A family-friendly stay in Gary awaits you at this holiday home. You'll be 1.7 km (1.1 mi) from Indiana Dunes National Park and 1.9 km (1.2 mi) from Lake Michigan. Highlights at this beach holiday home include a kitchen, a washing machine and free WiFi. .You can enjoy Smart televisions with digital channels, and home features a balcony, a sofa bed and a dining area. In-room dining is easy with a kitchen that comes equipped with a fridge, a microwave and a stovetop. Home also has a TV with a DVD player. .This pet-friendly holiday home offers free WiFi in public areas and gas grills. Plus you'll find laundry facilities. There's also the convenience of self parking. .In proximity to this Miller Beach holiday home you'll find Indiana Dunes State Park.
Portage - Ogden Dunes Train to Chicago - 11 min drive
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) - 67 min drive
Restaurants
Flying J Travel Center - 8 min drive
John T McCutcheon Travel Plaza - 10 min drive
Denny's - 8 min drive
Great Lakes Cafe - 10 min drive
McDonald's - 5 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire place to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Dream Retreat Guesthouse, Indiana Dunes Nat’l Park, 10 min hike to Beach
The Guesthouse at the Miller Beach Dream Retreat is located at the end of a quiet, residential, cul-de-sac street, with direct access to the park/beach access trail. This sandy trail winds through a sliver of the Indiana Dunes National Park (America’s 61st!) and leads to a sugar-sand beach where one can view the Chicago Skyline and breathtaking sunsets. The walk to the beach is approximately 1/6 of a mile and takes the average person about ten to 12 minutes along a mostly sand, partially paved path that winds past Historic Chanute Hill, the location of the first manned glider flight in 1896 by Octave Chanute. Lake Street Beach, the closest public beach area, has a seasonal (Memorial Day through Labor Day) small vessel boat ramp and a paid parking lot for those who would prefer to drive to the beach.
Amenities: * open floor plan with Great Room and full kitchen, dining for 6, bath with jetted tub, private entrance, and small deck with weber gas grill and café string lights * (2) Two private, Queen bedrooms * Queen sleeper sofa in Great Room * sleeps an additional 2 people on a deluxe high-rise Aerobed (all bedding is provided) * Additional guest fee applies over 4 people: $25/person per night (not including children less than two years of age on arrival date), regardless of length of stay or purpose of visit * Maximum occupancy is 8 individuals total not including children less than two years of age on arrival date * parking for two cars in tandem in the driveway, overflow parking (free, overnight) available nearby
The Guesthouse is adjacent to the Dream Retreat Main House, however, there are no shared spaces. The outdoor amenities of Main House are not available to Guesthouse renters as the two units are separate, however, they can be rented together, please see our listing for the Entire Compound. The Guesthouse entrance is accessed by a flight of exterior stairs. .......................
Additional amenities * free, high-speed Wi-Fi * Keurig coffee maker with complimentary coffee pods * three smart TVs with digital cable and video streaming * stackable laundry with purwash ozonator, which does not require any detergents, bleach, fabric softener, or even hot water * most supplies including basic soaps, paper towels, toilet paper, tissue, trash bags, etc. * three independently controlled Mitsubishi ac wall units with thermostatic zones for customized cooling comfort; separate heating thermostat which operates the radiant boiler heating system .......................
Kitchen * opens to the Great Room and dining area * cherry cabinetry and Carrara quartz counters * island with a 60/40 double-bowl stainless steel sink and Grohe pull-out sprayer faucet * fridge with auto-ice maker, gas range and built-in microwave and convection oven, dishwasher, all small appliances, cookware, bakeware, flatware, glassware, barware, and supplies * Keurig coffee station with an assortment of k-cups * built-in desk with leather office chair
Deck * overlooks the beautiful Indiana Dunes National Park, the panne, and Lake Michigan * Weber gas grill
Great Room * 16 ft vaulted ceilings with skylights * table seating for 6 * leather sofa * 50" smart tv w/ digital cable, video streaming, and Blu-ray player
Bedrooms * high thread-count linens, comforters, and pillows * ceiling fans * smart TVs w/ digital cable, video streaming, and DVD players * ample closet space, dressers, and nightstands with lamps
Bathroom * jetted-tub * fluffy towels and bathmats * shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap, toilet paper, tissues * hair dryer .......................
