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Private Retreat w Swim Spa & Pool Table Near Naval Station Great Lakes

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A two-story house with a garage, solar panels on the roof, and a brick exterior.
Outdoor spa tub
Outdoor spa tub
Living area
A modern kitchen with a dining area, featuring a large table, chairs, and built-in appliances.

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
Featuring a hot tub, this vacation home accommodates 10 guests with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. It includes 1 hot tub and 2 separate living rooms for relaxation. Enjoy the outdoor patio for fresh air and gatherings.

Highlights

  • Dive into relaxation
    Unwind in the top-rated pool, your perfect spot for relaxation.
  • Arcade/game room
    A rare find - fun for all ages with on-site arcade/game room.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 11

Popular amenities

  • Balcony
  • Swimming pool
  • Arcade/game room
  • Barbecue
  • Spa pool on site
  • Internet

Explore the area

View map
Waukegan, IL
  • Place, Bowen Park
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Jack Benny Center for the Arts
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Place, Naval Base Great Lakes
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Airport, Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)
    ‪66 min drive‬

Where you'll sleep

4 bedrooms (sleeps 11)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Single Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Double Bed

Living Room 1

4 Single Sofa Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bidet · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bidet · Toilet · Jetted bathtub · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Number of living rooms
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Private Retreat w Swim Spa & Pool Table Near Naval Station Great Lakes

A spacious, well-appointed private retreat near Naval Station Great Lakes—ideal for Navy graduations, family gatherings, and relaxing stays.

Enjoy plenty of room to unwind, including a NEW 7-ft slate pool table, large-screen TV, and lower-level entertainment area.
Outdoors, relax on the spacious patio or enjoy the all-season H2X Trainer Swim Spa—a guest favorite year-round.

The home sleeps up to 11 guests and includes two bathrooms, a jetted bathtub, bidet, central AC and heating, laundry facilities, and private on-site parking.
Please note: This is a multilevel home, and stairs are required to access all bedrooms and bathrooms.

Guest Count & Pricing:
The base rate includes up to 4 guests. Additional guests are welcome, up to a maximum occupancy of 11, at $ 50 per person, per night beyond 4 guests.
Reservations must accurately reflect the total number of overnight guests for safety, insurance, and compliance purposes.

Your Privacy:
Guests have their own private accommodations and entrance. The hosts live on-site in a separate private section of the property with a separate entrance. There are no shared indoor living areas or guest amenities. We're available if needed while fully respecting our guests' privacy.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings
A party/gathering must be approved in advance.
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Gather used towels
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Only registered guests allowed on the property. Extra guests(beyond 4) must be approved. Unauthorized guests may result in cancelation without refund.
The hosts reside on-site in a private area. There are no shared indoor spaces during your stay. It's fully private. This allows guests enjoy privacy.
By completing the booking, guests confirm that the've reviewed and agreed to the house rules and policies.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 5026255vb
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) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 11
Note from host: A party/gathering must be approved in advance.
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

Waukegan

Waukegan is home to this holiday home. Gurnee Mills and Market Square are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lake Michigan and Illinois Beach State Park. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Waukegan BMX Track or Waukegan SportsPark.
View more Holiday homes in WaukeganOpens in a new window
Map
Waukegan, IL

What's nearby

  • Bowen Park - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Jack Benny Center for the Arts - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Naval Base Great Lakes - 12 min drive - 9.8 km
  • Six Flags Great America - 19 min drive - 19.4 km
  • Gurnee Mills - 19 min drive - 20.9 km

Getting around

  • Waukegan Station - 8 min drive
  • Kenosha, WI (ENW-Kenosha Regional) - 37 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Chuck Wagon - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Private Retreat w Swim Spa & Pool Table Near Naval Station Great Lakes have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

How much does it cost to stay at Private Retreat w Swim Spa & Pool Table Near Naval Station Great Lakes?

As of 28 Sept 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Private Retreat w Swim Spa & Pool Table Near Naval Station Great Lakes on 2 Feb 2027 start from AU$1,562, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is Private Retreat w Swim Spa & Pool Table Near Naval Station Great Lakes pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Private Retreat w Swim Spa & Pool Table Near Naval Station Great Lakes?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Private Retreat w Swim Spa & Pool Table Near Naval Station Great Lakes?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Private Retreat w Swim Spa & Pool Table Near Naval Station Great Lakes?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Private Retreat w Swim Spa & Pool Table Near Naval Station Great Lakes located?

