Real Mom Review: Getaway Tiny Cabin Stay

By Ashley Augustine, CertifiKID Subscriber
Posted Jun 27, 2019 Real Mom Reviews Family Travel Things to Do

Getaway provides a tiny cabin stay experience at several outposts throughout the country. Currently, Getaway has seven outposts just outside of Washington, D.C. in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley; Catskill, New York; Suches, Georgia (about two hours from Atlanta); Epsom, New Hampshire (near Boston); Portland, Oregon; Los Angeles, California; and in the Pittsburgh/Cleveland area, with more outposts coming soon.

We sent one of our MOM Squad ambassadors and her family to experience a tiny cabin stay at Getaway DC. She received free accommodations in exchange for providing an honest review of her experience.

Getaway is a growing company with tiny houses located outside of major cities around the United State to give guest a great place to well, getaway. There are two styles of houses - one with a queen size bed and one with queen bunkbeds. All linens and pillows are also in the house. We stayed in the single queen bed. Our 4-year-old slept in between my husband and me. We actually had enough space for a pack and play for our 16 month old to sleep in.

Each house has a flushing toilet and stand up shower. The shower also has biodegradable bodywash, shampoo and conditioner. The bathroom is also stocked with toilet paper and towels. A small first aid kit is located on the bathroom wall. There is also a great sized kitchen with a table, mini fridge, two-burner electric stove, sink, tea pot, plates, bowls, pans, and kitchen utensils to use free of charge. The kitchen also has a small AM/FM radio.

The houses have one amazingly large window and a few others that all have roll up/down curtains. Some of the smaller windows open and have screens for fresh air. The house also has air conditioning and heat for the winter.

We arrived around 6:30 p.m. on a Thursday evening. After unpacking and checking out our camp site, we started a fire and cooked hot dogs and popcorn over the open fire. Since it was late, we spent the evening chasing fire flies and called it a night around 9 p.m.

Our kids are early risers, so we were up early on Friday morning, made breakfast and headed out around 9 a.m. We drove 45 minutes to a local favorite swimming hole called "Blue Hole". I should have done a bit more research before getting there. The hike to the river swimming area was 1.5 miles slightly uphill with rocks and uneven trails. Two areas we also walked through smaller streams a bit over our ankles.

Because I didn't look this information up before we set out with our jogging stroller, towels, cooler for a picnic and in flip flops, before climbing down the rocks to the swimming hole a nice hiker gave us information on a much better kid-friendly 1-mile hike option. Blue hole is more fit for middle school or older kids!

I would not recommend taking so much stuff or a stroller on the trail, it was a bit challenging. When in the gravel parking area, the Blue Hole trail is to the left gate and the kid-friendly option is to the right behind the other gate. We stayed at Blue Hole since we worked so hard to get there!

After our hike in, 45 minutes of river play, and the hike out, we headed back to Getaway to get cleaned up. We all took showers and the water was hot for everyone, so that was amazing. Our kids then spent some time playing in the gravel area outside the house before we cooked dinner over the fire again.

Friday night, we made foil chicken with veggies and had s'mores when the sun went down.

Saturday morning, we packed up and headed home. Check out is 11 a.m., but we left a bit before. There was no main area to check out; we just locked the door and headed home. I think two nights is the best way to enjoy the house along with the area around the location.

It was a great way to get away and spend time as a family. Besides a few hikers, we didn't come in contact with others. There is spotty service but for the most part we stayed off our phone and enjoyed the time together. There are a lot of outdoor activities within driving distance. Our 4-year old loved the hike and cooking over the fire. Our 16-month old is pretty easy going but I think he loved climbing around inside and playing in the dirt. My husband and I loved spending time with our family in a way we never have.

Getting There and Getting In

I received an email and text message a week before check-in with the location address and packing info. The day before, I also received message reminders on the upcoming trip and to expect my house name and lock code the next day.

On the day of check-in, around noon (3 hours before check-in), I received a map of the location, our house name and details on how to open and lock the door. There was no check-in or check-out location; we never came in contact with any workers. There was information and a phone located in the house if we needed assistance. 

Each tiny house has its own designated parking spot. Some are right beside the house and others a bit farther away. Our spot was not right by the house but it wasn't a long walk and gave us more space outside the house. Each house is allowed up to two vehicles only. There aren't any additional spots or overflow parking. The whole area is gravel parking and walking paths.

Tips for Families

My kids are 4 and 16 months old. I think the Getaway location is great for all ages or even a great adult getaway. 

I recommend two nights to enjoy the experience, since check-in is not until 3 p.m. and check out is 11 a.m. I think this gives you a whole day to explore the area and enjoy the getaway experience.

The sink water is filtered and the kitchen has salt, pepper and oil for the guest to use. There is also a small pantry of food available for purchase and wood available for purchase as well. 

Nearby Attractions

There are a few small towns and shops around the Getaway DC house location. On the way home we passed a lot of produce markets, antique shops and even the always popular Moo-Thru ice cream shop!

The Getaway location isn't too far from a small town with a Walmart and other shops if you need something.

Does Your Family Plan to Visit Again?

We loved the whole experience and are actually talking about taking a trip back this fall when the leaves are changing and the weather is a bit cooler. 

Do you want the chance to provide your real parent review of one of our deals? Join our MOM Squad Facebook Group (you must be a CertifiKID member to be approved for membership. Not a member? Sign up HERE.).

Tags: tiny cabin getaway family friendly travel kids

---

 

CertifiKID was founded by a mom with a passion for helping parents provide the best experiences for their children on a budget. From outings to adventures, classes to camps, theater to sporting events, amusement parks to getaways, CertifiKID provides the best family-friendly experiences at unbeatable prices. Sign up for family-friendly deals in your area and start saving!