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Apartment

Garden Apartment Retreat

Photo gallery for Garden Apartment Retreat

back yard. one person on the trampoline at a time please.
The sofa in the foreground is a twin sleeper.
Living room and dining room with electric keyboard.
Dining
dining area, fridge, kitchenette

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 1% of guest reviews in this area

Highlights

  • Bring your furry friends
    Top-rated for creating memorable stays with your pets.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Close to Chesapeake and Ohio Canal
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Patio
  • Toys
  • On-site fitness centre
  • Kitchenette
  • Barbecue
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View map
Cabin John, MD
  • Place, Clara Barton National Historic Site
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Glen Echo Park
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Potomac River
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.)
    ‪46 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

2 Queen Beds

Living Room 1

1 Single Sofa Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchenette
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Garden Apartment Retreat

Pick your own fruits and vegetables from our organic garden when in season. Monarch butterfly garden in the back yard. If you feel like a quick work out, there are free weights and yoga mats at your disposal. Kayakers, we have room to store your kayaks in the back yard. We respect your need for quiet and do our best to tip toe around upstairs especially between 8:30pm and 6:30am. Expect an apartment style amount of sound to carry down to you at other times.
The space
I spent the first 12 years of my life traveling between south east Asia and New Jersey every 2 years.
I know that traveling with kids can be challenging. I want to make it more fun for your family when you stay with us. Let me know what their favorite things are. Tea party with dolls? Beanie Babies? Legos?
We love hosting your pets as well. There is a fee of $22 per pet per night.
The washer and dryer that we will share is in the basement. We will respect your privacy and always ask instead of assume that we can come down and use it during your stay.
We know that many individuals have multiple chemical sensitivities and do our best to use aldehyde free products. However, every now and then there is a sale on a favorite fragrant shampoo of mine and I put it in the basement shower. Please lmk if you do have allergies and I will remove it.
To respect the needs of everyone who stays with us, please avoid smoking on the property and using fragrances.
We have two fluffy cats who are not allowed in your space.
In the kitchenette area, there is an induction stove top, electric kettle, coffee maker, large microwave and full size refrigerator.
We also have a trampoline, slack line, Swurfer, and hammock in the backyard for you to enjoy.
Fish taco, Wild Tomato and Sal’s Italian are 4 blocks away.
Glen Echo Park is a mile from here.
Congressional, Kenwood and Avenel Country Clubs are within 2.5 miles from here.
NIH and the Bethesda Metro are a 15 minute drive from us.
We are close to both Tysons Corner and Montgomery Mall.
7 miles from Georgetown, 8 miles from the Lincoln Memorial.
Reagan National Airport is 11 miles away. Dulles International is 16 miles away.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties
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Pets

Pets allowed: limit 4 total
Pick up after your dog.
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Please dispose of cigarette butts in an ashtray
Use caution on the trampoline. Industry standard is one person at a time.
Please avoid scented candles and spray perfume outside. Some of our guests have severe allergies.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 2827538vb
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 20
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
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

About the area

Cabin John

Cabin John is home to this apartment. White House and Washington Monument are notable landmarks, and some of the area's popular attractions include Smithsonian Institution and Smithsonian's National Zoo. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Nationals Park or Capital One Arena. Kayaking and fishing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and rock climbing nearby.
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Map
Cabin John, MD

What's nearby

  • Clara Barton National Historic Site - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Glen Echo Park - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Puppet Co. Playhouse - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Adventure Theatre - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Potomac River - 3 min drive - 4.2 km

Getting around

  • Bethesda Center Station - 8 min drive
  • Rockville Station - 15 min drive
  • Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) - 32 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Tatte - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Wild Tomato - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪matchbox - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Sweet Leaf - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Fish Taco - ‬10 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Garden Apartment Retreat pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 4 total).

How much does it cost to stay at Garden Apartment Retreat?

As of 20 June 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Garden Apartment Retreat on 18 August 2026 start from NZ$413, 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 Garden Apartment Retreat?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Garden Apartment Retreat?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Garden Apartment Retreat?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Garden Apartment Retreat located?

Situated in Cabin John, this apartment building is 1.2 mi (1.9 km) from Chesapeake and Ohio Canal and 2.8 mi (4.5 km) from Congressional Country Club. Potomac River and NIH Clinical Center are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

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. 40 out of 42 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 42 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 42 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 42 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 42 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Evelyn F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This property was very convenient and comfortable. It was well equipped and welcoming.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kat H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very clean. Easy to communicate with hosts. Very very central to Glen echo. Is a place I would highly recommend to friends.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Francesca C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Carolyn was very welcoming and provided everything we needed. The apartment was comfortable and the location was great. Easy drive DC.
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We stayed in early May and the temperature in the evening and early morning in the downstairs was on the chilly side. But the hostess gladly provided a space heater and extra blankets to ameliorate the situation. Overall, she was very responsive to our requests (such as replacing the battery in the motion-sensor light over the entry door). We were gone from morning until night and didn't need to take advantage of the kitchen and all it had to offer. The kitchen was fully furnished to meet one's needs. The pull-out sofa bed worked well for a third guest. It felt like a home away from home unlike a basic hotel room. The apartment offered a variety of games and puzzles for children and families to enjoy. We appreciated the quiet and privacy. The exclusive use of the driveway was helpful. We would gladly stay there again.
Stayed 12 nights in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nina R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had an incredible stay with Carolyn. The apartment was spotless and the service was incredible. Carolyn was very thoughtful and was so kind to our puppy!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rudy V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Had a great time. My friends and I really enjoyed the space.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paula B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Such a great location! Lovely backyard for dogs and lots of green space
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Angela M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely space and very kind host.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maggie K.