Situated in Waukegan, this holiday home is steps from Bowen Park and 1.7 mi (2.8 km) from Lake Michigan. Jack Benny Center for the Arts and Vista Medical Center - East are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

9.4

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. 11 out of 17 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 17 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 17 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 17 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 17 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.2/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was an awesome property and the hosts were so great!!! We really enjoyed our visit!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This house was perfect for celebrating our Sailor! We traveled into town for our son's Navy bootcamp graduation. There was plenty of room for the 8 of us. The spa/hot tub was amazing!! The owners were very accommodating and communication was excellent. They even suggested having our groceries delivered prior to arrival for convenience and to save time. I would highly recommend and would definitely stay there again!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Sept 2026
Thank you so much, Sara! It was a pleasure hosting your family for such a special occasion. We’re so glad the house, swim spa, and grocery arrangements helped make Ashton’s Navy graduation weekend more enjoyable and gave everyone a comfortable place to spend time together. Congratulations again to Ashton and your entire family, and thank you for choosing our home for such a memorable celebration!
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
It was fine
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We came here to celebrate our son’s graduation from Navy basic training. This is the perfect place. Plenty of space for everyone. The kitchen and living areas were just right for gathering. We spent lots of time on the back deck and enjoyed the swim spa too! It was perfect for our Navy grad who just wanted to chill. It’s about 10-15 mins from the base. We did have a miscommunication with the host when booking, but the host was gracious and understanding and worked it out with us. This is one of the cleanest VRBO’s we’ve ever stayed in!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Aug 2026
Thank you so much, Greg and Amy, for your wonderful review! It was truly a pleasure hosting your family for such a special occasion. I’m glad we were able to work through the little misunderstanding and, most importantly, that you could enjoy your time together celebrating Chris’s Navy graduation. It means a great deal to hear how much you enjoyed the home, deck and swim spa — and especially your kind words about the cleanliness of the property. Congratulations again to Chris on this incredible milestone. Wishing him and your entire family all the very best, and we would be delighted to welcome you back anytime. Sheila & Desmond
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our family had a wonderful time staying here. Our host was phenomenal! He was sweet and a great communicated. The house was beautiful, extremely clean and organized. Our children loved the spa! They spent a good amount of time enjoying time in the pool and hottub in the evenings. The little touches made our stay comfortable. Especially the American and Navy flags what were decorating the property and table. Plus the fresh cut flowers on the table. Thank you so very much.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 11 July 2026
Thank you so much, Christina, for your incredibly kind words. It was truly a pleasure hosting you and your wonderful family. I'm so happy to hear everyone enjoyed the Swim Spa and that the little touches—from the fresh flowers to the American and Navy flags—helped make your stay special. It means a great deal to know they were appreciated. Congratulations once again to your son on his Navy graduation. Thank you for choosing our home to celebrate such an important milestone. You and your family are always welcome back, and we wish you all the very best!
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This property was in a great location if you are attending the Navy graduation. Only 15 minutes away. Spacious with nice amenities. Nice host.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Feb 2026
Thank you for taking time and a good review!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful stay and highly recommended. We were here for my son’s Navy Bootcamp graduation with blended family. It was perfect. Plenty of space for everyone to have private time. The home was beautiful and spotless. Very comfortable stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Feb 2026
Thank you so much for taking time and leaving a great review!!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Staying here blessed our family so much. Having such a short precious time with our sailor made it critical to choose the right place. A home away from home feeling, plenty of room and all the comforts you could hope for. The spa hot tub and private backyard was absolutely wonderful for us all! A place to rest and reconnect, making the time together so special. Communication with the owner went beyond the details...he was so kind and empathetic to our situation as a family and attended to any needs or questions we had. Truly a gift we will always cherish, thank you!!! Absolutely recommend!!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 21 May 2026
Thank you so much for your incredibly heartfelt review. It truly means a great deal to us that your family felt comfortable, cared for, and able to fully enjoy such precious time together with your new sailor. Hosting Navy graduation families is always special, but your family’s warmth, kindness, and appreciation made this stay especially meaningful for us as well. We are so happy the home, private backyard, and swim spa helped create a relaxing place to rest, reconnect, and celebrate this important milestone together. Congratulations again to your sailor and to your entire family. We feel honored that you chose our home for such a memorable occasion, and we sincerely hope your paths bring you back to the area again someday. Wishing all of you many blessings and wonderful memories ahead!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place to get the family together for the weekend. For us we needed a place because it was Navy Graduation for our Son. Property was great, hosts put in the extra effort to make sure there were nice extras to ensure we had a great stay. The pool is as pictured and we really really loved getting outside and enjoying it with family! Everything we needed was there, fully stocked kitchen, hosts had coffee and even breakfast food with eggs and bacon we forgot from the store. Host was available for any questions we had via app or by text. I’d stay in this house again for sure! We had two babies with us and house was great for them too, lots of playgrounds nearby too plus very close to Navy graduation (less than 15 minutes with traffic).
