Panoramic views, Hot Tub, Sauna, Firepit, Sand Vball, Foosball, Dunes Nat`l Park
Elyon Hall is a well-appointed, beachside getaway right on the Indiana Dunes National Park (America’s 61st!) and only 40 minutes from Chicago. With an abundance of luxury amenities, there is something for everyone in the group to enjoy. Experience commanding views of the picturesque dunescape and Lake Michigan, with close proximity to hiking trails and the semi-private, sugar-sand beach--reachable by a short nature trail through the rolling dunes. Reunite with friends and family, host a corporate retreat, celebrate milestone birthdays and anniversaries, while making memories at this hidden gem.
HIGHLIGHTS: * Gourmet kitchen with professional appliances, dual wine fridges, and complimentary Nespresso and Keurig coffee station * Cedar sauna, indoor jetted tub, wood-burning stove (seasonal), game table, rec room w/ built-in wet-bar, and foosball table * Smart TV’s, indoor/outdoor Bluetooth speakers, high-speed Wi-Fi * 2000 sq. ft. multi-level decks, 7-person hot tub, pro-sand volleyball court, outdoor dining, fire pit, grill, heated outdoor shower, and dog-friendly, gated patio (certain amenities are seasonal) * All supplies provided (paper towels, toilet paper, hand/dish soap, shampoo/conditioner/body wash, and more) * Parking for 6 cars in the driveway. Overflow parking (free, overnight) available nearby * High-speed Wi-Fi * Laundry featuring pureWash Pro Activated Oxygen (Ozone) to clean and sanitize * Smart TVs with digital cable and video streaming, and DVD players * Eight Mitsubishi AC wall units and radiant heat boiler with six thermostatic zones for customized comfort * Supplies provided include: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hairdryers, tissues, paper towels, toilet paper, trash bags, dish soap, dish sponge, dishwasher detergent pods, dryer sheets, beach towels, propane, and firewood (seasonal for indoor wood-burning stove)
…………………….
Elyon Hall LAYOUT: The main entrance has approximately 6 steps (with handrails on each side) leading up to the front door. Note: there are six levels in the house, with only 5-6 steps between each level * Level 6: Master Suite with queen Stearns and Foster, en-suite master bath, large walk-in closet (8ft x 9ft) * Level 5: Entertainment loft, overlooking Great Room * Level 4: Two private Queen bedrooms, Adjacent full bathroom * Level 3: Main Entrance/Front Door, Foyer, Great Room/Kitchen, and patio door to gated outdoor amenities * Level 2: Bunkroom with one lower queen bed, two upper twin beds, and one fold-down sofa, full bathroom, laundry area, exterior door to gated yard and driveway * Level 1: Rec Room, TV and huge sectional, Foosball, game/poker table, walk-in wet bar, half bath
* Additional sleeping arrangements include four (4) self-inflating high-rise Aerobeds * Bedding/pillows/towels are provided for additional sleeping areas * Note: Additional guest fee applies over 10 people—up to 18 guests maximum: $25/person per night (not including children younger than two years of age on Arrival Date), regardless of length of stay or purpose of visit.
… …………………. MULTI-LEVEL DECKS and Patio * Five multi-level decks overlook the beautiful National Park and lush dunescape * Year-round 7-person hot tub * Year-round Napoleon gas grill * Seasonal dining and seating areas include a conversation firepit, and cushioned lounge furniture * Seasonal heated outdoor shower * Seasonal pro sand volleyball court …………………….
GOURMET KITCHEN *Jenn-Air professional appliance suite includes built-in microwave and convection oven, gas roasting oven with six-sealed burners, warming oven, chimney hood, built-in Fridge with auto ice-maker, dishwasher * Coffee/Wine Bar featuring dual temp wine fridge, beverage fridge, and complimentary Keurig and Nespresso coffee * Kitchen also features a double-bowl farm sink with a pull-out faucet, small appliances, cookware, bakeware, flatware, glassware, barware, and other kitchen supplies. * Oversized island has a prep sink and bar seating for four guests * Smart TV * Dining table seats up to 12 (multiple folding tables and chairs are also available) * Wood-burning stove (non-peak season only) provides cozy ambiance, dancing flames, and extra warmth on chilly nights …………………….
