Entire home

Panoramic riverfront view/King bed/5 min off I-80/Nature trails/Clean and Quiet!

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Front entrance.  connector for electric car, space for motorcycle and golf cart
View from master deck overlooking river
A December morning. Sun. Off river is like 2 suns. Can still sit on deck
Main floor screened in porch.  No bugs at night:)
Private kitchen

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 6111.5 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Outdoor space
  • Fireplace
  • Washer

Explore the area

Map
Ottawa, IL
  • Washington Square Park
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Tangled Roots Brewing Company - The Lone Buffalo
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Skydive Chicago
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Peru, IL (VYS-Illinois Valley Regional)
    ‪30 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Main floor/living room

1 Double Sofa Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Main floor bathroom

Towels provided · Toilet

Master bath

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only

Second bathroom

Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Dining area

About this property

Panoramic riverfront view/King bed/5 min off I-80/Nature trails/Clean and Quiet!


RiverZen - Your Quiet Getaway on the Illinois River!

Located right on the Illinois River within the beautiful Heritage Harbor resort, RiverZen offers the perfect escape with its pristine, peaceful setting. Enjoy private, uninterrupted panoramic views of the river from multiple decks, providing a serene atmosphere to unwind and relax.

As a self-proclaimed clean freak, I ensure that everything—including the floors—is thoroughly washed after every guest, guaranteeing a spotless stay for you.

Your Perfect Relaxation Spot!

Whether you're here for a few nights or a week, this is the place to unwind. The area offers a wealth of activities, yet you can also simply relax on one of the decks and let time slow down. Spend your days reading, watching barges glide by, or observing eagles soaring and landing across the river, where untouched woodlands create a stunning, peaceful backdrop.

Fully Stocked Villa with Comfortable Amenities!

This charming villa features two spacious bedrooms: a master with a king-size bed and a second with a trundle bed. The main level also includes a brand-new queen sleeper sofa for extra sleeping space.

The open floor plan offers all the comforts of home, including a fully equipped kitchen, a cozy gas fireplace, and two and a half bathrooms, ensuring plenty of room for relaxation and privacy for all your guests.

Amenities and Activities!

Enjoy a wide range of activities during your stay, including swimming, boating, kayaking, biking, and fishing right off the property. Experience bird watching, with eagles and other species frequently spotted, or relax while watching barges pass by right from one of the decks. Additional activities include fire pits, kite flying, corn hole, and much more—there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Just a 3-minute walk away, the marina offers a variety of activities and amenities, including a playground, three swimming pools (open from May to the end of September), volleyball, pickleball, cornhole, a tiki bar, and the Blue Gill restaurant for dinner and cocktails.

Adjacent to the resort, the I&M Canal Trail is perfect for walking, running, biking, and cross-country skiing. If you're interested, there's also a free 5k every Saturday morning around the marina.

Minutes from Downtown Ottawa!

Just minutes away from downtown, you'll find a charming area filled with unique local spots. Enjoy cozy coffee shops, an independent bookstore, an old-fashioned movie theater, craft beer and wine shops, a toy store, a candy and ice cream shop, a variety of gift shops and museums. Whether you're browsing high-end boutiques, resale shops, antique stores, or historical sites there's something for everyone.

Ottawa is also home to a vibrant festival scene throughout the year. Highlights include the Christkindl Market in November and December, Saturday markets with live music, Brew Fest, the Starved Rock Marathon, and numerous festivals and parades for children.

Proximity to Nearby Parks!

RiverZen is just minutes away from several beautiful parks, including Matthiessen, Illini, Buffalo, and Starved Rock State Parks. For a quieter, less-crowded experience, explore the nearby Dayton Bluffs Preserve, a hidden gem.

Quiet, Relaxing, Safe, and Extra Clean!

At RiverZen, cleanliness and comfort are a top priority. I have my own dedicated cleaning team, and the cleaning products and materials are used exclusively in my home. But don't just take my word for it—be sure to check out the reviews. Many of our guests are talented writers who share their wonderful experiences!

Treat yourself to a stay at RiverZen—you deserve it!

