About Red Roof Retreats
Who Doesn't Love a Good Vacation?
Red Roof Retreats began in 2014 with one simple log cabin and a big idea.
Matt originally built the first Red Roof Retreat as a long-term rental. A couple of years later, in 2016, Kris asked a simple question: “What if we try this new Airbnb thing and rent it to vacationers?” Matt wasn’t convinced it would work — but he agreed to give it a try.
It worked better than either of us imagined.
Meet Your Hosts
Kris & Matt
Today, Red Roof Retreats has grown to seven unique vacation rentals, with two more currently in the works. Most of our properties are located around beautiful Lake of Egypt in Southern Illinois, with one special getaway right on the beach in Florida.
Each retreat has its own personality — from a cozy log cabin, a tiny lakefront home with an outdoor shower, and a whimsical treehouse, to a three-bedroom lakefront home with a private dock, a hot-tub retreat where deer often wander through the yard, and our modern dual-pod rental that offers two separate living spaces in one stay. What connects all of our retreats is the experience.
We are travelers ourselves, and every place we’ve stayed has taught us what really makes a vacation special. We’ve taken our favorite details and built them into every Red Roof Retreat: canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, paddleboats, fishing poles, fire pits, barbecue grills, stocked coffee, snacks, toiletries, and cleaning supplies — the little things that make your stay easier and more comfortable from the moment you arrive. We believe a great vacation should feel effortless. We also believe hosting is personal.
We love meeting guests from all over the world, and we’re proud to be hands-on hosts. We’re often on site, and when we’re not, we’re always just a call or text away. And if we happen to be out of town, we have trusted local help nearby to take care of anything that comes up.
At the heart of everything we do is a simple goal: to give you the kind of vacation we’d want ourselves — thoughtful, comfortable, and memorable. Because who doesn’t love a good vacation?
Come Stay With Us!
Tucked away in the rolling hills of the Shawnee National Forest, Red Roof Retreats offers the perfect space to explore the outdoors, reconnect with nature, or simply unplug from the busy world.
We currently offer five unique rental options in Goreville, Illinois:
- The Little Moon – a charming tiny home directly on Lake of Egypt with its own private dock
- The Red Roof Retreat Log Cabin – just across the street, cozy and classic
- The Jaybird Treehouse – elevated views and playful charm
- Nature’s Way Getaway – a spacious 3-bedroom lake house with its own dock
- Bloom Retreat – a beautifully designed off-lake home with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a private hot tub, and peaceful surroundings
- Dos Pajaritos – 2 separate pods, each with queen beds, kitchenettes, and their own full bathrooms!
Guests at our lakefront and near-lake properties enjoy access to canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, paddleboats, and a large shared dock. Firepits, hammocks, and starry night skies come standard. Many families and retreat groups rent multiple homes so they can stay close — while still having their own private space.
Why Guests Love Red Roof Retreats
- Thoughtfully stocked stays – From coffee, snacks, toiletries, and cleaning supplies to the little conveniences you don’t want to run to the store for, we’ve got you covered.
- Unique places you won’t find anywhere else – Treehouses, tiny homes, modern pods, cozy cabins, lakefront homes, and a beach getaway — each retreat has its own personality.
- Outdoor fun included – Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, paddleboats, fishing poles, fire pits, grills, and even a floating lily pad at select properties — no extra rentals needed.
- Designed by travelers, for travelers – We’ve stayed in a lot of places and paid attention to what makes a stay great. We built our retreats around the things we love most when we travel.
- Peaceful, nature-filled settings – Wake up to lake views, sunsets, wildlife (yes, deer included!), and the kind of quiet that lets you truly unplug.
- Clean, comfortable, and well-maintained – We take pride in our spaces and work hard to make sure every stay is comfortable, welcoming, and ready for you.
- Hands-on, responsive hosts – We’re often on site and always just a call or text away. If we’re out of town, trusted local help is nearby.
- Perfect for real vacations – Whether you’re here to relax, explore, reconnect, or celebrate, our goal is to give you a vacation that feels easy and memorable.