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Waterfront home great for family gatherings or weekend getaways! Pet-friendly

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Exterior
Exterior
Property grounds
Property grounds
Exterior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • The great outdoors
    Guests love the outdoor space here.
  • Arcade/game room
    A rare find - fun for all ages with on-site arcade and game room.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Balcony
  • Dog-friendly
  • Barbecue grill
  • Arcade/game room
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
Hudson, FL
  • Place, Weekiwachee Preserve
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Show Palace Dinner Theater
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Colorama Music
    ‪6 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area

About this property

Waterfront home great for family gatherings or weekend getaways! Pet-friendly

Welcome to Rock's Retreat. Located an hour North of Tampa and just minutes from the famous Weeki Wachee mermaids, this 3 bedroom, 2 bath waterfront home has just about everything you need to stay amused! Play arcade games in our downstairs game room or challenge your family to a friendly game of cornhole, darts, pool or ladder ball. Nature lover? You've come to the right place! It's very common to see manatee, dolphin & a variety of seabirds while you're enjoying yourself on our backyard beach or toasting marshmallows in our fire pit. Or maybe you're just chilling on one of our two balconies having coffee in the morning or playing a board game in the evening. Use our kayaks and John boat to explore the local waterways. Or get picked up at our dock for an airboat tour (additional fees apply). Close to shopping & dining, while perfectly hidden! We're pet friendly too! So, bring your well-behaved fur-babies and come stay for a couple days, or a week, or even a month! We know you're gonna LOVE IT here!!
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
No amenities for very young children
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
We welcome well-behaved dogs, large or small
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas

Important information

You need to know

Property # 2966617
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 indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

About the neighborhood

Aripeka

Located in Hudson, this vacation home is on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Hudson Beach and Weeki Wachee Springs. Nature Coast Botanical Gardens and Adventure Coast Fun Park are also worth visiting. With kayaking and fishing nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water.
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Map
Hudson, FL

What's nearby

  • Weekiwachee Preserve - 5 min drive - 5.4 km
  • Show Palace Dinner Theater - 5 min drive - 5.5 km
  • Colorama Music - 6 min drive - 6.5 km
  • Nature Coast Botanical Gardens - 7 min drive - 8.1 km
  • Hudson Beach - 10 min drive - 12.2 km

Getting around

  • Tampa Intl. Airport (TPA) - 51 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Hudson Grill - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Circle K - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪7 Brew Coffee - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Waterfront home great for family gatherings or weekend getaways! Pet-friendly pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

How much does it cost to stay at Waterfront home great for family gatherings or weekend getaways! Pet-friendly?

As of Jun 19, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Waterfront home great for family gatherings or weekend getaways! Pet-friendly on Sep 7, 2026 start from $334, 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.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Waterfront home great for family gatherings or weekend getaways! Pet-friendly?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Waterfront home great for family gatherings or weekend getaways! Pet-friendly?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Waterfront home great for family gatherings or weekend getaways! Pet-friendly located?

Situated on the waterfront, this vacation home is 3.1 mi (4.9 km) from Weekiwachee Preserve and within 6 mi (10 km) of Show Palace Dinner Theater and Colorama Music. Cow Creek and Nature Coast Botanical Gardens are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 47 out of 47 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 47 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 47 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 47 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 47 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ryan B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great home and location for us. Definitely would stay again. A
Stayed 7 nights in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gina G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We felt very welcome here. Loved the game room and pet friendly accommodation. I loved watching the manatees everyday. Memorable trip for the whole family.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

joseph c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice house.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 22, 2026
Thank you for leaving a review. We hope you stay with us again in the future.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dan O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We were in town for a long weekend for a family event and the house was perfect for our needs. Our 2 teenage boys, loved the game room and the kayaks! The house was clean and exactly as described and Sandi couldn't have been any friendlier. She was proactive, provided an easy check-in experience and was quick to respond. We saw plenty of wildlife from the house but didn't have any luck with the manatees. Thankfully Airpeka Adventures is right across the canal and was able to take us on a 2 hrs ride where we saw dozens of Manatees and dolphins.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 10, 2026
I'm so glad y'all had a good time! We're so grateful to have Capt. John & Aripeka Adventures as neighbors! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We appreciate the positive feedback.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing stay!

