveway when we pulled in. The location on a no-outlet street meant little traffic and lots of quiet. Yet we were very near so many opportunities to enjoy everything the lake and surrounding community had to offer. We returned relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated. We would definitely consider returning.

  Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

• A Family of 10 finally has a vacation!

  A Family of 10 finally has a vacation!

  • Guest KackyK
  • Date of stay 07/10/12
  • Review Submitted 07/16/12
  We were so tired of trying to the hotel thing with two rooms as we have 8 children. Finally we wised up and decided to seek out vacation homes. This was a our first adventure doing so and it was wonderful. The home is clean, comfortable, loaded with great touches and amenities (hair dryers, crock pot, blender, etc). Having a gang of kids, it was nice to have several televisions at the ready as well. It is very convenient, it seems out of the way, and in the woods, but it really is right off the main "drag" and so easy to get to anything! We made smores, had a little nature hike around the property with our little kiddos while the bigs went fishing at the lake. We had a wonderful time, thanks so much!

  Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, people with disabilities, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

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• convenient yet private

  convenient yet private

  • Guest Fun-Mom
  • Date of stay 01/20/12
  • Review Submitted 02/05/12
  Our family of four spent a ski weekend at 'Lifes a Bear' and had a great time. The amenities were perfect, location ideal, and overall experience was great. Owner was more than accommodating and responsive and offer tips on the area.

  Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

• October stay

  Guest comment entered by owner

  October stay

  • Guest Laura
  • Date of stay 10/11/11
  • Review Submitted 11/05/11
  Just wanted to let you know that we had a wonderful time. The house was great...we love the little propane stove :) Thanks so much for everything!

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

• Love this place

  Love this place

  • Guest Bob Z
  • Date of stay 01/08/11
  • Review Submitted 01/14/11
  Rented a couple time lasts year, this was my first visit this year but am in the process of selecting more dates in Feb. This place is outstanding for a ski vacation. Clean, plenty of room, fully equiped, wonderful view of the slopes, once again we had a blast. Ski conditions were great, ate in, at Ledo's and the Black Bear...life is good at Life's a Bear. Karen keeps the place in great shape and could not be more accommodating. Until I can afford my own place, I am going to keep coming back!

  Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

• weekend

  Guest comment entered by owner

  weekend

  • Guest Michelle H
  • Date of stay 10/08/10
  • Review Submitted 10/21/10
  I have to tell you we had a fantastic time this weekend and big part of it was how wonderful your place is!!! We were highly impressed and it felt so much like we were staying at an aunt's place and not a strangers. Very warm and inviting and just a total joy. Thank you so much for your hospitality!

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

Responsible signing party must be 24 years of age/No Exceptions
Spring 03/10/13 - 06/23/13 -$450/2nts, $750/week  partial/wk email for rates
Summer 06/24/13 - 09/02/13 - $475/2nts, $900/week partial wk. email for rates
Fall 09/03/13 - 012/1513 - $475/2nts, $800/week partial wk.email for rates
Additional 1/2 day rental available upon request and availability.
$150 Refundable Damage Deposit due at time of booking. PLUS 6% county hotel tax
2 night minimum stay required.   3 night minimum stay on all holidays
Check in 4pm/Check out 11am.   Long term rental rates available/contact owner

Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.