This cottage is located within a 15-minute drive of Twin Birch Golf Course and Grass River Natural Area. The cottage includes a kitchen, a patio, and a refrigerator.
Grass River Natural Area - 14 min drive - 10.8 miles
Lake Bellaire - 18 min drive - 14.1 miles
Clam Lake - 19 min drive - 13.0 miles
Getting around
Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 39 min drive
Restaurants
The Hens Den - 9 min drive
Casa Nueva - 5 min drive
Roadhouse Saloon - 5 min drive
Blue Water Bistro & Pizzeria - Torch Lake Pizza - 14 min drive
The Iron Skillet - 9 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Rapid River Retreat Cottage - 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 2.5 acres, & Hot Tub
Wooded Retreat w/ Hot Tub, King Suite, Trailer Parking — Near Torch Lake & Shanty Creek
Unwind at this peaceful 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch tucked away on 2.5 wooded acres—ideal for families, couples, and outdoor adventurers. Located in the heart of Northern Michigan, you’re just minutes from lakes, trails, ski slopes, wineries, and charming small towns.
🛏️ Primary Suite – King bed + private soaker tub 📺 Roku TVs – In all bedrooms + living room 🔥 Hot tub under the stars + fire pit for s’mores 🚐 Trailer-friendly parking – Bring your boat, ATV, or snowmobiles 🌲 Private, peaceful lot with space to explore and relax
🛶 Torch Lake – 12 min 🎿 Shanty Creek Resort (Golf/Ski) – 18 min 🏖️ Elk Rapids Beach – 28 min 🏜️ Sleeping Bear Dunes – 1 hr 🍷 Wineries, breweries & trails – all close by
Whether you’re boating in summer, skiing in winter, or just soaking in the hot tub after a day of adventure, this cozy Northern Michigan home is your perfect basecamp.
The cottage is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and a patio, and there's space to spread out with 3 bedrooms. Guests can expect to find free WiFi and a Smart TV with a DVD player. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a coffee maker, and a kitchen island.
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
4 steps to reach entrance
No elevator (single-level property)
Single level property
Smooth flooring in public areas
Smoking not allowed
Location highlights
In a rural location
Near a hospital
Near the marina
Things to do
Water sports equipment
Basketball nearby
Birdwatching nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Hunting nearby
Ice skating nearby
Jet skiing nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Sailing nearby
Sledding nearby
Snowmobiling nearby
Swimming nearby
Water skiing nearby
Water tubing nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Winery tours nearby
Safety features
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
Fire extinguisher
Deadbolt lock
General
At least 80% lighting from LEDs
Cleaning products are eco-friendly
Double-glazed windows
Reusable coffee/tea filters
Unit size: 1,200 square feet
Water-efficient showers
Water-efficient toilets
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Check-out instructions
The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Lock the doors and return the keys
Checkout by 11am so our cleaners can provide the same wonderful experience for our next guest. Please leave our space just how you found it.
•Bedding can stay on beds
•Wash dishes before leaving
•Remove your items from fridge
•Check to ensure you're not leaving anything behind.
Please leave us a review and tell us and our future guests how awesome our property was during your stay! Thank you!
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Pets
This property doesn't allow pets
Children and extra beds
Children allowed: ages 0-17
Events
No events allowed
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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
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
Check-in: 3:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 21
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock.
Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:
Long-term renters welcome.
Frequently asked questions
What's there to do around this cottage?
This cottage is located in Mancelona, close to Torch Lake Park and Grass River Natural Area.
Will I be able to park at Rapid River Retreat Cottage - 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 2.5 acres, & Hot Tub?
No, there isn't parking available at the cottage.
Is this cottage associated with a casino?
No, this cottage is not connected to a casino.
Will I find an indoor pool at this cottage?
No, this cottage doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is a hot tub.
What will couples enjoy most about a stay at Rapid River Retreat Cottage - 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 2.5 acres, & Hot Tub?
Couples staying at this cottage will appreciate amenities like a kitchen and a smart TV as well as a hot tub.
