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River Retreat - Waterfront Cottage in Starved Rock Country

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Exterior
Exterior
Property grounds
Miscellaneous
Property grounds

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 61024 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Ottawa, IL

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

3 bathrooms

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

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

Frequently asked questions

Does River Retreat | 2 Bed, 2.5 Bath have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

How much does it cost to stay at River Retreat - Waterfront Cottage in Starved Rock Country?

As of 7 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at River Retreat - Waterfront Cottage in Starved Rock Country on 9 Jun 2026 start from £200, 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 | 2 Bed, 2.5 Bath pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at River Retreat | 2 Bed, 2.5 Bath?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at River Retreat | 2 Bed, 2.5 Bath?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at River Retreat | 2 Bed, 2.5 Bath?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is River Retreat | 2 Bed, 2.5 Bath located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 2.9 mi (4.7 km) from OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center and within 6 miles (10 km) of Washington Square Park and Appellate Court. Reddick Mansion and Tangled Roots Brewing Company - The Lone Buffalo are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 13 out of 18 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 18 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 18 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 18 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 18 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christina W.

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

Good Place

We had a great time at Heritage Harbour. The house was just what we needed for the weekend.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ellen G.

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

Beautiful Getaway

Fully stocked kitchen, comfortable furnishings and TVs in both bedrooms. View of the river was absolutely beautiful. Highly recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Nov 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

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ashley K.

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

Fun girls weekend

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!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Wendy Oolman

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.
From a partner site

8/10 Good

Kimberly Miller

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.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Geoffrey Janssen

V

Very quiet and peaceful excellent view of the river
From a partner site

8/10 Good

Jeffrey Verzak

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.
From a partner site

8/10 Good

Mike Sienza

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.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

David Banks

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.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Ernest Sirois

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
From a partner site

8/10 Good

Jennifer Rattner

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.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

JAISON LANCASTER

L

Love the property! Super friendly and helpful
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Callie S.

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

Great weekend find

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 21 May 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

Beautiful and well kept, cozy property.

Beautiful and well kept, cozy property. It was wonderful for a weekend retreat.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Natalie DeLaurentis

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.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brigitte S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Casey F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

About the host

Hosted by Heritage Harbor Ottawa

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Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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