ENTERTAINMENT LOFT * Experience the rustic-chic atmosphere of the 28 ft. beamed, cathedral wood ceiling with studio lighting and five skylights * Six large casement windows and patio doors open to the main deck * Large sectional sofa and swivel chairs to enjoy panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the National Park * Inviting wrap-around balcony overlooks the Great Room and an 18 ft. wall of windows showcases the Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Michigan * Conveniently opens to the multi-level outdoor decks
REC ROOM * Queen Anne-style Foosball table * Poker/Game table * Walk-in wet bar with counter space for ten, mini-fridge, Kohler sink and faucet, and back-lit bar shelves * Large Sectional sofa * 55in Smart TV * 2nd full-size Fridge and freezer for bulk food convenience …………………….
Add-on options (fees and taxes apply, invoiced separately after booking): * We are dog-friendly and allow up to four adult, house-trained dogs. Per dog fees: $79 (2-night stay), $29/night (3+ night stay) or $200/week * Early Check-in at 1:30pm CST and Late Checkout at 1pm CST may be available for an additional fee, please inquire
Please note, Elyon Hall can be rented with an attached Coach House in order to accommodate up to 24 people in 6 bedrooms/5 bathrooms. When rented separately, Elyon Hall and the attached Coach House remain completely private with no shared amenities areas inside or out (aside from driveway). Elyon Hall amenities are not available to Coach House guests when rented separately. If you are interested in renting both homes, please inquire. 2 night minimum (observed Holidays require a 3 night minimum) Licensee must be at least 30 years of age. No high school, college, after-prom party, or any other underage groups allowed. No bachelor or similar groups permitted. Abide by all Terms and Conditions of the signed vacation rental agreement required for rental of any Miller Beach Vacation Rentals property, regardless of booking method (direct or via a third party) Excessive cleaning (if required)is billed at $35/hr. Repairs due to damages are $45/hour. If anything becomes ruined or missing, you will be charged accordingly. Notification is given prior to any deductions from your security deposit on file. In certain cases, an additional Holiday Premium may apply to your dates No illegal, dangerous, or non-family oriented activities or items are permitted including, but not limited to, underage drinking, illegal narcotics, strippers, beach fires, kegs, deep fryers, fireworks, other flammable items, etc. No commercial or retail entities or third-party service providers (e.g., catering companies, DJ’s, VJ’s, rental equipment companies, etc.). No smoking inside or anywhere within 15 feet of any open door or window ($1000 fine). Care for the Premises with all due care, leave it undamaged, clean, and keep conditions safe throughout your stay. Parking for 6 cars in the driveway, street parking not permitted. Overflow parking (free, overnight) available nearby. Licencees agrees to identity verification and background check preformed by SafelyStay, Inc. Safely Trust and Safety Damage Waiver Fee provides up to $10,000 of accidental coverage for contents damage and up to $100,000 coverage for accidental property damage and bodily injury during your stay. Full terms provided upon booking.
Additional Guest fee applies over 9 people: $25/person per night. This covers maintenance/replacement of aerobeds, pullout sofas, extra laundry, increased utility costs, wear and tear, and more. Maximum Occupancy is 19 individuals total, not including children less than two years of age on Arrival Date Neighborhood quiet hours are strictly enforced from 9PM-9AM; Parties / events, lack of decorum and disruptive noise will not be tolerated; If the neighbors are disturbed, Miller Beach Vacation Rentals reserves the right to ask the tenant to vacate the premises with no refund.
Outdoor Music is not permitted after 9PM.
Small, wireless bluetooth speakers are permitted except during Quiet Hours (9pm - 9am). Not permitted are party speakers, amps, subwoofers, stereo surround systems, or other high-powered audio equipment, etc. We use smart home technology to measure noise decibel levels throughout the property and you will be notified immediately if a noise event has been triggered. Tampering with monitoring devices is strictly prohibited and will result in a $350 fine.
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Balcony/Patio/ Separate Fenced Yard + Beach, Park & Downtown+close to Chicago
Balcony/Patio/ Separate Fenced Yard + Beach, Park & Downtown+close to Chicago
2 night minimum (observed Holidays require a 3 night minimum)
Licensee must be at least 30 years of age.
No high school, college, after-prom party, or
Important information
You need to know
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, a first aid kit 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
We should mention
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property
About the area
Gary
Located in Miller Beach, a neighbourhood in Gary, this holiday home is near a water park and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Michigan. Travelling with kids? Consider Marshall J. Gardner Center for the Arts and Team Combat LIVE. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Indiana Dunes National Park - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
East Shoreline - 3 min drive - 2.5 km
Getting around
Portage - Ogden Dunes Train to Chicago - 11 min drive
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) - 72 min drive
Restaurants
7-Eleven - 10 min drive
McDonald's - 5 min drive
Denny's - 9 min drive
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen - 8 min drive
Wrap Game - 5 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Panoramic views, Hot Tub, Sauna, Firepit, Sand Vball, Foosball, Dunes Nat`l Park pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Panoramic views, Hot Tub, Sauna, Firepit, Sand Vball, Foosball, Dunes Nat`l Park?