Are there hot tubs at Rapid River Retreat Cottage - 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 2.5 acres, & Hot Tub?
No, there isn't a spa tub at this cottage.
Does this cottage include breakfast service?
No, this cottage doesn't offer breakfast.
Will this cottage allow pets to stay for free?
No, pets aren't allowed at this cottage.
Are there connecting rooms at Rapid River Retreat Cottage - 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 2.5 acres, & Hot Tub?
No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this cottage.
How close is the airport from this cottage?
The closest major airport to this cottage is Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), which is 29 mi away (39 minutes by car).
Can I book a room with a balcony at Rapid River Retreat Cottage - 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 2.5 acres, & Hot Tub?
Yes, every cottage at Rapid River Retreat Cottage - 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 2.5 acres, & Hot Tub comes with a patio.
Rapid River Retreat Cottage - 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 2.5 acres, & Hot Tub Reviews
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers 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. 11 out of 13 reviews
10 - Excellent
11
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 13 reviews
8 - Good
1
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 13 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 13 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 13 reviews
2 - Terrible
1
9.4/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Keaton M.
Apr 25, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
Great place all around!
Keaton M.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
2/10 Terrible
Bartholomew R.
Mar 26, 2026
Disliked: Cleanliness
Hot tub is advertised heavily, it wasn’t functional. Messaged property manager. All I got was a “I’m Sorry.” My wife and I stripped the beds as instructed in the check out asks. Found bed bugs. Messaged the property manager. Got a “I’m sorry, we take this seriously”. No offer to wave a cleaning fee, or knock a few bucks off. I understand this is a business, but if you come up short, are given a chance to make it right, and all you can say is “I’m sorry”, it was a little disappointing. Other than that, place was great.
Bartholomew R.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
8/10 Good
Jasmine L.
Feb 15, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
We booked as a group of 10 for the weekend and the beds/bathrooms were all perfect. The kitchen isn't 100% suited for large groups in terms of the size/number of pots/pans provided. However, they had lots of plates/utensils/bowls which made the everything besides cooking very easy. The space is really large and accommodates 10 people easily. The hot-tub was unfortunately broken and we didn't know until we arrived. However, after troubleshooting with the host they were able to work through a partial refund which was heavily appreciated. Super responsive host and check in was smooth!
Jasmine L.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
10/10 Excellent
Heather W.
Jan 8, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
Was very clean, owner was very helpful :)
Heather W.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
10/10 Excellent
Colleen D.
Dec 18, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
A great girls getaway place.
Colleen D.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
10/10 Excellent
Adam W.
Nov 11, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
The house was clean, beds were comfortable, kitchen was stocked enough to make simple meals. Hot tub was great! Wifi was slower than just using cell service, but the TV's still worked just fine.
Adam W.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
10/10 Excellent
Kimberly P.
Oct 27, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Rapid River Retreat was perfect for a long weekend for relaxing. Close enough to Traverse City to take advantage of the many activities but far enough to be quiet and private. Ken was very quick to respond when we had a question about the coffee maker (it’s a fancy one :). Super relaxing to spend some time in the hot tub. Would absolutely visit again.
Kimberly P.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
Alli D.
Oct 20, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
The house is very cute and clean with all the amenities! The beds are comfy. The property is very cool and the hot tub was a very nice bonus! Can’t wait to stay here again
Alli D.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
Dave U.
Oct 7, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Very nice secluded peaceful place in the woods. Not too far from grocery stores. Was bigger than I expected with smple space to spread out both inside and out.
Dave U.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
Meg B.
Sep 15, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
We loved our stay at the retreat cottage. It was very cozy set back into the woods. There’s a little trail that goes a bit deeper that our kids loved looking for deer prints on. It’s a little distance from any grocery store so be sure to bring your staples with you( spices and cooking oils, ice trays). Coffee was provided and that’s pretty important. The host was able to answer my questions fairly quickly! The hot tub was a fabulous amenity that our family enjoyed at night or even early in the morning.
Meg B.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
10/10 Excellent
Melanie B.
Sep 2, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Property as described. Close to all the lakes. Plenty of sleeping space.