Add-on options (fees and taxes apply, invoiced separately after booking): * Our Guesthouse is dog-friendly and up to two adult, house-trained dogs are allowed. Fees per dog: $60 (2-night stay), $20/night (3+ night stay) or $140/week * Guests may request early check-in (1:30 pm cst) for a fee of $59 during if peak season and $39 during non-peak season, and/or late checkout (1pm CST) for a fee of $59 during peak season and $39 during non-peak season. Due to COVID restrictions and enhanced cleaning procedures, Early Check-in and Late Checkout may not be available. ....................... 2 night minimum (observed Holidays require a 3 night minimum)
Licensee must be at least 30 years of age.
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)
No high school, college, after-prom party, or any other underage groups allowed.
No bachelor or similar groups permitted.
Additional Guest fee applies over 4 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 8 individuals total, not including children less than two years of age on Arrival Date
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.
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 2 cars in the driveway, street parking not permitted. Overflow parking (free, overnight) available nearby.
Our property has exterior security cameras that are checked regularly. Only outside areas, including the driveway and stairs to entrance, are under surveillance.
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.
Licencees agrees to identity verification and background check preformed by SafelyStay, Inc.
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.
Property manager
Miller Beach Vacation Rentals
Similar properties
Secluded, Fenced Cottage, Hot Tub, Fire Pit, Dog Friendly, Nat’l Park
Secluded, Fenced Cottage, Hot Tub, Fire Pit, Dog Friendly, Nat’l Park
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Security system
Fire extinguisher
Deadbolt lock
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 5:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 30
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
Guests can access their accommodation through a private entrance
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Access methods
Private entrance
Pets
Pets are welcome
Service animals are exempt from fees.
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome.
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 security system, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit and a deadbolt lock in all accommodation.
Property is also known as
Dream Retreat Guesthouse Lake Mich. IN Dunes Chicago
Dream Retreat Private Guesthouse Lake Mich. IN Dunes Chicago
86037
Frequently asked questions
Is parking available at Dream Retreat Guesthouse, Indiana Dunes Nat’l Park, 10 min hike to Beach?
Yep, Dream Retreat Guesthouse, Indiana Dunes Nat’l Park, 10 min hike to Beach has a self car park, for a fee.
Are there any beaches close to Dream Retreat Guesthouse, Indiana Dunes Nat’l Park, 10 min hike to Beach?
The closest beach to Dream Retreat Guesthouse, Indiana Dunes Nat’l Park, 10 min hike to Beach is West Beach (3.9 km).
Does Dream Retreat Guesthouse, Indiana Dunes Nat’l Park, 10 min hike to Beach have a pool?
No, this holiday home doesn't have a pool.
Is Dream Retreat Guesthouse, Indiana Dunes Nat’l Park, 10 min hike to Beach family-friendly?
You bet! With amenities such as laundry facilities and a gas grill, as well as highchairs and children's dinnerware, it's no surprise that Dream Retreat Guesthouse, Indiana Dunes Nat’l Park, 10 min hike to Beach is a winner with our family travellers.
Is there a free airport shuttle available at Dream Retreat Guesthouse, Indiana Dunes Nat’l Park, 10 min hike to Beach?
No, Dream Retreat Guesthouse, Indiana Dunes Nat’l Park, 10 min hike to Beach does not offer an airport shuttle service.
What time are check-in & check-out at Dream Retreat Guesthouse, Indiana Dunes Nat’l Park, 10 min hike to Beach?
Check-in begins at 5:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.
Dream Retreat Guesthouse, Indiana Dunes Nat’l Park, 10 min hike to Beach Reviews
Reviews
9.0
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 23 out of 33 reviews
10 - Excellent
23
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 33 reviews
8 - Good
5
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 33 reviews
6 - Okay
2
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 33 reviews
4 - Poor
2
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 33 reviews
2 - Terrible
1
9.4/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
8/10 Good
Kristal B.
18 June 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Little tight for two families
In general nice property, quiet neighborhood. We had two families with one child each and it was a little tight on space and managing with one bathroom however not the properties fault we know better next time we need more space. The proximity to the beach was nice and a selling point. House did not have a lot of games or laundry detergent/extra trash bags so I would pack a few if booking. The management company was quick to respond and accommodated our requests.
Kristal B.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
2/10 Terrible
Jernanna G.