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 16 May 2026
Thank you so much, Courtney, for your kind and thoughtful review. It was truly a pleasure hosting your family for such a special Navy graduation weekend. I’m so glad the home worked well for everyone, including the little ones, and that you were able to enjoy time together outside by the swim spa. Hearing that your family had a comfortable place to gather, relax, and celebrate your son after graduation means a lot. Congratulations again to your sailor and your entire family. You are welcome back anytime!
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Overall, we had an enjoyable stay. The house was clean, well-maintained, and had nice amenities. The host was also very responsive and easy to communicate with.The location was convenient and close to the base for my daughter’s naval graduation, which made things much easier for us.The host disclosed after booking that he lived onsite, which I misunderstood at the time. It would have been helpful for that to be clearly outlined as the host actually living in the house, to avoid any confusion.Aside from that, everything else was a positive experience.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Apr 2026
I appreciate you pointing that out. The listing has now been updated to highlight this detail more prominently so there’s complete clarity for future guests.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We rented this VRBO home as a base for our trip to RTC Great Lakes to see our sailor graduate from bootcamp. The house is beautiful with four bedrooms and two full baths; there is sleeping space for 10 people. It's located in a very quiet and safe neighborhood. It has a fully appointed kitchen, plenty of space for dining and lounging, and a wonderful deck and outdoor space. We absolutely enjoyed soaking in the hot tub and swimming in the heated swim spa.Desmond and Sheila, the hosts, live onsite in separate living quarters with a separate entrance. We never heard them, and they never imposed themselves on our stay. However, when we had a question about the swim spa, Desmond dropped what he was doing to help us out. They were such gracious hosts! They put out patriotic decorations to celebrate the graduation of our sailor, left beautiful fresh flowers picked from their own garden for us on the dining table, and stocked the fridge with enough breakfast supplies that they lasted for us for the entire week. In addition to the beautiful upscale home and the absolutely wonderful hosts, the location was fantastic for travel back and forth to the RTC. On the morning of graduation, we left at 6:25 a.m., drove the 12-15 minutes to the RTC, went through screening at the gate, and additional screening in the graduation hall, and were seated before 7 am. We would happily rent from Desmond and Sheila again anytime in the future.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Aug 2026
Kathleen, I just saw your review, and I honestly can't thank you enough for taking the time to write such a thoughtful and detailed account of your stay. It means so much to both Sheela and me that you enjoyed the home and felt comfortable and completely at ease during your time here. I especially appreciate you sharing your experience traveling to RTC on graduation morning. I know that kind of firsthand information will be incredibly helpful and reassuring to other Navy families planning the same very special trip. Hosting families who come here to celebrate their sailors has become something very meaningful to us, and having your family here was truly a pleasure. Thank you again for your incredibly kind words, for taking such wonderful care of our home, and for trusting us to be a small part of such an important family occasion. Please give our best to Priscilla and everyone, and we wish your grandson every success as he continues on to A School. If your travels ever bring you back this way, our door will always be open to you. Warmest regards, Desmond & Sheela
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property was very nice, and I am sincerely grateful for the thoughtful accommodations the host provided to make our stay welcoming, comfortable, and special. The host was also very prompt in answering questions and offering helpful guidance. Our group enjoyed the property, and I truly appreciate the care that went into preparing the unit for us.One detail future guests may want to clarify before booking is the listing description of a “whole house with the host on the premises.” My interpretation was that the host would be in a separate unit nearby, elsewhere on the property, or perhaps at another location on the same street. However, the arrangement was different from what I expected based on my previous experiences renting entire homes. Because certain comments suggested the host was in very close proximity to our group, guests who value a greater level of privacy—or those traveling with children—may want to ask exactly what “host on the premises” means for this particular property.Overall, we were comfortable and grateful for the hospitality, but I believe greater clarity about the host’s proximity would help future guests make a fully informed decision. This will better prepare them for the experience. Amazing property, amazing host!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 26 July 2026