Property manager

Owner
Premier Host

Languages

English, French, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 23
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
1 small pet under 30lbs may be allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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 and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Ottawa

Located in Ottawa, this holiday home is in the city centre and on a river. Starved Rock State Park and Tangled Roots Brewing Company - The Lone Buffalo are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Mix's Trading Post and Grand Bear Falls Indoor Water Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Ottawa, IL

What's nearby

  • Washington Square Park - 9 min drive - 6.5 km
  • Tangled Roots Brewing Company - The Lone Buffalo - 9 min drive - 6.7 km
  • Skydive Chicago - 14 min drive - 11.4 km
  • Buffalo Rock State Park - 16 min drive - 13.2 km
  • Starved Rock State Park - 18 min drive - 16.0 km

Getting around

  • Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) - 95 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Jimmy John's - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Panoramic riverfront view/King bed/5 min off I-80/Nature trails/Clean and Quiet! have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Panoramic riverfront view/King bed/5 min off I-80/Nature trails/Clean and Quiet! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Panoramic riverfront view/King bed/5 min off I-80/Nature trails/Clean and Quiet!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Panoramic riverfront view/King bed/5 min off I-80/Nature trails/Clean and Quiet!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Panoramic riverfront view/King bed/5 min off I-80/Nature trails/Clean and Quiet! located?

Located in the heart of Ottawa, this holiday home is 3 mi (4.9 km) from OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center and within 6 miles (10 km) of Washington Square Park and Appellate Court. Tangled Roots Brewing Company - The Lone Buffalo and The Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial 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. 102 out of 104 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 104 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 104 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 104 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 104 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Sirena C.

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

Beautiful home relaxing retreat

Lynmari is an AMAZING host. She literally thought of everything. We stayed for my husband’s birthday and she helped me through the process (first-time using VRBO). Provided excellent tips and recommendations. Can’t wait to book again. Beautiful
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Caryn A.

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

Cozy and beautiful views

Loved the house, hospitality, and the views.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

James L.

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

Great stay

Wonderful property
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Roxanne H.

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

River Zen

We enjoyed sitting on porch and watching the activity on the river. The surrounding area is full of history and many daytime adventures. Could not have asked for a better host.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vicki E.

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

Our "Zen" Stay

We loved our stay. In addition to being a peaceful setting, watching the waterfowl, including bald Eagles, and the river traffic was a lovely experience. There is also lots to do in the area. I highly recommend it!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Luke & Tessa M.

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

Relaxing getaway

My husband and I stayed for 3 nights. Was a wonderful place to stay and relax! Lynmari was wonderful and provided us with any information we needed, recommendations and was very quick to answer. Hope to come back again!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dana M.

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

Just Perfect!

The home was the perfect spot for our weekend getaway. It was close to everything and when we didn’t want to venture out we enjoyed the pools, pickleball courts or a quiet walk around the marina. The entire community was welcoming and friendly. Amazing host who personalized our stay with bait for our son to fish and regular check ins with suggested activities and to make sure we had everything we needed. 5+ stars all the way around.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Suzannah G.

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

Absolutely lovely

Amazing property, amazing owner. Nothing not to love. We will be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dave B.

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

Exactly what we needed

The pool kept us cool in stifling heat. There are umbrellas at the pool for shade. Kids loved getting around the area by golf cart (note: if don’t rent one from the resort, owner’s offering is better). Was nice to have comfortable furniture both inside and out. So relaxing to sit out on the decks with a book and glass of coffee (or wine). Played a number of board games with the kids and enjoyed disconnecting with devices while connecting with family
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Peg C.

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

Another wonderful stay at Tranquility at RiverZen

Clean, comfortable, relaxing river views. Excellent communication from host including restaurant recommendations and ideas to keep my 3 year old granddaughter entertained! Our second time here, and it feels like home! Already planning our next visit!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Donald P.

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

Wonderful experience!!!

What a great weekend we enjoyed at this gem of a house! Communication with the owner was outstanding and nothing was left to chance! The house was immaculate, and we were provided with great suggestions for local restaurants! We spent two amazing mornings enjoying coffee on the porch off of the master bedroom overlooking the river, and pleasant evenings doing the same from the first floor porch. "Tranquility at RiverZen" could not be a more fitting name for this VRBO experience! We look forward to a return visit soon! Thank you Lynmari!!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julie L.

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

A Beautiful River View

We enjoyed our stay at Tranquility at RiverZen. The house is so pretty and we love staying in Heritage Harbor. There was plenty of room to cook, eat and relax. Our favorite parts of the house were the screened in porch & covered 2nd floor porch. They both had a wonderful view of the river. We really enjoyed mornings and evenings on the porches!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brian P.