We had an amazing time here! Made for a great weekend of being on the water, playing games and sitting around the fire with the family would definitely recommend this stay!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on May 29, 2024
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Your feedback is important to us! We're so happy y'all had fun & look forward to your return!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

SIMON B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
A wonderful holiday at Sandi's house! Everything was perfect and Sandi was a marvellous host - friendly, helpful and considerate. The games room was a great feature and was well used by our grandson ( age 8). The house was very well equipped with everything that was needed. The view from the main balcony was wonderful and it was great to see the variety of birds and the manatees ( through the binoculars provided!). For us Brits, the large/best beaches were a good car ride away but well worth the effort. This is certainly the best rental that we have ever experienced and we have rented in Europe, USA and Asia. We would totally recommend this house and would certainly return if we come back to this area of Florida again. Thank you Sandi for making our holiday so enjoyable! Simon Brown, London UK
Stayed 12 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 11, 2026
I can't begin to tell you how flattered I am by your amazing review!! I strive to make my guests feel welcome, and I'm thrilled to know that I've accomplished that! You were fantastic, thoughtful guests and I welcome you back anytime!! Thank you again for being such considerate guests and for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christina L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Natural Florida

We had a great stay and loved using the kayaks and paddle boat. It was so peaceful and enjoyed the fire pit and beach area as well. We saw birds, manatees and an alligator with beautiful views from the balcony. We would definitely stay there again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 24, 2025
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review! We love it when our guests get the opportunity to view the wildlife. We hope to see you again ☺️
Verified

10/10 Excellent

fran m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Christmas stay

Very nice place. Great stay. Lots of things to keep everyone occupied. Thank you!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Becky L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was beautiful and had everything we needed. Being on the water was amazing. We saw manatees everyday. The kayaks were great. We paddled out to the gulf very easy and saw dolphins there. The kids loved the game room and we ended every day playing Pool and Pac-Man. I didn't win either. Lol. There was room in the drive for two trucks and a 22 foot boat. This place had it all.
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Jan 3, 2026
Thank you for deciding to spend your holidays at Rock's Retreat!! It warms my heart to know y'all had such a great stay! We appreciate you taking the time to leave such a great review 😃
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Keith R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful home!

We had a great stay! The kids had a blast in the garage with the games. We loved the kayaks and the view!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 17, 2023
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. I'm so glad everyone had a good time! Thanks for being such good guests! I hope you come back!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melanie

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Amazing property! Super clean house. Loved the gorgeous balcony & the game room. We’d gladly stay here again.
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kelly K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

New Year's at Rock's Retreat.

Rocks retreat was a great stay, Sandi is a terrific host, easy communication throughout our booking and thoughtful,She even left a welcome basket for us and our pup which was very sweet.We had a blast, Rocks retreqt was fun for everyone.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Jan 5, 2025
It warms my heart to know y'all enjoyed your stay! Thank you for the kind words and fantastic review! We hope you stay with us again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

matt a.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

great time

we had a great time. It was a great house nice quiet street and easy-to-find views were great from the upper deck.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 17, 2023
I'm so glad you had a great time! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I hope you'll be back!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristen C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A nice getaway spot on the salt water...