As of 1 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Panoramic views, Hot Tub, Sauna, Firepit, Sand Vball, Foosball, Dunes Nat`l Park on 7 May 2026 start from NZ$752, 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 at Panoramic views, Hot Tub, Sauna, Firepit, Sand Vball, Foosball, Dunes Nat`l Park?
There is free parking nearby.
What time is check-in at Panoramic views, Hot Tub, Sauna, Firepit, Sand Vball, Foosball, Dunes Nat`l Park?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Panoramic views, Hot Tub, Sauna, Firepit, Sand Vball, Foosball, Dunes Nat`l Park?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Panoramic views, Hot Tub, Sauna, Firepit, Sand Vball, Foosball, Dunes Nat`l Park located?
This family-friendly Gary holiday home is located on the waterfront, within 1 mi (2 km) of Marquette Park, Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Michigan. Marquette Beach and East Shoreline are also within 2 miles (3 km).
Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Our host was very quick to respond to our inquiries. We had a few challenges with the master suite, the shower doors would not slide. Hopefully this will be remedied soon as it felt dangerous.Otherwise, the space was clean, comfortable, spectacular views, wonderful amenities!
Lora F.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 4 March 2026
Hi Lora,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review and for highlighting our responsiveness, cleanliness, amenities, and those spectacular views — we truly appreciate it!
We sincerely apologize for the issue you experienced with the master suite shower doors. Your safety and comfort are very important to us. Please know that we have already ordered a brand-new shower door system, and it will be installed as soon as possible to ensure this concern is fully resolved.
Thank you again for bringing this to our attention and for being such a wonderful guest. We’re grateful you chose to stay with us and would love the opportunity to host you again in the future!
Warm regards,
Hilary
Very Clean Bathrooms, and bedrooms. 2nd Floor has a family room. No TV in it but plenty of books. All bedrooms were very comfortable and plenty of blow-up mattresses if needed. Being that it was Thanksgiving, we open cabinets to find most of the appliances we needed. They provided extra tables for our guest therefore we did not have to spend extra money renting them.
Fantastic house in proximity to the beach. Great weekend getaway.
Shaun P.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified
8/10 Good
Gwen T.
11 August 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication
Disliked: Location, listing accuracy
Didn’t realize this property was so far from the lake. Several of us couldn’t walk to lake.
Biggest complaint is no good view of the lake and way too far for several of us to walk. The stairs were also an issue but I knew that going in as it was clear from your pictures and description. The air show that we were able to see from our deck was an added bonus. The house was VERY well stocked on supplies and set up well with location of bedrooms.
The home was just as it was listed. The host staff was fantastic with working with us. The house was very nice and had all the needs you need
ralph p.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Rebecca R.
4 May 2018
Wonderful Stay
Both the owners and the rental management team members were very kind and helpful to us.
The house speaks for itself with the photos listed. Thank you for sharing this home with our family!
Rebecca R.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 1 April 2020
Rebecca: Thank you for staying at the Miller Beach Dream Retreat. It is our pleasure to offer all our guests a memorable experience to cherish for years to come! We look forward to seeing you in August.
We stayed for the weekend in this beautiful, spacious home. We absolutely loved the ability to walk out the back gate to Lake Michigan and Marquette park. We also hiked at Indiana dunes. The multi level house is like none we’d ever seen before. Beds were comfy, and home had all the supplies we needed. It was a relaxing and
perfect Fall family weekend!
Although the location was a bit surprising (we didn't realize how close we were to Gary) it was a wonderful experience. You definitely are a bit more isolated so that helped. There were a lot of interesting and specific instructions that threw us off but all in all, we had a fantastic time and I have considered replicating the master bedroom in my own home! Thank you for a great experience.
Monica H.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 20 April 2021
Monica: Thank you for choosing Dream Retreat Main House for your getaway and your compliments! Yes, Miller Beach is approximately 10 miles NE of Gary. Also, we try to make things as easy and convenient as possible for our guests so they can spend more time enjoying their experiences with family and friends. All instruction manuals as well as local area attractions, Wi-Fi info., quiet hours, parking, etc. can be found in our online guide that can be accessed by scanning a QR code at check in. It includes many things including instructions on how to best use our extensive amenities: hot tub, cedar sauna, boiler heat, AC, sound system, fire pits, grills, etc. We hope to see you soon at any of our year-round Miller Beach Vacation Rentals!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
21 August 2009
Retreat is right....