24 July 2022
Disliked: Cleanliness
I requested a refund . I tried chatting with someone never received a response. Not able to be reach
The air wasn’t working at this property. Very humid my son have asthma.. I had to leave facility asap. Never benefited what I paid for .
I would like a refund . Do to very hot in the house
Also .. They took a picture of my debit card
Jernanna G.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022
10/10 Excellent
Mitch R.
24 Oct 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Place to Explore the Dunes
The guest apartment was clean and well maintained, but the location is the story. Directly adjacent to the Indiana Dunes and a 10 minute walk to a beautiful, quiet stretch of beach. We hope to return.
Mitch R.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021
4/10 Poor
Michael N.
10 Oct 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Make sure you type Miller beach as G A R Y, IN
As my title states you will be informed this property is in Miller beach. You won’t get there by using that city name. Your phone won’t recognize the address. A quick google search of the real city name will show you an area that has high crime and many violent crimes. If you make the mistake I did not being from Indiana and haven’t researched the area, you’ll head to the house and come to a city called Gary. You will feel uneasy. You will notice an area with many, many abandoned buildings. Later you’ll notice the streets are completely empty at night. Arriving to the home you’ll see it’s in a residential area and one of only 3 nice modern homes in the area. You’ll see security cameras nearly everywhere and many bright lights on. There is this level of security for a reason.
I’m not out to harm anyone’s business and I sincerely hope this community continues to improve as the owner has stated it is trying to. I also find that while my trip was uneventful, and maybe yours would be to, you deserve to know of the homes location.
Michael N.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021
10/10 Excellent
Joanna S., Madison, WI
17 Aug 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
A lovely gem
We stayed at the Guesthouse - four adults, two young kids. The proximity to the excellent beach can’t be beat! The property was super clean, with ceiling fans and individual wall a/c units in every room. The appliances were high quality and check in and check out were easy and done by email and text. We would highly consider a return trip!
Joanna S.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2021
10/10 Excellent
Andrew J.
6 Apr 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Clean, comfortable, filled with light.
This was the perfect spot for a low-key get away at the dunes. The space is over a garage, accessible from a wooden deck and stairs. The fixtures were high quality--the small kitchen has a generous white marble island. The beds are firm, but comfortable. The main room is filled with light. Everything was clean and tidy.
Andrew J.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021
10/10 Excellent
Samuel M.
30 Mar 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Very clean and pleasant
It was a dream.
Samuel M.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021
6/10 Okay
Kayoko L.
26 Mar 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
It could be nice place to stay with a couple
It is right on beach but neighborhood was so scary and We are so afraid to stay there with kids. The place was connected to a main house and we didn’t get any warm shower or warm room for 3 nights. Toilet was broken. You have to be ready to bring all your foods because you don’t want to go any grocery shopping in that neighborhood. It is that scary. I lived in national city in San Diego but it was worse. For single couples no kids will be a great hide out place.
Kayoko L.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2021
8/10 Good
Carole D.
10 Mar 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Just as pictured.
The guest house is beautifully decorated and the kitchen is very well stocked. I cooked full meals not needing a thing. Beds very comfy.
2 things however. The guest house is not beachfront, it faces the street. I was disappointed. Also be aware of noise from the main house. Luckily no one was in there day 1 & 2 but night 3 it sounded like we had a bunch of kids in the house. So, if you are not taking the main house, just the guest house, beware.
The Building Manager was available whenever we needed her which was great.
Carole D.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2021
6/10 Okay
Latrice W.
3 Mar 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Just NOT what I EXPECTED
It was all good until it got dark which was Valentine’s Day Eve, the thermostat was locked on 73 temp dropped to approximately 5 degrees. They furnished a space heater but with those temps it wasn’t good enough. I contacted the manager and I was told the owners have it locked . Then I had an extra blanket in my car so I was going to bundle up and just watch tv couldn’t do that either do to the televisions were not cooperating with me so I just went to sleep. I woke up the next morning with a slight cold and had to make an emergency doctors appointment. As I’m preparing to leave I attempted to use the water I let it run for 10 minutes and it still ran cold. I communicated this all to the manager my 2 night stay turned into 1. I have requested a refund and have yet to get a response.
Latrice W.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2021
8/10 Good
Meredith H.
