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Reviews of Dream Retreat Guesthouse, Indiana Dunes Nat’l Park, 10 min hike to Beach

Dream Retreat Guesthouse, Indiana Dunes Nat’l Park, 10 min hike to Beach
Gary, IN

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 23 out of 33 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 33 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 33 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 33 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 33 reviews" "

9.4/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Kristal B.

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

2/10 Terrible

Jernanna G.

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
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mitch R.

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021

4/10 Poor

Michael N.

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 27, 2021
Michael: Thank you for choosing the Dream Retreat Guesthouse for your getaway. Miller Beach is a tiny beachside community within the municipality of Gary, IN. Situated 10 miles from downtown Gary, which most associate with high crime, the Miller Beach community is worlds apart. With its sugar-sand beaches, Chicago Skyline sunset views, adjacency to miles of pristine hiking/biking trails, nature centers, and museums in the Indiana Dunes National Park (America’s 61st and Indiana’s only!), easy 40min commute to Chicago via car or South Shore commuter train, and resident’s pride of home ownership, Miller Beach is fast becoming a resort destination. Our beachside community is home to artists, musicians, retired executives from Chicago, small families, etc. who appreciate its cultural diversity, natural beauty, and safety of this town that hugs the Southern shoreline of Lake Michigan. Since December 2007, we have been renting the Dream Retreat (Main House and Guesthouse) and have never had any issues or incidents with crime. We are devoted to sharing this little hidden gem with the rest of the world and have hosted over 30,000 guests from all 50 states and 31 countries. We are in the memory-making business, and our reputation, attention to detail, consistency, cleanliness, abundant amenities, and industry-leading repeat guest rate (55%) makes Miller Beach and our Vacation Rentals extremely popular all year long. Further, nearly all the homes nearby that have security cameras and motion lighting are part of the Miller Beach Vacation Rentals family and are owned and operated by us. Exterior surveillance and motion lights are used only to prevent guest misrepresentation and stop illegal parties from occurring. We are glad that you enjoyed your stay and hope to see you again at any of our properties.

10/10 Excellent

Joanna S., Madison, WI

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!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Andrew J.

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 21, 2021
Andrew: Thank you for choosing the Dream Retreat Guesthouse for your getaway and your comments. We appreciate and welcome you back to check out any of our year-round Miller Beach Vacation Rentals!

6/10 Okay

Kayoko L.

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.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 13, 2021
Kayoko: Thank you for staying at the Dream Retreat Guesthouse. I’m sorry you felt unsafe at any time during your stay. Our home is located in a safe and quiet, residential neighborhood and we have been renting it out for over 14 years without any incidents. We were not aware during your stay that you had any problems with hot water, the toilet, or heat--had we been notified, our maintenance staff would have been dispatched immediately. We are quick to respond to any and all guest issues 24/7.

10/10 Excellent

Samuel M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very clean and pleasant
It was a dream.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 9, 2021
Hello Samuel, Great to Hear! Hope to see you again soon! Miller Beach Vacation Rentals

8/10 Good

Carole D.

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.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 10, 2021
Hi Carole: Thank you for your compliments and choosing the Dream Retreat Guesthouse for your getaway! We pride ourselves on exceeding expectations and all of our homes offer a comprehensive set of cookware, bakeware, barware, flatware, etc. While the Guesthouse does share a wall with the Main House, we have taken measures to mitigate sound transfer by installing a double layer of drywall and extra insulation on the shared wall as well has hanging thermal, sound-absorbing curtains. We also offer white noise sleep machines in all the bedrooms to ensure that every night affords peaceful sleep. Guesthouse does have a small deck with grill and table and offers a partial, seasonal view of Lake Michigan. It is only a short hike (approx 8 to 10 minutes) on a sandy trail through a sliver of Indiana Dunes National Park (America's 61st and Indiana's only!) to the sugar sand beach. We certainly welcome you back at any of our year-round Miller Beach Vacation Rentals!

6/10 Okay

Latrice W.

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2021

8/10 Good

Meredith H.

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).
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2020
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 8, 2021
Hello Meredith, Thank you for a great review. I have forward the information about the kitchen items to our house manager. Give us a call for your next stay and i am sure we can find you a great location for you and your group. Miller Beach Vacation Rentals

10/10 Excellent

Janelle K.