The surrounding area might be a bit seedy, but the walls of the "compound" are amazing...so you can turn off the "Gary"! The volleyball court is in great shape, the hot tub is very clean and the neighbors are very accomodating to group noise...we were loud on occasion but not a peep from the neighbors because they are on the front side of the house ~ very private. I would recommend this retreat to anybody looking to make some memories with a group of people. Great time!
Response from VrboOwner on 1 April 2020
I believe Jay is referring to an apartment complex on Lake St. (over 1 mile from my home) that you must drive by to get to the retreat. There is a bus stop at the apartment building and he probably saw people waiting for the bus to get to work or school. We are approx 10 miles from Gary, IN and have never had a single problem. I would not have built my family's dream home if it we're not the perfect and safe location--right on the Indiana Dunes National Park, views of Lake Michigan from most rooms in the home, Chicago skyline views from the top decks, semi-private, sugar-sand beach, rolling dune-scape, ultra-private and quiet, etc. My home is on a cul-de-sac street (no traffic) and corner lot. My neighbors include a judge, federal agent, and retired policeman. I'm not sure how any of this can be described as being "a bit seedy".
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Daniel P.
6 August 2012
Perfect for a large group retreat
The house was wonderful! It provided plenty of space for our large family reunion (18 adults), but we maxed out every possible sleeping nook including the sofa bed and air mattresses for the kids. It could comfortably fit 12 adult couples in bedrooms. Everything is new and well-kept. The sand volleyball court is especially fun. The house is just a short 5 min. walk over a few dunes to the warm and wavy waters of Lake Michigan. There is plenty of room between the two kitchens for any food preparation imaginable. There was nothing like a dip in the jacuzzi to top off the day before watching the Summer Olympics on any one of the multiple flat screen TVs. We would definitely return in the future!
Daniel P.
Response from VrboOwner on 1 April 2020
Yes, I built the house in 2008 for entertaining my large extended family, parents, siblings, nephews, niece, friends, etc. That is why it works so well for large groups of people--up to 26! There is plenty of sleeping, living, and outdoor space for everyone, even during the Fall, Winter, and Spring when it may be too chilly to hang out on the many decks. However, the outdoor Jacuzzi is open year round and there is nothing better than relaxing on a crisp day or in the Winter with large snowflakes coming down.
Non-Peak season is also a great time to rent since the wood-burning stove will be in high gear and we have cords of firewood on-site. In addition to the six private queen bedrooms, there is also a queen pull-out Serta back saver mattress in the attached Guest House and high-rise, premium Aero-beds with headboards, built-in pumps, and all linens and pillows for extra guests that renters like to put wherever and whenever.
Thank you for your comments! I’m glad your family had such a great time! See you next year!
Verified
8/10 Good
t s.
10 October 2025
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy
Although we enjoyed staying in this house for a week, the house had enough problems with it that we were disappointed, especially considering the cost. We really enjoyed the location of the house, on a dead end street, quiet neighborhood and bordering undeveloped duneland. That kept our rating otherwise higher. The VRBO page provided inaccurate information. The house is not 'right on' National Park Lands-those are .3 miles away. Lake Michigan views from the house are very limited by trees in adjacent City park land. VRBO maps are very inaccurate for this house and we could not determine the exact location until after committing to rent. House is not 'beachside' but a 520 yd. walk through hilly soft sand to the beach. We had problems with the house. Could never get most of the TVs to work-complicated reprogramming. Rainwater leaked in through a closed/locked door in a bedroom flooding part of the floor. Drains in the top bedroom sink and jetted tub were clogged. There was filth/food/dirt in parts of the house (such as under couches). Air conditioning was preset to automatically come on and we could not reprogram controls Loud water kept repeatedly cycling on and off in a bedroom wall shared with the adjacent Carriage house and it pushed us from that bedroom. Hosts could of helped, but repair visits would be intrusive. Info did not mention curbside recycling and that a good supermarket 2 miles away. We just expected better for the
t s.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Archival
8/10 Good
Janelle H.
16 July 2013
Nice beach house in Gary, IN
The house is nice and well appointed. I would say that at the maximum suggested people the house would be tight. We had 20 at one point and it felt too crowded. For the price some things were disappointing....dishwasher was awful, bathroom repairs were needed (handles missing) and the main area was very hard to keep at the right temperature. The surrounding area other than the Dunes themselves is questionable at best.
Although we enjoyed the house we won't be making a return visit.
Janelle H.
Response from VrboOwner on 1 April 2020
We always welcome constructive, candid feedback, strive for continuous improvement, and try to be the best vacation rental on Lake Michigan, in Miller Beach, IN, “the Hamptons of the Midwest”!