25 Nov 2020
Liked: Cleanliness
Dream Guest House
We had a good stay - the house itself was clean and well organized. The property manager was super welcoming, very helpful and responsive. I would definitely recommend this property if you're looking for nice spots in Miller Beach.
The only real issue we had were some missing "essentials" from the kitchen (salt, cooking spray, etc) and that we wish it had been closer to the beach/ lake (it's like a 10 minute walk through the dunes).
Meredith H.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2020
10/10 Excellent
Janelle K.
26 Oct 2020
Liked: Cleanliness
Right on the Dunes!
The property is beautiful and location is great if you are looking for something right on the dunes and next to the water! You don’t really have a great view to the water from the guesthouse but you can see it. If you are looking for somewhere to go and sit and do nothing this is the place to go. No touristy stuff around. Perfect weekend getaway. Neat and clean and everything you could possibly need was supplied!
Janelle K.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020
10/10 Excellent
Katherine G., Central IL
6 Oct 2020
Liked: Cleanliness
Good spot to enjoy Indiana Dunes
We enjoyed this property! It’s a good location for enjoying the beaches and the Indiana Dunes State Park and National Park. There are trails right behind the house that lead to the beach and the bike trail. We stayed in mid September and it was beautiful.
Only issue we had was with WiFi, but the house manager was helpful throughout our stay via text. The WiFi issue for the TV in the family room was never completely resolved, but we were there to mainly enjoy the outdoors and there are two other TVs. Overall, it was great and we enjoyed our stay.
Recommended hikes (even for young families):
Mount Baldy (great beach!)
3 Dunes Challenge
Bike trail from Lake Street to Marquette Park (nice playground!)
Katherine G.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020
8/10 Good
Eric R.
30 Aug 2020
Liked: Cleanliness
Review
Overall, our stay was very nice. We did have an unexpected power outage due to a severe storm that moveD through the area and the housekeeper was very gracious in bringing Us a flashlight and checking on us. We could tell that the area was going through a revitalization but was still appeared a bit run down.
Eric R.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2020
10/10 Excellent
Mindy B.
24 June 2020
Liked: Cleanliness
A very nice stay
This is a nice property with a good location near the dunes. The path to the beach is beautiful, and the beach is perfect for families.
Mindy B.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2020
10/10 Excellent
Brock S.
15 Apr 2020
Liked: Cleanliness
Enjoyable
Was a very nice stay
Brock S.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2020
8/10 Good
Peter S.
28 Mar 2020
Liked: Cleanliness
Enjoyed our stay
Very little complaint if any. The unit is indeed "compact" as I believe the description says. Everything was very clean and communication was great with the manager.
Peter S.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2020
10/10 Excellent
Concetta E., Clancy
12 Nov 2019
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect location and property to enjoy the Dunes!
The property was just as pictured and very comfortable. Had a bit of difficulty communicating with the manager, but got that worked out. I have usually communicated through the HomeAway website, but some emails came through in other ways which was a bit confusing especially when in transit.
Concetta E.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019
10/10 Excellent
Dorrie H., Lafayette, IN
18 Apr 2019
Very clean.
The unit was very clean. Close, easy access to the lake. Owners were very easy to work with.
Dorrie H.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2019
10/10 Excellent
James K.
14 Apr 2018
Clean, comfortable and cozy
Five of us stayed here comfortably! Loved the easy access to the beach and dunes.
James K.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2018
4/10 Poor
Leigh R.
13 Jan 2017
Guest House not same as Main House, Miller Beach quite different from "the Hamptons"
Although comfortable, clean, and well-equipped, and close to a good hiking trail and the dunes, the "guest house" for this rental lacks many of the key amenities that make the larger property seem attractive. There is virtually no view from the guest house (the guest house is over a garage facing a suburban street, rather than the dunes or the lake) and has no real deck. Given that we were paying a rate appropriate for a lakefront home with a view, this was disappointing to us. Miller Beach is also a very industrial part of the Indiana lakefront in a part of Gary that has seen better days, so be aware of that. (We have stayed at other rentals in Indiana in towns such as Porter Beach, where you also see the power plants and the steel mills, but they are much further away so the setting is quite different).
Can't comment on the main home, which seemed nice from the outside, but for smaller groups renting only the guest house just be aware of what you are getting, and not getting, for the rate. If you know the area and like it, and rent the full house, could be a good option. But this was not an appealing property overall for our interest in a lakefront rental with a nice view for 2 people.