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

Cozy Stay

Check in was seamless and easy. The unit was so cozy and was thoughtfully stocked with things we might need!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dianne M.

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

Pleasant stay

Very welcoming, very clean, great communications, easy to get to metro, comfortable and Paul , Carolyn and family were very friendly. Highly recommend this rental!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

JIHAN A.

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

Quick stay

The place was extremely clean, and the host was very accommodating.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Serena B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clean daylight basement apartment with delightfully creative decor, comfortable, and private with a beautiful yard in a quiet neighborhood. Parking in the driveway. Convenient drive to tourist attractions downtown. Owner is very welcoming and responsive to any needs.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sherry D.

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

Family trip

Great location. Helpful and kind hosts.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Howard P.

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

Great place with a great host

Superb! Just what we were looking for in an ideal, quiet location. Everything we needed for a fantastic stay was provided by hosts. Note that it’s a downstairs apartment with family Highly recommend and would def stay again.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rhonda H.

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

Lovely apartment

Very comfortable, relaxing place to stay. The patio was especially nice for morning coffee. Would stay here gain.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Fred C.

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

Awesome

Excellent place, lovely hosts.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

elizabeth l.

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

Nice weekend stay

The unit was very clean and pleasant. Always cool .
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brenda M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful stay for me and my husband with our two small dogs. We were worried that we would be arriving late, and our host, Carolyn, calmed our worries and stayed in touch throughout our stay to ensure it was a wonderful, comfortable, and safe stay. We are formerly from the area and the location is quiet and safe and quite convenient to DC and not far from Bethesda restaurants. A convenience store and sushi place is a stone's throw from the place. Did I mention how wonderful their garden is?! They even offered veggies from their garden!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

destiny f.

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

Pleasure and business and spiritual

The host and her daughters are magic and phenomenal. The property felt like a magical getaway.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James W.

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

Garden Apartment Retreat

Our stay in Cabin John was lovely. The apartment was exactly as listed. Our kids had a great time playing in the backyard; the trampoline was perfect for burning off their extra energy. Carolyn and Paul were excellent hosts who went above and beyond.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nancy F.

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

Tranquility

A spacious backyard with lots of kid-friendly options with a patio area for chatting or eating.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 4 July 2023
Nancy, it was a pleasure to meet you. We loved having you stay with us. Best, C
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brett G.

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

Magical home for a solo retreat

Carolyn and Paul's basement apartment was literally the PERFECT place to spend 3 days for a virtual retreat. It was truly my home away from home. Their background was magical - the trampoline - the crystals and gems. So many delightful details and touches - not to mention super clean and comfy beds! Carolyn and Paul were wonderful hosts - and would love to stay there again!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew M.

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

A great stay

We had a great stay in Cabin John. The hosts were very communicative and friendly. The heating/cooling system is a little loud at night, but I had brought something to generate white noise and didn't have any trouble once I got used to it. If we were staying in the same area, we would definitely look to stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Daniel H.

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

Lovely Respite

This place was such a lovely place for my father to stay while my while he was getting treatment at Sibley Hospital nearby. The backyard was beautiful and the nearby walking trail was a wonderful way to end each evening. The host was very hospitable. We would absolutely recommend!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ashley P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My Mom and I came from Georgia to visit my brother who resides in the Virginia/DC area. When we arrived the host was very helpful and accommodating to us with any questions. We had the drive way to ourselves which was very nice. We chose this place mainly because they accommodated smokers. We were happy to have an outside seating area and it was so peaceful and beautiful. The plants are gorgeous. We even got to enjoy one or two ripe strawberries in the garden. Everything was clean, we had plenty of stocked items. Which will be great for anyone who may have forgot to pack body wash/lotions/tp. Everything was fragrance free for anyone who is concerned about allergies. The air conditioning felt great, only things I mention is we wish we had found some ashtrays that were accessible, other than that we just bought our own and we’re just fine. The outside seating area was dark at night, I’m not sure if the porch light was just out or if we did not see a plug in for lights. I would also definitely recommend it for small families because there were tons of children’s books, children’s dress up costumes, a small trampoline outdoors, swings and a hammock. The decorations were fun as well. Overall we had an amazing stay, and would definitely suggest this to anyone we know wanting to stay in the area for a trip.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026

About the host

Hosted by Carolyn

Host profile image
We've lived in the DC metro area for most of our lives and love helping our guests feel comfortable. My favorite memories are of guests on the trampoline in our backyard goofing off. I also love meeting the dogs and cats that stay with us. -Mom

Why they chose this property

The neighborhood is warm, friendly and eclectic. I love the different styles of homes and the people who live in them.
Plus, we are close to EVERYTHING! It's a 10 minute walk to Glen Echo Park, Tysons Corner (please avoid rush hour) is 20 minutes away, American University is a 10 minute drive away, and Georgetown is 20 minutes from here. We are minutes away from world class kayaking, rock climbing and mountain biking trails.
And all of the Smithsonian museums, Glen Stone, and The Kennedy Center.

What makes this property unique

Real people live here. This isn't a sterile investment property that a few business people are renting out. We do our best to help our guests feel comfortable. Mom does most of the yard work, and maintenance of the house. Apologies that it is not perfect. Spreading 14 yards of mulch takes time... LOL. We are never ordering that much mulch again.

On the environmental side, we don't spray for mosquitoes or use synthetic chemicals in our yard. We have both a commercial compost service and regular compost (no cooked or animal products in there please). Eventually we will get a rain capturing system set up.

Languages:

English

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