Unfortunately, it wasn’t until we deducted $43 from her security deposit for ruined linens that she decided the very next day (even openly admitted this to me) to post an unfavorable review (still gave 4 out of 5 stars though). :)
We’ve had as many as 30 people stay with us to celebrate family reunions, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, etc. and have always received positive feedback about the spaciousness and comfort of our accommodations. It is rare to find a 6000 sq ft home that sleeps 26 people right on the South Shore of beautiful Lake Michigan!
Yes, we finally had to replace one of our two dishwashers after years of continuous, everyday use.
Recently, one of our guests broke a little lever handle off one of our five showers. Things break; we fix or replace them ASAP. Shower still works, just grab the larger valve handle to use. Replacement part is en route from the factory now.
To keep the “main area” the right temperature, we have seven (7) independent, remote control, over-sized, A/C units to control the ambient temperature and humidity levels, new thermal, heat-blocking curtains on the West wall-of-windows, and custom radiant blinds on each of the eight (8) South-facing skylights. When guests leave the patio doors open, which likely happened here, the cold air escapes and no system can compensate for this, especially on scorching hot beach days. All seven (7) A/C units are topped off with Freon, filters cleaned weekly, and are adeqate.
As far as the neighborhood, the Dream Retreat is on a cul-de-sac street w/o traffic, corner lot, dunes and Lake to North & East. We share the cul-de-sac with a Judge, three professionals who commute to Chicago daily via train (free parking, museums, downtown Chicago), a Federal agent who is now the police commissioner, and a retired police officer. Being from small towns, we would never have built our dream home here to raise our kids if we were not completely comfortable with the area. We’ve been renting our home for years without incident.
We live life by and raise our children to act with honesty, integrity, and accountability. We are very proud of the Dream Retreat that we lovingly built to share with others and hope that you will too.
Sincerely,
Jim Pappas
Archival
10/10 Excellent
6 February 2011
Perfect getaway for the girls!
I just recently stayed in the dream retreat for a girl's weekend and absolutly loved it! Everything was as described on the website and when talking to the owner.... Was personally greeted upon arrival and given a tour of the house and amenities. Which was a pleasent surprise compared to other properties I have stayed at. The amenities were amazing and perfect for the season....Fireplace, hot tub (one of my favorites!) Great sound system.... Beautiful kitchen any woman would dream of! The entire house was beautifully decorated....the bedrooms and bathrooms were spacious and accomodated 10 women getting ready at the same time spectacularly! No worries about forgetting anything because everything is included.....the place was also very well maintained and clean! Very Important!
Area that the house was located was perfect....very private, felt like we were the only ones there....but always felt safe....
All in all we had a blast! Easy to get downtown Chicago but definetly had a blast just hanging out in this gorgeous property!
Definetly found our new yearly girl's getaway vacation home!
Thanks again!!!!
Response from VrboOwner on 1 April 2020
Natalie: Thank you for choosing Miller Beach Dream Retreat for your girl's getaway weekend! We love to create inviting spaces that are spacious enough for everyone to spread out, yet also warm and cozy to feel comfortable. We hope to see you again next year!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Jeffrey L.
3 November 2016
Amazing, Peaceful Getaway
We wanted to share our gratitude for making our family reunion possible at your Miller Beach house. We have always dreamed of having a vacation home that could accommodate our families from Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana. Those who didn’t drive were able to get flights right into Midway. We were greeted by the owner who made sure to show us all the amenities (there are a lot of them!) and answer our questions. Most other places usually just have a lock box and have to fumble around to find things on our own, not here, we were well taken care of.
The house and grounds are truly remarkable and well thought out. There seem to be rooms and bathrooms everywhere. My wife and I stayed in the beautiful master suite with a amazing view and the various relations, families, couples, and the children were placed throughout the house. We shared our meals on the dining table that could just about accommodate all of us. We shared the meal duties and used the kitchen facilities as well as the outdoor grill for a wonderful rib night. The outdoor spa was our favorite spot after hours. Kids loved trying to count all the stars. The walk to the beach on the nature trail was beautiful and the skyline of Chicago was perfect!
Miller Beach is a great little town. We enjoyed our fresh smoothies and shopping at Indie-Indie store. We ate at Flamingo’s one night and had really good pizza loaded with cheese and toppings. The adults had some good suds at the Miller brewery.
We highly recommend this house for family reunions, it was a memorable experience!
Jeffrey L.