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

Vaca by the River

We enjoyed the house and the Riverview….and greatly appreciated all the tips for food and things to do! It was a great getaway.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Eric B.

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

Awesome Stay!

What a great place, property and owner. Everything was perfect and we would definitely visit again. Thanks so much for everything! Eric
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rachel Z.

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

Beautiful place..view and home!

Really nice place to stay for me, my husband, 2 kids and my mom. The home was nice and well equipped. And the view..wow! I had no idea the illinois river so beautiful! The pool was also nice! Downtown Ottawa also so nice to be close..along with..of course Starved Rock Park and Matheson Park (my fav!)
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matthew L.

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

Wonderful stay

Very clean, modern condo, with magnificent view of the Illinois River. We had wander up three days
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathy E.

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

July 2024

Great view! Wonderful resort. Lots of activities. Nice friendly community. Felt very safe. Property manager very easy to contact. Overall an excellent place!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

lauren l.

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

Perfect Stay

A wonderful weekend getaway. The property was clean, comfortable, had everything you could need, the location and surrounding area was perfect and the host was so helpful. Absolutely nothing negative to say about our stay. We hope to come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mark W E.

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

Pleased

Very nice accommodations, very nice settings.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bo J.

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

Wonderful stay

Had a great stay at the property. Some great fishing in the area as well as boat rentals and golf cart rentals within walking distance. Multiple pools for swimming and playing with the kids. Everyone in the area is extremely friendly and the restaurant near by was fantastic
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laura E.

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

Beautiful Riverfront Stay

We had a relaxing weekend at RiverZen. This was one of the most comfortable properties we have ever stayed and extremely clean. Lynmari has gone to extra effort with everything including the comfort of the bed and bedding, plush towels, and even ceiling fans on the porches that really keep it cool even though it was a warm day. Lynmari is a very responsive host and gave great advice on places to eat and visit in the area. (Steve’s Bakery donuts are AMAZING by the way 😊). The view from the house is unmatched, especially waking up in the morning and looking out at the river from the master bedroom. We highly recommend this property and hope to return in the future!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

pattie r.

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

Everyone needs some RiverZen in their life!

Book this beautiful home and you will be so glad you did! We had never been to Starved Rock before and came across this beautiful home and booked it. We hiked several parks before checking in and were pretty tired when we got to the property and when we walked through the front door it was total tranquility and coziness. It was spotless and had all the comforts of home. The views from lower deck and bedroom deck were beautiful! So comfortable and beautiful! Lynmari was the perfect hostess. We can’t recommend enough - we will be back! BOOK IT!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anna B.

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

Spring break getaway

Our stay was absolutely fantastic. The house is incredible and Lynmari was so nice and helpful. The home is well stocked and very comfortable for our family. A C short drive to starved rock was perfect. Don’t hesitate staying here.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rachel G.

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

Barge Watching success

We love the views and the calmness. Watching the barges go by is a highlight for all of us.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Russell S.

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

Weekend stay in Ottawa

We really enjoyed the stay. The house was exactly as described and the river view was fantastic. We definitely hope to visit again soon.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

About the host

Hosted by Owner

Host profile image
I have a love for people, diverse cultures, and the spirit of hospitality. Traveling with my family and exploring the wonders of the world has brought us so much joy and inspiration. At RiverZen, I strive to bring that same magic to everyone who visits. I hope your time here fills you with as much happiness and connection as it brings to us

Why they chose this property



RiverZen feels like a retreat to another world. From the moment you step through the door and take in the breathtaking river view, the worries of everyday life simply melt away, replaced by an overwhelming sense of tranquility. The possibilities here are endless—whether it's launching your own boat from the marina, enjoying multiple pools, dining at the on-site restaurant, gathering around firepits, or diving into aquatic sports and activities. Despite all the excitement, the house is perfectly situated to provide the best of both worlds: close to everything you need, yet far enough to offer a peaceful, private escape with an unobstructed view of the stunning Illinois River.

What makes this property unique

RiverZen offers breathtaking, unobstructed views right from the house, situated in a peaceful part of the neighborhood—free from noise, parties, or crowds. Across the river, nature reigns, with views of the water, wildlife, barges, and soaring eagles, especially in winter. The home is meticulously maintained, using eco-friendly products and professionally cleaned by a private company. We want you to feel like you're in a true retreat, not a hotel. At RiverZen, it's about the quality of each moment, not the quantity. We focus on creating meaningful, lasting experiences.

Languages:

English, French, Spanish

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests