Reviews for Galena Vacation Rental - VRBO 384672 - 2 BR IL Townhome, Enjoy a Cozy, Secluded and Affordable Friendly Retreat!

Relaxing family vacation

Guest kvet0232
Date of stay 03/23/13
Review Submitted 03/31/13

We travel to Dubuque frequently to visit family. This time we decided to stay in Galena for a family vacation while celebrating Spring. The townhome was just what we were looking for. Quiet and relaxing but offered a spot for our young children to have some fun. The pool was perfect for playtime and the gameroom with gymnasium proved helpful since the weather was not exactly spring-like. The townhome was comfortable and clean. The kitchen was well stocked with necessities, a quick trip to Piggly Wiggly and we were set for the week. The highlight of the stay was our opportunity to take daily nature walks. We also enjoyed seeing the variety of birds off the deck.

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

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

TruthRemains

Guest TruthRemains
Date of stay 03/15/13
Review Submitted 03/19/13

My friends and I had a wonderful time on our trip to Galena. It was a great place to get away, but not be too far. Even though we were still in Illinois, it felt like we were in a completely different place because we were secluded and away from the noise and business of life. I definitely plan on going back.

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

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

Great weekend with friends

Guest Docbirk
Date of stay 02/15/13
Review Submitted 02/22/13

The condo was in ready form when we got there with clean, fresh linens of plenty, beds made and ready, new packages of make up removing wipes in each bathroom, and extra blankets. The owner's had supplied, by email, a very informative welcome package, which was VERY appreciated! It had all of the needed information to get us to and inside the condo as well as enough information for our friends and us to begin forming a plan for activities throughout the weekend. We had a fantastic time (4 adults), but would caution adding any more adults in this size condo- the owner's are very kid-friendly, however.

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

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

Grateful Galena Getaway

Guest eddie bruce
Date of stay 01/25/13
Review Submitted 01/31/13

Excellent two bedroom layout for two adults with kids -- very private. Adults upstairs and kids downstairs. Accomodations were excellent and very clean and well appointed. A short drive to Chestnut Mountain. Access to Owners Club was extremely nice with the indoor pool and game room and gym. Friendly staff at the General Store that had everything we needed and more. felt right at home very Quickly

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

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

Sisters Weekend

Guest BTR
Date of stay 01/12/13
Review Submitted 01/16/13

A small cute and quiet townhouse. The owner was extremely helpful and an excellent communicator. There were 4 of us and we appreciated the bedrooms and gathering place and close proximity to Galena. The kitchen was generously stocked. It seemed to have some temperature regulation and heat distribution problems in the condo. Otherwise it was just what we wanted. Heartfelt thanks to the owners.

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

Awesome place!

Guest Danos
Date of stay 12/29/12
Review Submitted 01/02/13

A small group of college friends decided to explore Galena for the last weekend of the year and we had an absolute BLAST! The rental was so welcoming and ready for our arrival. The location is great as well- literally minutes from Eagle Ridge and about 20minutes from Chestnut Mountain. We were well equipped with information regarding activities and restaurants nearby. Jim was very accomodating and even came back to our rental in order to assist us with entrance to Eagle Ridge when he had left town. I definitely recommend renting from Jim & Jenny and would definitely love to come back!

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

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

Cozy and comfortable retreat

Guest Liz
Date of stay 11/21/12
Review Submitted 11/24/12

We just returned from a lovely three night stay. The unit was very comfortable and the hosts provided so many extras that just added to the comfort and ease of our stay. We came with three kids and three adults, our family of 5 plus grandma. Our vacation could not have been better. The house is well appointed and the hosts provide many extras like coffee and condiments. The facilities were first rate - our kids had a ball swimming and playing in the game room of the owners club. We are looking forward to returning in the future for a ski weekend.

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

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

Wonderful Stay in the Woods

Guest Joyce D.
Date of stay 11/13/12
Review Submitted 11/19/12

Our group of five thoroughly enjoyed our townhouse stay. Your attention to every detail was much appreciated. We arrived from three states for a delightful, very comfortable and affordable few days near Galena. The walking trails, abundant birds and four legged creatures provided us with much to enjoy in addition to the charming Galena Historic District. Thanks a bunch, I hope we can visit again.

