Top-rated for its fully equipped kitchen, perfect for every meal.
2 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 6
Popular amenities
Swimming pool
Onsite parking available
Kitchen
Washer
Air conditioning
Barbecue grill
Explore the area
Ottawa, IL
Tangled Roots Brewing Company - The Lone Buffalo
Place, Tangled Roots Brewing Company - The Lone Buffalo
8 min drive
Washington Square Park
Place, Washington Square Park
8 min drive
Reddick Mansion
Place, Reddick Mansion
8 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)
2nd Bedroom
1 Queen Bed
Master Bedroom
1 Queen Bed
2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom
2nd Bathroom
Half Bath
Primary Bathroom
Spaces
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
About this property
River Retreat - Waterfront Cottage in Starved Rock Country
Welcome to River RetreatCottages at Heron’s Landing • Heritage Harbor Marina Resort • Managed by Harbor Inn Vacation RentalsSet along the banks of the Illinois River, River Retreat offers comfort, charm, and breathtaking views in a cozy two-level home. With its inviting spaces and riverside setting, this cottage is the perfect place to relax, reconnect, and enjoy the best of Heritage Harbor.Home Features:From morning coffee on the screened-in porch to evenings by the fire, River Retreat combines indoor comfort with outdoor charm. Every detail is designed to make your stay effortless and memorable.Main Level:Step inside through the screened-in porch, the ideal spot to start or end your day with river views. The welcoming living room features a pull-out couch and electric fireplace, perfect for relaxing after a day of adventure. A fully equipped kitchen makes mealtimes simple and opens onto a side patio with gas grill, dining table, and extra seating for outdoor meals. A half bathroom and convenient laundry area complete the main floor.Bedrooms:✔ Primary Bedroom: Queen bed, ensuite bathroom, and private balcony with river views✔ Second Bedroom: Queen bed with ensuite bathroomOutdoor Living:Soak in stunning views from the private balcony, gather for meals on the side patio, or enjoy peaceful moments on the screened-in porch. With direct access to the riverfront and just steps from marina activities, River Retreat offers both serenity and adventure.Parking:One designated parking spot are included with your stay.Perks & Amenities:✔ 2 bedrooms | 2.5 bathrooms✔ Pull-out couch in living room✔ Screened-in porch + private balcony✔ Fully equipped kitchen✔ Washer + dryer✔ Gas grill + outdoor dining space✔ Stunning river viewsInteraction with Guests:We’re so glad you’re here! Our local Harbor Inn team is available daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. to answer questions, provide recommendations, or assist with anything you may need. We live right here in the community and love sharing our favorite spots—from craft breweries and wineries to hiking trails and downtown dining.House Rules:• Quiet Hours: 10 p.m. – 7 a.m.• No parties, events, or tents• No smoking anywhere on the property ($500 fine)• No pets allowed to maintain cleanliness for all guests ($300 fine for non-compliance)Explore & Unwind:Heritage Harbor and Starved Rock Country offer endless opportunities for fun and adventure. Enjoy boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing along the riverbanks, or head out for hiking, biking, zip lining, sky diving, and more. For a slower pace, explore local wineries, breweries, shops, and art studios—or simply relax and take in the beauty of the riverfront.River Retreat is professionally managed by Harbor Inn Vacation Rentals, your locally owned and operated hospitality team based right here at Heritage Harbor.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
Add dates for prices
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
$250 refundable deposit hold or $20/night damage waiver required before check-in. Additional charges may apply for damages or rule violations.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 2484496
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the neighborhood
Ottawa
Ottawa is home to this vacation home. Starved Rock State Park and Buffalo Rock State Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Mix's Trading Post and Grand Bear Falls Indoor Water Park. Swimming offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking nearby.
Tangled Roots Brewing Company - The Lone Buffalo - 8 min drive - 7.8 km
Washington Square Park - 8 min drive - 7.8 km
Reddick Mansion - 8 min drive - 8.1 km
The Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial - 9 min drive - 9.6 km
Dayton Ridge Golf Club - 10 min drive - 10.5 km
Getting around
Chicago O'Hare Intl. Airport (ORD) - 95 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 8 min drive
Subway - 8 min drive
Valentinos - 7 min drive
Burger King - 8 min drive
The New Brite Spot Family Restaurant - 6 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does River Retreat - Waterfront Cottage in Starved Rock Country have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool.
How much does it cost to stay at River Retreat: waterfront cottage views?