We loved it .Clean .. Relaxing definitely will be back ...House had everything we needed plus more ...
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 13, 2024
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review! We hope to have you back 😊
Verified

10/10 Excellent

jerry s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

relax time

Just relaxed a little and did a inshore charter also ate out and just take in the scenery
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 7, 2024
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We're glad you enjoyed your visit.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing stay

We truly enjoyed our time at Rocks Retreat. The home was clean and spacious. The two balconies were great. We got to fish , make smores and visit with masters on the backyard beach. The game room was a hit for all of us. The host was phenomenal as well as maintenance, after it rained he came quickly and cleaned the water out of the boats for us! We really enjoyed kayaking and going out in the boat. We will definitely return.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 6, 2025
I'm so happy that despite the rain y'all were able to enjoy your trip! Thank you for recognizing maintenance, he works hard behind the scenes! And THANK YOU for leaving the house so clean! You're welcome back anytime 😊
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tracy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent hosts

Beautiful home. Well stocked and the host was amazing with anything needed. We stayed for a month visiting family. Had everything we needed to host dinner for a large group. Watch out for stray dogs in the neighborhood if you’re traveling with a pet.
Stayed 29 nights in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Feb 3, 2025
I'm so glad y'all had everything you needed and enjoyed your stay! I'm sorry about stray dogs. That's the first I've heard of it, so I'm guessing they were displaced by the hurricanes. I appreciate you taking the time to leave a review and hope you come back!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dennis T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very nice relaxing

We all enjoyed our time here and a couple of the kids were petting the manatee and the elevator made the kids happy they didn’t have to carry stuff up the stairs lol
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 17, 2023
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. I'm glad the elevator came in handy. I'm glad you enjoyed your stay.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brandy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay

The games on the first floor entertained us while it rained for 2 days. Caught some fish off the dock when the rain stopped. Very spacious, clean and well kept house!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 7, 2024
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. I'm glad that despite the weather y'all enjoyed your stay! You are welcome back anytime 😊
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best Place Ever

What a beautiful place!!! Great views really spacious and super clean!!! We actually can’t wait to be here again!!! Thank you sooooo much Sandi!!! 💜
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on May 10, 2024
You're welcome and THANK YOU! We can't wait for you to come back!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marty P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Getaway!

Plenty of things to do. Great location on the water but away from the touristy areas. House is very clean and well maintained. Owner is very responsive and respectful. Owner thought of everything. Felt right at home!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 19, 2024
I'm so glad y'all enjoyed your trip to Florida and your stay at Rock's Retreat! We strive to provide a clean, comfortable environment and appreciate that you noticed! We hope to see you in the future 😊
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alicia E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely wonderful

This was an amazing place to stay. 😊 The whole family 🥰 loved it. We didn’t want to Leave. Sandi is so nice and helpful, Would book again for sure!!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 17, 2023
Thank you so much for the great review! I'm so glad you had fun! I hope to see you again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gayla S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing

Enjoyed all of the different gathering areas of the house. Spent alot of time on the upper deck.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 17, 2023
So glad you enjoyed your stay. Hope to see you again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Trina H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Trina

Awesome it was perfect. Thanks so much.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 17, 2023
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed! We hope to see you again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Meredith T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect

This was a last minute baby moon before our son comes at the end of this month and we couldn't have picked a better house. Communicating was super easy and the property exceeded our expectations. We were able to enjoy the water and balcony, it just really was the best. We highly recommend this property.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 17, 2023
We are so happy that you were able to enjoy the weekend. We wish you the best with your new bundle of joy on it's way!! Come back again!!

About the host

Hosted by Sandi

Host profile image

Why they chose this property

If you love nature, you'll love this place! Manatee mating season runs from March to November, and it's very common to spot manatees in the canal behind the house on a regular basis. Seabirds are abundant, and you will occasionally get lucky & spot a dolphin feeding in the canal or a playful otter searching for his next meal! Great location for avid fishermen or anyone just wanting to 'get away from it all'!

What makes this property unique

Outdoor elevator, backyard sand beach area, fire pit, game room, pet friendly, two minutes from public boat ramp & little store. Beautiful sunsets off the local bridges. Flexible check-in/out times (when available).

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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