Vacation Rentals by Owner

Three nights - Three Generations - Perfect for us!

Guest: Dianne O. (null)
Date of Stay: 04/02/12 Review Submitted: 04/07/12

This home was perfect for our desire to stay in Galena for a 4-day, 3-night portion of our spring break. Very clean and "new" with just the right floor plan, with all the amenities. We were 8 people ranging in age from 13 (three teenagers) to 80. The set-up was perfect! While at the house, there were many trips to the hot tub, used the pool table, and watched a 2-nt movie. Some made it to the exercise room down the street - walking along the road was a daily ritual. Spent a total of two days exploring Galena and 2/3 of a day in Dubuque to see the well-kept historical sights, restaurants, and shops. GPS helped us navigate these country roads as we hadn't been in this area before. Helpful instructions left by home owner. A great destination! Highly recommended!

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Would stay here again

Guest: SkiMama (Aurora, IL)
Date of Stay: 02/12/12 Review Submitted: 02/15/12

Stayed here for a two night getaway with spouse and kids (11 and 6). Property is exactly as described and pictured; it is clean, neat, minimally decorated which is a plus. Abby is responsive and friendly so booking was easy to do. Comfortable furnishings (honestly, best couch I've ever experienced in a rental property), well-stocked kitchen (including dish soap, dishwasher detergent), very nice laundry facilities (including laundry detergent), plenty of bedding, and even a small plastic bin of toy trains if you travel with a little one. Only a couple of drawbacks that I noticed: master shower is pretty small. If you are a larger-than-average person, it will be a tight fit, perhaps to the point of being uncomfortable. Also, floor at top of stairs can be very slippery and it's an open staircase; I wouldn't have been comfortable with a toddler without a baby gate and I'm not 100% sure a portable would work on those stairs. Neighborhood is very peaceful, quiet, and private. I would absolutely recommend this property and I would choose to stay here again in coming to the Galena area. Nearby attractions that we enjoyed: skiing at Chestnut Mountain, the Mississippi River Museum in Dubuque, and the Galena / Jo Daviess County History Museum in downtown Galena. Ate at Vinny Vanucchi's and thought it was very good. If traveling off-season or on off-peak days, I recommend that you check the days that attractions are actually open (Grant's Home, Belvidere Mansion, Washburne House are only open part time).

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Beautiful!

Guest: courtylane (Bloomington)
Date of Stay: 02/03/12 Review Submitted: 02/20/12

Loved staying here! Beautiful view, beautiful drive, everything about the place was wonderful! Just a short drive from everything! Cant wait to go back.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway.

Not A Great Skier

Guest: Leah (Bloomington, Il )
Date of Stay: 02/02/12 Review Submitted: 02/20/12

We went to Galena with another couple for my fiance's birthday. We stayed three nights. Our first day, we went to Chestnut Ski Resort. Only one of the four of us had ever been skiing before, so needless to say, the hot tub at the house was God's greatest gift! It was so nice to be on vacation and still fee like you're at home. The house was fantastic. The beds were fantastic. And having a full kitchen at your disposal is priceless. The area is not only beautiful, but also extremely quiet and tranquil. The ski resort was very nice and the people were really friendly and patient, especailly with me. Main St. Galena is amazing. We spent an entire day there and had such a great time! Karaoke at Gobbies may have gotten the best of us, and Greg at the Gold Room is great! Galena itself offers so much for so many different people, but having the comforts of home instead of a cramped hotel room is what sets this vacation apart from the rest. I would recommend this to anyone and everyone. Such a great way to get away with friends, and not have to break the bank or travel too far from home.

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

Wonderful experience

Guest: Beth (Downers Grove, IL)
Date of Stay: 01/27/12 Review Submitted: 02/13/12

We had a wonderful experience at this house, with five friends staying for the weekend. We found the house to be perfect for a "Girls' Weekend Away". The house was perfectly clean and beautifully decorated. The scenery was beautiful, and we enjoyed watching the deer running through the woods. We spent quite a bit of time in Galena shopping and enjoying the restaurants, and the house was located only about 10 minutes or so to Downtown Galena. We enjoyed our weekend so much that we are planning to return again in the Spring!