Thank you so much, Sherwonder, for your thoughtful and detailed review. It was truly a pleasure hosting you and your wonderful group for such a meaningful celebration. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the home and appreciated the care we put into making your stay comfortable and memorable. Thank you also for your feedback regarding the wording of "host on the premises." We understand how that description can be interpreted in different ways. We live on the property in a completely separate, private section of the home with our own entrance, while guests enjoy exclusive use of their reserved space and amenities. Your comments are helpful, and we'll review our listing description to make that arrangement even clearer for future guests. Thank you again for choosing our home to celebrate your special milestone. We wish you all the very best and would be honored to welcome you back anytime.
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
The house is very nice and clean. Location was great for attending my grandson's Navy graduation. With that being said I do have some negatives about my family's stay. First of all, the listing states "Entire Home" that is not accurate. The host notified me they lived "on site", I evidently misinterpreted that they meant they would actually be in the house. Some of my family did not feel comfortable with that but it was too late at the time we arrived to make changes. It is not that they bothered us, and we never saw them while we were there. However, it was evident they came into at least the kitchen when we were out. Except for the day we arrived, every time we returned there was an extremely strong curry odor that would almost knock you over when opening the door. It gave you a sickening feeling until we located air freshener to dissipate it. Also, it is very inconvenient to have to go upstairs or downstairs to the bathroom, since there was not one on the main level of the home.If the issues I mentioned are not a concern for you, then the actual home is very nicely decorated and clean.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Mar 2026
Thank you for your detailed feedback and for your kind words about the cleanliness and décor of the home. I’m very glad the location worked well for your grandson’s Navy graduation—what a special occasion for your family. I’m sorry to hear that some aspects of your stay did not meet expectations. I’d like to clarify that while the listing is for the entire guest space, we do reside on-site in a completely separate, private section with its own entrance. We do our best to communicate this clearly in advance, and I appreciate your note as it helps us improve how we present this information to future guests. Regarding your concern about entry into the kitchen, I want to reassure you that we fully respect our guests’ privacy and made a note of your concern.The cooking aromas you noticed may have traveled through shared ventilation, and I understand how that could be uncomfortable—we will ensure to have this not recurred. We also appreciate your feedback about the bathroom layout, as it helps future guests better understand the home’s design. Thank you again for staying with us and for sharing your experience. Your input is valuable and help us continue to improve
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was awesome a very nice place.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Aug 2026
Hi Ronny, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a great review. We truly appreciate it! It was a pleasure hosting you and the Farris family. Your kindness, understanding, and excellent communication made it a wonderful hosting experience for us. We were especially grateful for the exceptional care you took of our home—it was left in immaculate condition. Thank you again for choosing to stay with us. We hope your family has many wonderful memories from your trip, and we'd be honored to welcome you back anytime you're in the area. Safe travels, and all the very best to you and your family! Warm regards, Sheila & Desmond
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This house is absolutely beautiful. It is spacious and comfortable. Desmond was a wonderful host making every thing streamlined. The check in and out was easy. Desmond made sure there was nothing we needed during our stay and was available for anything we needed. I would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Aug 2026
Thank you so much, Dawn, for your wonderful review and your incredibly kind words. It truly means a lot to us. It was an absolute pleasure hosting you and your group. We're delighted that you found the home comfortable and enjoyed your stay. Thank you as well for taking such great care of the house—it was left in immaculate condition. You're always welcome back whenever your travels bring you to the Chicago area. We'd be honored to host you again. Wishing you all the very best, and safe travels!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This place is amazing. Great size house. Wonderful addition with the swim spa. Our family had the best experience. About 20 minutes away from the attractions we were after. A wonderful place to stay for our family vacation get away. The host was very responsive and respectful.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 21 June 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Jamie! It was truly a pleasure hosting you and your family. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the house, the Swim Spa, and the convenient location for your family getaway. Creating a comfortable space where families can relax and make lasting memories is exactly what we strive for. Thank you as well for being such respectful guests and for taking excellent care of our home. We greatly appreciated your communication throughout your stay. We would be honored to welcome you and your family back anytime your travels bring you to the area. Best wishes, Desmond
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
How was nice, need to have bbq utensils for your charcoal bbq. Also there was no plastic cups for kids to use. We bought some for the next guests. The access to navy graduations was great 15 minutes away.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 24 May 2026
Thank you for staying with us and for your helpful feedback. I’m glad the home worked well for your Navy graduation visit and that the location was convenient for your family. I also appreciate you mentioning the BBQ utensils and plastic cups for kids. I’ll make sure those are added for future guests. Thank you as well for kindly leaving some cups for the next family. Best wishes to you and your family, and congratulations again on your sailor’s graduation.

About the host

Hosted by Desmond Karnet

Host profile image

Languages:

English
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