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

Great Galena Getaway (5 sisters on the loose)

Guest Peggy B.
Date of stay 11/09/12
Review Submitted 11/15/12

Our week-end getaway started a little shaky when we entered our rental unit to find it had not been cleaned after the previous guests had left. After a quick call to the owners, Jim and Jenny, we found out the cleaning lady had been in a serious car accident. The offer from Jim to drive 3 hours to clean the unit was quickly vetoed. It was like "old times" when the 5 of us sisters pitched in, changing beds, doing laundry, cleaning bathrooms etc. (Included in this was much catching up and laughter) and we knew that the cleaning lady's unfortunate accident would NOT put a damper on our week-end. We had looked at several sites and read a lot of reviews before finding this little gem and even with a little "stutter step" at the start we still give this rental a 5 star rating and look forward to coming back!! Galena is a perfect place for us to meet and this cozy little well cared for home was exactly what we wanted. We would definitely recommend this property to others, thanks again Jim and Jenny. Also our prayers go out for a full and quick recovery to the cleaning lady, who we never had the fortune to meet.

Owner response: Christine, our housekeeper, got into a serious vehicle accident the night before these guests arrived and was in surgery/unconscious, so unable to contact us about not being able to do the housekeeping for this visit. Christine faces a long recovery and rehab from serious injuries. Meantime, we have already recruited another equally capable housekeeper and have our fingers crossed that no misfortune like this occurs again in our lifetime. We thank you for being so understanding about this tragic situation.

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

Fantastic Girls' Getaway!

Guest Sue
Date of stay 10/19/12
Review Submitted 10/24/12

My girlfriends and I chose this cozy-looking retreat based on reviews and the website. We couldn't have been more pleased, from the warm fireplace that we used when the temps fell at night, to the Starbucks stocked in the freezer in the morning. We were as much at home as when we gather in each other's homes for knitting and laughing and relaxing. And we had the unexpected treat of watching the colorful blue and red birds from windows all around. We felt were in our own little birdhouse, nestled in the trees. The owners' attention to detail in their visitor guide, the stocked kitchen and the tasteful and comfortable furnishings make this a definite repeat!

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

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

Sisters' Weekend

Guest Diane
Date of stay 09/21/12
Review Submitted 09/25/12

We had a wonderful time! The condo was very nice, and included a lot of little extras (condiments, coffee, tea, paper towels, filled ice cube trays -- too many to mention). The beds were very comfortable. We actually didn't check out the pool or exercise room. We mostly went to Galena and then stayed in the condo. I loved that it had a grill and a deck, but it was chilly, and we didn't end up using it. We loved the experience, and would do it again.

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

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

Fabulous Galena Getaway

Guest Karen G.
Date of stay 09/06/12
Review Submitted 09/10/12

Four friends and I wanted to get away to Galena for "Girls Night Out" and checked around at various lodging, but sweet romantic B&B's or terribly expensive condos were not working out for our needs. Then one of the girls found Jen & Jim's darling townhouse with the space, sleeping quarters, and fellowship space we needed, at a price we could afford. We had a great time, there is tons to do, wonderful shopping & dining or just great places to take a walk! The townhouse was clean and quiet and easy to find, just minutes from downtown Galena! Highly recommend!

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

Great place to stay!

Guest 4Verbs
Date of stay 08/20/12
Review Submitted 08/31/12

Our family of 4 spent 5 days in the beautiful Galena area. The townhouse was a wonderful place to stay. It was clean, well kept and stocked with the many special touches - coffee, tea, condiments, soaps and the list goes on. There were many family oriented activities within the Galena Territory- indoor/ outdoor pool, gym, exercise area, tennis courts, golf, and walking/ biking trails. We spent time in Galena and Dubuque and especially enjoyed the Mississippi River Museum in Dubuque and the downtown area of Galena. There are many great places to eat- most of them recommended by the townhouse owners. Highly recommend this townhome to others staying in the Galena Territory!

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

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

A home away from home!

Guest MT
Date of stay 08/16/12
Review Submitted 08/20/12

Loved this place! It was everything we expected and more. Anyone who has green tea, good coffee, and a French press coffee pot for guests is much appreciated in my family! The directions, instructions and information were excellent as well. We tried several of the owners' suggestions regarding hikes, shopping, and restaurants and we were not disappointed! As much as we enjoyed and appreciated the comforts of your home, it was our grand daughter, who could not believe her luck--she is 22 months old and obsessed with Elmo, the character from Sesame Street. Not only did the toys include an Elmo phone and cloth book, but also Elmo DVDs. She could not believe her luck! I also appreciated quality products both in the kitchen and in the bathroom. We had a lovely time hiking, walking, and just enjoying the beautiful setting. Having breakfast on the back porch and grilling in the evening made for a very relaxing long weekend. Thank you for a much needed mini vacation. We are already planning to go back in the near future.

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

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

Thank you

Guest Sharon N.
Date of stay 08/02/12
Review Submitted 08/05/12

We had a lovely time in your home. Everything was in excellent condition, the house was nicely furnished and comfortable and the layout was perfect for a family of four. The new swimming pool is very nice - we spent a hot afternoon there, after spending some time at Chestnut Mountain on the Alpine Slide. This was by far one of the nicest rentals we have had the pleasure to vacation in.

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

Girls Getaway in the woods

Guest Jo
Date of stay 07/23/12
Review Submitted 07/27/12

Couldn't of been more pleased with this condo! It was everything and then some from the listing description. Was the most equipped kitchen we've rented. It was so private and quiet. But lots to do only a few minutes away. We ran out of time before we ran out of things to do! Would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a quiet retreat with plenty to do. The homeowners really took pride in this home and it felt like you were staying at a friends' retreat rather than a rental condo! We want to go back soon!!!

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

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

Girls Getaway in the woods

Guest Jo
Date of stay 07/23/12
Review Submitted 07/27/12

Couldn't of been more pleased with this condo! It was everything and then some from the listing description. Was the most equipped kitchen we've rented. It was so private and quiet. But lots to do only a few minutes away. We ran out of time before we ran out of things to do! Would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a quiet retreat with plenty to do. The homeowners really took pride in this home and it felt like you were staying at a friends' retreat rather than a rental condo! We want to go back soon!!!

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

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

Lesley

Guest Lesley
Date of stay 07/20/12
Review Submitted 07/24/12

Excellent townhome! We had a wonderful stay and enjoyed every minute we were there! We would definitely stay here again!

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

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

A short retreat

Guest Msgr
Date of stay 07/15/12
Review Submitted 07/20/12

The townhouse was very comfortable and relaxing. A very clean and well cared for home. The location is really in the middle of everything, yet there was a real feel of seclusion. I especially found the binder helpful. A very nice touch. I look forward to my next trek.

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

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

Everything I wanted in a family vacation

Guest A Family of 5
Date of stay 07/10/12
Review Submitted 07/17/12

I am picky about my accommodations and this was the first time I was 100% satisfied. We initially were looking for a hotel with a suite so that the grown ups could stay up after our children went to bed. When we came upon this property, we were thrilled. It seemed too good to be true- but it really was that good! This was an excellent value. All of the pictures were accurate. Upon arrival, everything was exactly where the owners said it would be. It was clean, well kept, the linens were abundant and good quality. The kitchen had all of the basics for cooking and then some. Every time I thought to myself, "I wish I had ____", all I had to do was look around and I found it. We never used the fireplace or grill, but so nice to have both available. As a family with 3 children, ages 5 and under, I appreciated that the owners had done a bit of child proofing in advance, had a variety of toys, games, puzzles, and books available all in good condition. I have to point out that the vertical supports of the railing that goes around the balcony and stairs are wide enough that all 3 children could fit between them and initially we were concerned that our 1 year old would take a spill through them, but it turned out to be a non-issue and did not detract from our enjoyment of this property at all (and they had a baby gate available to use to set up at the bottom of the stairs if needed- but we didn't even end up using that). The owners made themselves accessible via email and phone, but they gave such clear information that we never had to contact them. We had easy access to the walking trails, the lake was only a few minutes away, golf everywhere. The Galena Territories are just as beautiful as we remembered and Galena has such good shopping and food. And just when we thought it couldn't get better, we made our way to the Territory Club. When we rented this property, we didn't fully realize what having that access meant. The Territory Club is far superior to what is offered at Eagle Ridge. You can sit poolside and have a breathtaking view across the territories, tennis, indoor or outdoor basketball, game room, fitness center, indoor pool (for grown ups only). It was more "Resort"-like than "hotel"-like which we loved. We actually ran out of time to do everything we wanted to do! We have already recommended this property to others and are trying to figure out when we can go again! Thank you for making our family vacation everything we'd hoped for!

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

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

Had a great time!

Guest Dr.B
Date of stay 07/05/12
Review Submitted 07/12/12

Its a very nice apartment, well kept, clean and very comfortable. We were 4 adults and a baby and it was enough space for all of us, and the upstairs/downstairs gave us privacy when we needed it. The owners set a crib up in our bedroom. The kitchen was well stocked. We had access to all the facilities on the resort. The location is really great - hilly and wooded, and about 10 min from Galena. We would love to go back!

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

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

Perfect!

Guest Amy
Date of stay 06/22/12
Review Submitted 06/27/12

I rented this cute townhouse for a relaxing girls weekend! It was everything we had hoped for. Very roomy and close to all the local attractions! We also had access to the huge pool and gym! It was very clean and the owners were wonderful with the questions I had! I highly recommend this to everyone!

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

Wonderful stay

Guest Jeff and Chelby
Date of stay 06/15/12
Review Submitted 06/21/12

This condo was one of the most well equiped condos we have stayed at. They had beach towels for 6(so we didn't have to pack a bunch of towels), toys and games that were appropriate for our age of kids and younger( our kids are 3years-7years old), a very well equiped kitchen(since we cooked 3 of our 4 nights), and a detailed guest/visitor information binder that the owners put together, full of recommendations of restraurants, things to do, directions.....VERY DETAILED and MOST HELPFUL! The area is beautiful, the new pools at the recreation center are very nice and the condo itself is well decorated and very nice. Thankful, Jim and Jenny for the wonderful stay!

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

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

Great Family Getaway

Guest Dave O.
Date of stay 06/04/12
Review Submitted 06/14/12

Great experience for our family. The rental is comfortable and welcoming with plenty of amenities. We have two young children and the Galena Territory provided many activities that were geared for them. Galena, IL is just a quick drive away but we could always come back to relax. The best rental we have used as a family and excited about coming back!

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

Fantastic experience

Guest Mario S.
Date of stay 06/01/12
Review Submitted 06/11/12

Our family- my wife, I our 2 little children spent wonderful time in Jim and his wife place. We have decided to go to Galena because it's not to far from our house in Arlington Hts and traveling with small kid can be sometimes difficult. We have been in many different places and this place is unbelievable well organized. You will find everything where it should be, it's like you walk into this house and you know intuitive where is everything placed. Clean beds, clean carpets - no stains, very clean bathrooms. If you are clean freak - this place is for you. We'll definitely recommend this place to our friends. Thank you Jim and Jenny.

Owner response: Thank you. The cleanliness is owed to Jenny, who sets the standards, and Christine Anderson, the best housekeeper in our area.

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

Best Find in Galena, IL

Guest Chris
Date of stay 03/30/12
Review Submitted 04/23/12

The owners, Jim and Jenny, truly could not be more gracious, accommodating and helpful, especially their "insiders guide" with lots of recommendations for things to see, do and even avoid. Look no further because their home in Galena is everything they claim it to be and so much more. Plenty of serene nature surrounds this end-unit with lots of room to spread out. Everything is very well-maintained, quite comfortable and functional, and amenities are not at all lacking. It's very easy to quickly feel like one is right at home. This is a fantastic place for a guys golf get-away, a couples weekend, a romantic retreat, or even a family vacation. Everyone in my party agreed we would be glad to rent this home again in a heartbeat, and we likely will do so for our annual get-together.

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

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

4 sisters getaway

Guest Ruth
Date of stay 03/24/12
Review Submitted 03/29/12

Three of my sisters and I had a wonderful weekend at this property. Plenty of space to relax, and trails outside to explore. It was great to spend a few hours in Galena and have this to come home to. Everything was very well maintained and comfortable. All off us want to come back again!

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

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

A wonderful getaway!

Guest Quad City Family
Date of stay 03/12/12
Review Submitted 03/16/12

Beautiful location! Nice setting in the woods with a paved path for walks. Kid friendly. All the space that we needed, clean and maintained well. A wonderful getaway that our family would love to repeat!

Recommended for: Families with young children

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

Great in all Seasons!

Guest Jeff
Date of stay 01/21/12
Review Submitted 01/25/12

We have enjoyed this unit in Eagle Ridge during both summer and fall. Our recent visit in January was spent reading and relaxing before a roaring wood fire, and skiing locally. All rooms are wll appointed and comfortable, and the kitchen is absolutely fully equipped. In addition their are good places to dine out in Eagle Ridge and in Galena. We will be back!

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

Beautiful, cozy and clean!!

Guest Saveta P.
Date of stay 11/24/11
Review Submitted 12/05/11

Great resort, beautiful and clean house. I definitely recommend this place!!!

Owner response: Thank you for your kind words, Saveta. We're happy you enjoyed your stay. Please consider us for future getaways. Jim Olsztynski

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

Wonderful weekend getaway!

Guest Katy
Date of stay 10/07/11
Review Submitted 11/01/11

My husband and I stayed here with another couple and our children, and thoroughly enjoyed all it had to offer! We were blessed with gorgeous weather and spent a great deal of time out on the deck and taking hikes through the woods. The beds are OUTSTANDING! I cannot remember the last time I slept that well! The kids loved sleeping on the convertible sofa bed and waking up to play games without the parents. I particularly enjoyed the little touches, like the lovely paintings over the beds. The owners clearly have some decorating experience! It was so helpful to have the kitchen amenities at hand and not have to spend money purchasing things we would only use a little of. Very reasonable rates for such a charming place to spend time relaxing and having fun! We will definitely be back!

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/3

Vacation Rentals by Owner

Enjoy a Cozy, Secluded and Affordable Friendly Retreat! [#384672] | View Property

Traveler Reviews (31)

Relaxing family vacation

Relaxing family vacation

TruthRemains

TruthRemains

Great weekend with friends

Great weekend with friends

Grateful Galena Getaway

Grateful Galena Getaway

Sisters Weekend

Sisters Weekend

Awesome place!

Awesome place!

Cozy and comfortable retreat

Cozy and comfortable retreat

Wonderful Stay in the Woods

Wonderful Stay in the Woods

Great Galena Getaway (5 sisters on the loose)

Great Galena Getaway (5 sisters on the loose)

Fantastic Girls' Getaway!

Fantastic Girls' Getaway!

Sisters' Weekend

Sisters' Weekend

Fabulous Galena Getaway

Fabulous Galena Getaway

Great place to stay!

Great place to stay!

A home away from home!

A home away from home!

Thank you

Thank you

Girls Getaway in the woods

Girls Getaway in the woods

Girls Getaway in the woods

Girls Getaway in the woods

Lesley

Lesley

A short retreat

A short retreat

Everything I wanted in a family vacation

Everything I wanted in a family vacation

Had a great time!

Had a great time!

Perfect!

Perfect!

Wonderful stay

Wonderful stay

Great Family Getaway

Great Family Getaway

Fantastic experience

Fantastic experience

Best Find in Galena, IL

Best Find in Galena, IL

4 sisters getaway

4 sisters getaway

A wonderful getaway!

A wonderful getaway!

Great in all Seasons!

Great in all Seasons!

Beautiful, cozy and clean!!

Beautiful, cozy and clean!!

Wonderful weekend getaway!

Wonderful weekend getaway!