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

Excellent weekend getaway

Guest: meghann (Iowa City, IA)
Date of Stay: 01/13/12 Review Submitted: 01/16/12

This house was awesome- we have absolutely no complaints! If you are looking for a fun couples getaway this house is perfect. Three bedrooms all with queen or King bed, downstairs lounge with pool table and hot tub outside and open floor plan upstairs are exactly what you would need. Downtown Galena is charming. Only problem is the cabs. There is only 1 company and they charge a ridiculous fee to go from the territory to downtown.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Getaway

Guest: Doug25 (Wedron, IL)
Date of Stay: 11/18/11 Review Submitted: 11/21/11

Very nice and cozy. Got a lot of use out of the pool table. We had 3 couples and it was really nice that none of us had to sleep in twin beds or share a bathroom. The only thing that we would like to have had was an iron, but, there was a steamer. Location of the house was great.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers

Enjoyed the entertainment right AT the house!

Guest: Kimia
Date of Stay: 02/18/11 Review Submitted: 01/07/12

I wanted to thank you for letting us stay in your house this past weekend...we had a good time and really enjoyed getting to know the Galena area. The town was way more than I expected, with so many cute stores and creative things for sale. We loved the landscape where the house was located with the hills and babbling brook. We greatly enjoyed all the entertainment right AT the house - the hot tub, the cable TV, and the pool table. Your directions/instructions were clear and easy to follow. We had a good time.

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perfect!

Guest: kmh (oak park)
Date of Stay: 01/28/11 Review Submitted: 01/30/11

the home is exactly as advertised -- immaculately clean, comfortable beds, well-stocked kitchen, comfortable temperature, great water pressure, etc. beautiful surroundings...the owner is completely professional and thorough, and immediately responsive -- we unfortunately found the hot tub wasn't heating/working when we arrived -- the owner responded by getting it serviced right away, and we were able to enjoy the tub after a day of skiing! i highly recommend this property, and would definitely return! thanks vito, for opening your beautiful home to us!

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

Wonderful house and experience.

Guest: Hatshepsut28 (Jarovsky)
Date of Stay: 12/27/10 Review Submitted: 12/31/10

My extended family spent a week in this wonderful home and enjoyed it tremendously. To begin with, we had great communication with the owner when setting up the rental. All our questions were promptly answered via email or phone. The house itself was exactly as described. The welcome basket of tea and coffee was very nice, and the check-in process was simple. The home is well appointed and the kitchen is well stocked with all the necessities for preparing meals. There were ample blankets and throws for cosy nights by the fire. We all enjoyed the pool table and really enjoyed the large TVs during football bowl week. We took advantage of the available pack-n-play crib and the as well as the games and movies. We enjoyed the more secluded setting and my daughter loved seeing the deer in the woods just a few yards from the house. Thank you for a wonderful rental experience, we would love to rent the house again.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway.

Warm and Cozy.....

Guest: Jackie G.
Date of Stay: 11/01/10 Review Submitted: 01/07/12

Hi, I just wanted to let you know what a great time that we had there. We just loved the House it was very warm and inviting. It was so easy to get to all the things we wanted to do and see. It seemed that we were the ones there. The other house around seemed to never had any lights. Upstairs was nice and warm and cozy. All the girls said that they would come back. Thanks for everything, the perfect get away.

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FAMILY GATHERING

Guest: B & A (Northern IL)
Date of Stay: 10/03/10 Review Submitted: 10/07/10

We would recommend this house. Good price for a clean well maintained property. The area was scenic, safe, and pleasant for walking. We enjoyed the hot tub. There was comfortable seating in the living area and the large dining table was great for the 7 adults to gather around for meals when dining in. The only minus was the lack of glass containers for microwave use and cookie sheet/baking pan for oven use. If we return to Galena, we would be happy to stay in this house again. Thank you Vito for accommodating our early arrival.

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, sightseeing.

Another Great Stay

Guest: Jay (Chicago, IL)
Date of Stay: 08/18/10 Review Submitted: 08/24/10

Just returned from our second stay at this house in two years. This place has it all- nice hot tub, pool table, great views and tasteful decor. From the hot tub, we watched wild turkeys walk across the lawn and a hot air balloon taking flight. In terms of location, it is about as close as you can get to the owners' club and swimming pool (walkable for the athletically inclined, but I'm too lazy to do that on vacation) in the Territory. My family has a fair number of outdoor allergies, so it is very important that we stay in a place that is clean and not full of mildew. On that front, we have never been disappointed, and it is for that reason that I don't plan to stay anywhere else the next time we are in Galena.

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

Terrific Deal

Guest: John (Central Illinois)
Date of Stay: 07/11/10 Review Submitted: 07/15/10

My wife and I stay at a lot of VRBO rentals on vacation and have stayed at others in Galena. This was a great value. Great views and lots of privacy for our family. The place was clean and just the right size for us. We loved the nice hot tub and pool table. We fully recommend this property and Vito was very nice and accomodating. It is difficult to find a nice home in this price range so look no further!

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

Super Time w/ Family - Inhanced By Staying Here

Guest: 'Nana' (Elkhart Lake, WI)
Date of Stay: 07/02/10 Review Submitted: 07/09/10

If you're looking for a rental home in the Galena Territory, you must consider this wonderful home. The owner was so great to rent from, also. He allowed us to take posession early and even stay a bit later. Any questions we had were answered very promptly. We lived in Galena for 9 years (20 years ago). It was so special to be back with our children/grandchildren. The home has an open concept and was so warm and inviting. Beautiful! The location is great for going to the owner's club for swimming/game room. The privacy was great, as the home sits on a very large lot. Full size washer/dryer (with detergent!) was helpful for our active family. Bedrooms are more than adequate and beds were very comfortable. Loved the hot tub!!! Table was large enough for us to enjoy all our meals together, then we moved out to the wonderful deck. Only problem we had was not having enough days to stay longer. Thanks Vito for such a wonderful home for our family to build 4th of July memories around.

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

Guest: Justina1 (Illinois)
Date of Stay: 02/08/10 Review Submitted: 02/08/10

It is a wonderfull place to stay, Vito is a nice person very helpfull. House has everything you ever need.

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Guest: Linda and Joe (-)
Date of Stay: 01/21/10 Review Submitted: 01/21/10

Great place to stay in Galena. Beautiful, comfy, home!! Much nicer than any hotel. Family had a good time!! Can't wait to return to same house! Highly recommend!!!

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Guest: Wanda Van Mill (New Hartford, Iowa)
Date of Stay: 01/19/10 Review Submitted: 01/19/10

What a beautiful home!! We had our family Christmas here and will be back again next year! Very relaxing and peaceful, very close to Galena and Chestnut Mountain.

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Home away from home

Guest: SirDusty (Flanagan, Illinois )
Date of Stay: 12/27/09 Review Submitted: 01/19/10

My husband is a pastor and needed a relaxing vacation after the busyness of Christmas - which we found at your beautiful home. The accommodations were perfect for our three generation family - from the well appointed kitchen to the huge hot tub on the porch. Thanks for sharing your lovely home.

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

In Town for a Wedding

Guest: Sean
Date of Stay: 12/05/09 Review Submitted: 01/20/10

Hey, Got your message and wanted to let you know that we had a really great time. The house was incredibly close to where my cousin got married and it took us only 4 minutes to get there. The area there is very beautiful. The travel crib helped alot too. We even saw 2 seperate herds of deer just down the road at dusk. I told my wife if we're ever in the area again I would definately stay there. With the holidays and work I just haven't had a chance to call. In fact I'm still at work now. Anyway thanks again, and thanks for letting us check in early. That helped alot to make sure we got to the wedding on time Sean

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Guest: Sean
Date of Stay: 12/05/09 Review Submitted: 12/04/09

Hey, Got your message and wanted to let you know that we had a really great time. The house was incredibly close to where my cousin got married and it took us only 4 minutes to get there. The area there is very beautiful. The travel crib helped alot too. We even saw 2 seperate herds of deer just down the road at dusk. I told my wife if we're ever in the area again I would definately stay there. With the holidays and work I just haven't had a chance to call. In fact I'm still at work now. Anyway thanks again, and thanks for letting us check in early. That helped alot to make sure we got to the wedding on time Sean

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Guest: Brad and Sara (Illinois)
Date of Stay: 10/28/09 Review Submitted: 10/28/09

Lovely home! New, clean, and full of higher end amenities. We really enjoyed our stay and will definitely remember this home as an option for our next trip to Galena!

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Guest: Jessy
Date of Stay: 10/05/09 Review Submitted: 10/04/09

Great Vacation Home We really enjoyed our stay in this home. It was very clean and private. It felt more like a home then a rental. It is only 10-15 min from downtown. I highly recommond this house. Recommended for: Age 55+, Adventure Seekers, Girls Getaway, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway

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Great Vacation Home

Guest: Jessy - (Huntley, IL)
Date of Stay: 10/02/09 Review Submitted: 10/05/09

We really enjoyed our stay in this home. It was very clean and private. It felt more like a home then a rental. It is only 10-15 min from downtown. I highly recommond this house.