Response from VrboOwner on 1 April 2020
Jeffrey: we are glad you had such a wonderful experience at our home. It was truly a pleasure to meet your family and host your reunion. One or our favorite places to relax is also in the hot tub, especially during a light snow fall. We plan to add small LED string lights around the hot tub area to increase the ambience. Hope to see you soon! Thank you again.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
jane m.
4 May 2015
Far more than I ever expected!
The Miller Beach Dream House was far more than I have expected....much more, may I add. My husband and I have traveled to many destinations and must say that this house, by far exceeds them all. The place is even more beautiful than the pictures online. Every detail was met. We celebrated our 20th anniversary this year and were hard pressed to find a home to accommodate all 22 of us! We were NOT disappointed in the least!
I was surprised and pleasantly happy with how equipped and spotless the house was. It was very spacious. We could see Lake Michigan and the sand dune hills from almost every window and just outside was a beautiful deck and well kept hot tub.
This house was extremely safe and in a lovely neighborhood with nicely kept homes. My bed was a bliss of happiness. As soon as my head hit the pillow, I drifted off to sleep. Items like, dishwashing liquid for both dishwasher and sink were there...and the best products. Detergent was even provided for my laundry.
Hilary and Jim do not skimp on how to make a house perfect for their guests. The think of everything and provide it so you don’t have to run to the local store when you arrive. Bounty paper towels were supplied in abundance along with plenty toliet paper. An endless supply of shampoo/conditioner and soap were there too. Yes, I mean wow! Items like salt, peper and even Pam spray was one last thing I had to buy. The automatic ice maker came in very handy. So did the wine fridges—there are 2!
The gas range was impressive as where the baking oven and warming oven! I love to sit in the shower while shaving my legs and was so supprised to see a bench in the steam shower. Steam Shower! Water pressure and toliets ran perfectly. Wood burning stove with so much wood provided sealed the deal! Everything was conveniently located as far as groceries and local restaurants plus more. Although cold in March, the beach was beautiful to walk on and view of Chicago Skyline was breathtaking! The neighbors were so quiet we didn’t even realize they were there.
jane m.
Response from VrboOwner on 1 April 2020
Jane: Thank you for choosing the Miller Beach Dream Retreat to celebrate your milestone 20th anniversary! Congratulations again. We appreciate your very thorough and thoughtful review! It was our pleasure serving you and your family and look forward to offering our unique beachfront properties for your next milestone celebration!
Archival
6/10 Okay
Donna R.
26 May 2016
Not Luxury
Pros: Situated right on the dunes there was a definite feeling of being somewhere much further away. Wonderful to hear the lake waves and the frogs at night.The kitchen was very roomy and well equipped. The master suite was expansive and very comfortable.
Cons: Multiple small annoying things became our running joke for the weekend. There were loose towel rails, plenty of dust, shedding towels, wires exposed, repairs not completed, banisters loose, laminated signs EVERYWHERE, a stove linked in with multiple outlets which tripped and necessitated a visit from Jim (who managed to lecture us as to what we had been doing wrong to reset the improperly wired stove), other electrical switches that worked sometimes but not others, standing water in the showers downstairs, and in the dishwasher (leaving it unusable for the last night/morning) and the final problem as we were packing to leave, a pretty major leak thru an (obviously)previously repaired ceiling.
Neither Hilary or Jim seemed particularly perturbed about any of these issues. I get the feeling they were no surprise to them. There was no apology just a oh we dont know unless someone tells us.The place needs a significant amount of attention to many little things and a desperately thorough cleaning. Its no good having so much focus on the glam (sauna,jacuzzi) if the absolute basics aren't perfect.
There was also so much paperwork with so many instructions. It was overkill. So were the multiple threats of charges for all kinds of infractions (i.e $100 if the door was found to be left unlocked)
We had a great weekend but that was because the company was good.
I did talk to Hilary with these concerns and she did refund the nominal amount I asked. In hindsight I should have asked for more. I do think this is a very overpriced rental, esp as I see that the nights we paid for in season would have been $2700. At the price we paid I was disgruntled to deal with these issues, at peak season price I would have been furious.
Donna R.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 1 April 2020
Indiana’s Premier Luxury Vacation Rental.
Since custom designing and building the Miller Beach Dream Retreat in 2009, My wife, an Interior Designer, and I take considerable pride in our “Hampton’s of the Midwest” beach home and strive for continuous improvement. We are always updating our home with the latest conveniences, amenities, and furnishings. It is our passion and we love it! We also just completed a $128,000 renovation just in time for Peak Season.
While we thank Donna for her feedback, it is obvious that her intent is a vindictive fabrication of issues in hopes of getting a refund.