As of Jul 4, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at River Retreat: waterfront cottage views on Nov 2, 2026 start from $360, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is River Retreat - Waterfront Cottage in Starved Rock Country pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking?
Onsite parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at River Retreat - Waterfront Cottage in Starved Rock Country?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at River Retreat - Waterfront Cottage in Starved Rock Country?
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Where is River Retreat - Waterfront Cottage in Starved Rock Country located?
Situated in Ottawa, this vacation home is 2.9 mi (4.7 km) from OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center and within 6 mi (10 km) of Washington Square Park and Appellate Court. Reddick Mansion and Tangled Roots Brewing Company - The Lone Buffalo are also within 6 mi (10 km).
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Fully stocked kitchen, comfortable furnishings and TVs in both bedrooms. View of the river was absolutely beautiful. Highly recommend!
Ellen G.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Nov 4, 2024
Thank you for the wonderful review! It sounds like you had the perfect home away from home with the fully stocked kitchen and comfy furnishings! And that river view? Just the cherry on top! We appreciate the recommendation and can’t wait to welcome you back for more beautiful moments!
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Rhoda Zarn
Dec 15, 2022
C
Clean,Christmas decorations cute,
Sorry we didn't come when it wasn't warmer
Did need blanket for hide a bed and extra pillow tub upstairs didn't drain email and got response right away we were on way out hope they fixed it Ok
This was perfect for a girls getaway. Relaxing and serene vibes while having a fun and delicious restaurant onsite. Close to grocery stores and cute coffee shops. While I know not at all properties here have this, this one did have fishing poles available. Loved that! Thanks for letting us stay!
Ashley K.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Wendy Oolman
Sep 18, 2022
I received a text message from the office 30 minutes before that my car needed to be parked at the r
I received a text message from the office 30 minutes before that my car needed to be parked at the restaurant for road repair. It was very short notice early in the AM.
Wendy Oolman
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Kimberly Miller
Sep 6, 2022
Overall a great stay.
Overall a great stay. It’s beautiful by the river and the pool is nice. Plenty to do and a great place to relax. Only complaint is the uncomfortable beds, especially the pull out couch bed, that was the only disappointment. Working with the team members was a positive experience. We had to reschedule our stay from July to August because our family got sick right before our stay. The team member I spoke to was so understanding and was able to schedule us for August.
Kimberly Miller
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Geoffrey Janssen
Aug 15, 2022
V
Very quiet and peaceful excellent view of the river
Geoffrey Janssen
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Jeffrey Verzak
Jul 26, 2022
The house was a perfect size and very restful, right on the river and near the pool.
The house was a perfect size and very restful, right on the river and near the pool. Everything was clean and worked with friendly neighboring people. Everyone on the staff was helpful and pleasant. Checking in was quick and easy.
Jeffrey Verzak
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Mike Sienza
Jul 26, 2022
The only drawback was eating at Red Dog on Monday, the day before food deliveries ( what we were tol
The only drawback was eating at Red Dog on Monday, the day before food deliveries ( what we were told), where numerous menu items were not available.
Mike Sienza
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
David Banks
Jul 5, 2022
We had a good time staying there and we really enjoyed the boat ride.
We had a good time staying there and we really enjoyed the boat ride. The team members at Heritage Harbor were excellent.
David Banks
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Ernest Sirois
Jun 27, 2022
I visited Harbor Inn with my son and his friend.
I visited Harbor Inn with my son and his friend. We fully enjoyed our 3 day visit. The accommodations were spacious and fully stocked with everything we needed. The river view was perfect. We enjoyed the swimming pool. A great spot for a vacation
Ernest Sirois
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Jennifer Rattner
Jun 24, 2022
Please update your email to use a picture of the welcome center in its new blue paint.
Please update your email to use a picture of the welcome center in its new blue paint. We were looking for a cream colored building based on the picture.
Hiking in the area? Escaping big city life for some downtime? Heritage Harbor is your place. Our house had all the amenities for our young family. Kids slept well, saw a pair of bald eagles from the balcony, and the house fit what we needed. Highly recommend.
Callie S.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on May 21, 2022
We are so glad you enjoyed your stay! We hope tp see you again soon!
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Sara Butterfield
Jan 5, 2022
Beautiful and well kept, cozy property.
Beautiful and well kept, cozy property. It was wonderful for a weekend retreat.
Sara Butterfield
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Natalie DeLaurentis
Oct 20, 2021
Very clean and great view.
Very clean and great view. Already planning a date to come back Everyone was so personal and friendly. Super accommodation when we rented the golf cart. Got us checked in early.