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!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 9, 2021
Hello Janelle, Thank you! One of the best things to do is nothing, just sit and relax with everyone! Hope to see you again soon! Miller Beach Vacation Rentals

10/10 Excellent

Katherine G., Central IL

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!)
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 8, 2021
Hello Katherine, Thank you for you review. I believed we got the wifi worked out. The trails are one of the best things I like about this area. Just getting out to walk and enjoy the area! Thank you again and hope to see you again soon! Miller Beach Vacation Rentals

8/10 Good

Eric R.

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.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 8, 2021
Hello Eric, Thank you for your review. Yes this is an upcoming location for guest to stay! They are working on this area to improve it. Great to hear that some one was there to check on everything for the storm! Thank you again and hope to see you again soon! Miller Beach Vacation Rentals

10/10 Excellent

Mindy B.

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.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2020
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 8, 2021
Hello Mindy, Thank you for your review! The paths is one my favorite things to do! Hope to see you again soon! Miller Beach Vacation Rentals

10/10 Excellent

Brock S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Enjoyable
Was a very nice stay
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2020
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 8, 2021
Hello Brock, Thank you! Hope to see you again soon! Miller Beach Vacation Rentals

8/10 Good

Peter S.

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.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2020
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 7, 2021
Hello Peter, Thank you for your review. Great to hear the communication was great. Hope to see you again soon! Miller Beach Vacation Rentals

10/10 Excellent

Concetta E., Clancy

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 16, 2021
Hello Concetta, Thank you for your review! Sorry you had a time contacting the house manager, but I think we have improved this. Thank you again Miller Beach Vacation Rentals

10/10 Excellent

Dorrie H., Lafayette, IN

Very clean.
The unit was very clean. Close, easy access to the lake. Owners were very easy to work with.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 18, 2020
Dorrie: We enjoying hosting your family at the Dream Retreat Guesthouse. We try hard to make our guest interactions meaningful and pleasant. Afterall, this is your vacation. Thanks again and we'll see you next month!

10/10 Excellent

James K.

Clean, comfortable and cozy
Five of us stayed here comfortably! Loved the easy access to the beach and dunes.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2018
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 18, 2020
Hi Jim: Thank you for staying with us and your review! Yes, our Guesthouse is directly on the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore (soon to be America's 60th National Park!) and a short walk, on Octave Chanute Trail, to the sugar-sand beach. Many of our guests enjoy staying year-round and especially mid-week. The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore/Park and beach are truly magical in all four seasons! We hope to see you again soon! Hillary

4/10 Poor

Leigh R.

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2016
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 18, 2020
Leigh: Thank you for staying in our Attached Guest House and, ugh, for ruining our perfect 5-star Rating (11 other very satisfied guests all gave 5 stars!). I hope your negative comments don’t have anything to do with you getting the stomach flu during your stay with us. ;) While we appreciate you taking the time to write, you’ve made incorrect statements that must be addressed. 1. In our correspondences and looking at MillerBeachDreamRetreat.com, it is crystal clear that, to some guests, the attractive amenities offered in the Dream Retreat Main House are superior to those of the Attached Guesthouse. Our Guesthouse renters are either: a. Main House renters needing additional space, b. smaller families/groups looking for a wonderful beach getaway, or c. those on a tight budget. 2. Agreed, the Guesthouse is clean, comfortable, right on the Dunes National Lakeshore, close to amazing trails and VERY well-equipped. However, it does not offer ALL of the amenities of the Main House, nor do we advertise that. 3. The Guesthouse is priced right and offers considerable value for those seeking a clean, well-appointed, safe, and comfortable beach house. We continually do extensive market research to ensure this and we have served hundreds of satisfied guests from all over the country. 4. The Private Deck DOES have amazing views of the IN Dunes National Lakeshore and Lake Michigan (see website photos), Weber gas grill, and a dining table that seats four. 5. Miller Beach is a unique Artist community, 12 miles from Gary, full of quaint shops, galleries, eateries, economic development, and an award-winning brewery and restaurant. It is the closest beach-side community to Chicago (40min) and the Southern-most tip of Lake Michigan with a large and growing sand bar. 6. Further, Miller Beach is the FARTHEST away from the industrial plants to the East. In fact, the beach you mentioned staying at is only 11 miles from the giant cooling tower whereas Miller Beach is over 30 miles away. The quality of the sugar-sand beach, the clear waters, and being a direct part of the IN Dunes National Lakeshore, makes Miller Beach a far superior location. We invite you back anytime to explore Miller Beach’s true beauty. Very Truly Yours, Jim