• During her stay, one of the two dishwashers drains became clogged. A service tech repaired the issue ASAP.
• She overloaded a kitchen outlet and blew a fuse. Our Kitchen has 12 outlets and 36 linear feet of custom Pietra Cardosa countertop. I arrived within 30 minutes to flip the circuit breaker which solved the problem.
• There are NO leaks. She was using the Master Suite’s huge peninsula tub, let it overflow, and caused damage to the ceiling below. Her damages were deducted from the security deposit.
Before each arrival, my wife completes a 310 point, quality-control checklist of the entire compound. If anything is not 100%, it is corrected or replaced immediately. Our professional maid staff has been with us for many years and do an excellent job. We are always on call for our guests and take any issues very seriously.
We recently completed a $128,000 renovation to make your stay even more enjoyable, relaxing, and entertaining:
* New eight (8) person LED outdoor hot tub
* Four (4) person dry-cedar sauna
* Eleven (11) independent Mitsubishi A/C units
* 1200 sq.ft. of new multi-level composite-decking
* Napoleon Pro stainless steel burner BBQ grill
* Six (of ten) new LED flat-screen TVs and two surround systems
* Cushioned patio furniture: sofa, loungers, dining tables, hammocks, swings
* Gas fire pit
* Larger dining tables
* Larger Rec Room with new furniture and Foosball table
* Porcelain tile floors in Master Bath & Laundry room
* Bedroom furniture and bedding
* Two sets of mega-capacity washer and dryers
My wife and I are in the “memory making” business and have hosted thousand over the past seven years. The majority are repeat guests who we look forward to seeing each year. From large family reunions, intimate weddings, birthdays, or corporate retreats, our goal is to exceeds expectations.
~Jim
Verified
6/10 Okay
Ali D.
10 January 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy
Meh
Good: number of rooms, variety of spaces available, layout of house, amenities (hot tub, sauna, steam shower, bath tub), location/proximity to lake and dunes, distance from city, quietness of neighborhood, easy check-in and check-out process.
Okay: amount of soft seating in common spaces, especially the two couch rooms. There wasn't enough soft seating for 8 adults, and we rotated who had to sit on the floor. Hot water setup on showers is cool in theory, clunky in practice. The strings that you pull to let the hot water out were broken or didn't seem to work. There were not cleaning or laundry supplies provided, so we went out and bought our own. There was a review that mentioned that some of the house was run down, which was true - it wasn't wild or unusable, but there were sections of the bathroom wall that were unfinished, a radiator with broken vents, etc. There was also some mysterious clanging/banging that happened every night while we were there. I'm not sure if it's the pipes or an HVAC system? But I sleep like the dead, and I still woke up every night around 3-4am (as did the other folks.) As a heads up to folks looking at the property - the sauna is quite small. We fit two adults comfortably.
Bad: This listing is for a Miller Beach Vacation Rentals property - it is a corporation using VRBO as an advertising platform. Miller Beach requires a LOT of personal data to use the space- SSN, photo ID plus a selfie, and more. I've used VRBO and Airbnb numerous times without the same requirements, and frankly, I live in Chicago, and I've rented apartments with less. When asked, however, Miller Beach Vacation Rentals does NOT have their own privacy policy or data protection. After inquiring a few times, I was finally given the privacy policy for VRBO (which they don't even use to communicate with travelers.) This experience completely turned me off from MBVR and any vacation rental companies in general, and I'm now on high alert for fraud and data breaches.
The space DEFINITELY does not sleep 27 people! We had 8 adults, and I wouldn't recommend any more, except maybe 1-2 children. There are cameras around the property and sound monitors inside, and while we weren't throwing a wild party or doing anything beyond watching movies and going in the hot tub, (we were there for our annual relaxing friend reunion), it still put a damper on the weekend and it was hard not to be hyper-conscious of them.
Location to beach was excellent, almost like a private beach. Vacation house was more worn and not as big as pictures lead you to believe but still plenty of room for all. Surrounding area ok but not great, getting to the place was disappointing at best. Really enjoyed Indiana State Park and great local walking trails Tons of sand, be ready.. House hold amenities were plentiful but again many of the appliances were quite worn out from use. Hot tub and deck area nice, pretty views but again some chair arms broken. House was very clean and beds were comfortable. Plenty of towels, pillows and blankets. Washer and dryer worked well. One of the showers leaked into the lower level closet located directly below. A sign was posted in the closet area warning us of the problem but did not see it until water appeared in the closet. The house comes with a lot of rules, so be prepared. Overall our family made the vacation work. We love getting three, soon to be four, families together to celebrate anniversaries (3) and birthdays (3). Great family memories each time we vacation together. We go to a different place each year, so will not be returning to The Main House Resort at Miller Beach but we do give it our recommendation.