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

Guest: marjanlo
Date of Stay: 08/28/09 Review Submitted: 08/27/09

Wonderful family vacation home! Our extended family spent a lovely long weekend in this beautiful home. The home was very comfortable and conducive to our family reunion. The home is perfect for a family get-together--our entire family from children through grandparents found the house and location ideal. The home is in the Galena Territory community, and is located very close (a walkable distance) to the club house that has a lovely pool complete with lifeguards, slides, and plenty of lounge chairs, snack bar, and well-equiped game room. The home itself is large and well appointed. There is plenty of room for everyone to be together, as well as find a space to get away. The home backs up to a greenbelt, which is a lovely setting for the deck and hot tub. The owners were very helpful and easy to deal with regarding our reservation and stay. I would highly recommend this property for a great family vacation!

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Wonderful family vacation home!

Guest: marjanlo (Bothell, WA)
Date of Stay: 08/13/09 Review Submitted: 08/27/09

Our extended family spent a lovely long weekend in this beautiful home. The home was very comfortable and conducive to our family reunion. The home is perfect for a family get-together--our entire family from children through grandparents found the house and location ideal. The home is in the Galena Territory community, and is located very close (a walkable distance) to the club house that has a lovely pool complete with lifeguards, slides, and plenty of lounge chairs, snack bar, and well-equiped game room. The home itself is large and well appointed. There is plenty of room for everyone to be together, as well as find a space to get away. The home backs up to a greenbelt, which is a lovely setting for the deck and hot tub. The owners were very helpful and easy to deal with regarding our reservation and stay. I would highly recommend this property for a great family vacation!

Recommended for:People with disabilities, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: 2009 Summer Rental
Date of Stay: 08/04/09 Review Submitted: 08/03/09

Villa Verde Rental Great vacation home. Beautiful view, great accomodations. Everything was in working order, lots of amenities. Galena is a lovely vacation spot with quite a bit to do and definitely relaxing!

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Guest: Staycation Getaway
Date of Stay: 08/03/09 Review Submitted: 08/02/09

Wonderful Weekend getaway We found the home just as it was pictured and described. The owner was wonderful to work with. The furnishings and beds were comfortable and the kitchen was adequately equipped so that we were able to cook meals at "home". We found the house to be extremely clean and very well furnished and maintained. While in the country, it is located close to a general store and not too far from downtown Galena. We felt that we were really staying in someone's home, as opposed to a rental property that was often uncared for. We would definitely recommend this home to friends and family. Lovely for a family getaway. We didn't want to leave!

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Wonderful Weekend getaway

Guest: Christine S. (Dubuque, IA)
Date of Stay: 07/31/09 Review Submitted: 08/03/09

We found the home just as it was pictured and described. The owner was wonderful to work with. The furnishings and beds were comfortable and the kitchen was adequately equipped so that we were able to cook meals at "home". We found the house to be extremely clean and very well furnished and maintained. While in the country, it is located close to a general store and not too far from downtown Galena. We felt that we were really staying in someone's home, as opposed to a rental property that was often uncared for. We would definitely recommend this home to friends and family. Lovely for a family getaway. We didn't want to leave!

Recommended for:Families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Galena Travelers
Date of Stay: 07/30/09 Review Submitted: 07/29/09

Great Rental Very clean, comfortable home in the heart of the Galena Territory. Close to owners club/pool, Eagle Ridge Resort, 4 beautiful golf courses and the General Store. Scenic vistas during the day and starry skies at night from hot tub and upper deck. Big family room on lower level is great for kids -- w/ flat screen and pool table. We had a great weekend at this property. Owner was prompt with answers to our questions and very courteous! We would definitely recommend to others.

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Villa Verde Rental

Guest: 2009 Summer Rental (Palatine, IL )
Date of Stay: 07/26/09 Review Submitted: 08/04/09

Great vacation home. Beautiful view, great accomodations. Everything was in working order, lots of amenities. Galena is a lovely vacation spot with quite a bit to do and definitely relaxing!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Great Rental

Guest: Galena Travelers (Illinois)
Date of Stay: 07/23/09 Review Submitted: 07/30/09

Very clean, comfortable home in the heart of the Galena Territory. Close to owners club/pool, Eagle Ridge Resort, 4 beautiful golf courses and the General Store. Scenic vistas during the day and starry skies at night from hot tub and upper deck. Big family room on lower level is great for kids -- w/ flat screen and pool table. We had a great weekend at this property. Owner was prompt with answers to our questions and very courteous! We would definitely recommend to others.

Recommended for:Families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.