We enjoyed our time there but it was not what we expected or what the listing advertised
House is run down & not as clean as what's expected for something marketed as "luxury". Walls are scuffed, have dirt on them & there are crumbs, old plastic ant traps under baseboard heat & in the corners of rooms.
It's marketed as having 2 washers & 2 dryers. There's 1 of each & hot water is not hooked up to the washer. Ducts are running through roughly cut drywall holes & plastic tarps taped up to the wall behind the washer. I took pictures of everything and wish I could attach them to this review.
Kitchen is outdated but fine. Has 2 wine fridges but we were afraid to use them after we saw a mouse run under it. We did notify the host and they were kind enough to drop off mouse traps (eye roll). The kitchen is equipped with a Keurig that had never been cleaned - it was molded/mildewed under the lid (I have a picture). I did clean it myself but questioned the cleanliness of what I was consuming throughout my stay. Being the caffeine addict I am I simply could not go without coffee so I rolled the dice & am still alive. One of the ovens had a gas smell whenever it was turned on; we did not feel comfortable using it.
The showers were equipped with a "smart shower" technology. There are instructions near the shower but in the upstairs bathroom that I had during my stay the instructions were impossible to follow. You have to pull a cord to get hot water...? There was no cord attached to our shower so we had lukewarm showers the whole stay. The sauna was very nice though & we thoroughly enjoyed that.
The hosts have used a label maker to mark EVERYTHING. The labels are peeling & it just looks ghetto for something that's supposed to be LUXURY.
All guests were from northwest Indiana so we knew the location well (Gary) & knew what we were getting into location wise. We felt comfortable & safe in the house during our stay. We very much enjoyed the proximity to the dunes & utilized the walking trail every day of our stay.
Hot tub 3/5 stars - no chemicals for guests; started to give off bad smell toward the end of stay
TVs - 0/5 stars - were not able to watch live tv. Were told it was an internet issue. The house manager came to reset the modem then left before we were able to let her know if that solved the issue (it did not)
I never asked to be compensated for these shortcomings but feel it's important to leave an honest review. This is not the worst place I have stayed but it's not what is marketed. I would not stay here again.
Michael P.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 17 February 2022
Michael--Thank you for your very honest review, we understand the frustrations you faced during your stay. Please know that we take all feedback seriously and have committed our efforts to address all of your points in order to improve and exceed the expectations of future guests. That being said, while we can't change your previous experience, we would like the opportunity to make it up to you in the future.
Our group had a great time in our short getaway. We didn't venture out much because it was freezing outside, but the house was cozy and between games, the kitchen, and foosball we were never bored or cooped up. I wish it hadn't been 12 degrees outside so we could have made use of the hot tub, but we were all wimps. Next Time!
Our stay was great and cozy. More then enough space to fit our whole family. Kitchen is fully stocked and has lots of space. Had some troubles with the refrigerator and wine coolers but was able to use the downstairs fridge for all cooling needs.
yesenia s.
Verified
4/10 Poor
Sonul M.
28 June 2021
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy
Very Disappointed
Sadly this rental property is NOT AT ALL as pictured or described. It's run down, needs updating, and for the price we paid- was a total letdown. I was concerned that there were not any recent reviews of the home, now I know why. I hope my review is published.
Upon arrival we were so shocked at how small the space actually is. The photos are extremely misleading, and we as 17 adults were cramped on the main floor. On top of that, the A/C was so weak that the home never went below 76 degrees despite 2 visits from the owner to fix it. One evening the temp went up to 81 degrees due to using the oven & the weak A/C. Due to the rain- we were forced to be in the extremely hot home for the majority of our 3 night stay. Many appliances were broken including 1 wine fridge that we needed, the dishwasher which another visitor came to fix since the top rack was going to fall off, and one shower head was not working.
Anytime the kitchen was used- there were ants everywhere. There are ant traps set in the kitchen and main floor. Lower levels, and basement are musty. One half bath on lower level is old and not updated.
Sleeping accommodations are realistically for only 11-13 adults. The sofa beds are extremely uncomfortable, the one on the balcony does not even lay flat. The bathrooms are worn, and unprofessionally repaired. Place needs much renovation.
House manager was contacted about made aware of all issues. A few decent things about the compound: kitchen is well equipped, outdoor area is decent including hot tub & fire pit, beach is a short hike away, master suite is nice and probably the only enjoyable part of the home.