Branson is a family-friendly city nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains where world-famous entertainment, thrilling attractions, outdoor beauty, and nostalgic charm have beautifully synthesized to attract visitors for more than five decades.
Acclaimed as the Live Entertainment Capital of the World, Branson boasts an eclectic list of performances, from comedy and dinner shows to nationally recognized musicals and theatre productions. Further opportunities here include soaring high above the Ozarks on a zipline canopy tour, or riding the fastest, steepest, and tallest spinning coaster in the world.
Branson’s eclectic range of lodging options offers the perfect home base from which to dive into the fun-filled atmosphere of this retro city. From budget-friendly boutique cabins to luxury high-end resorts, here are the best cool and unusual hotels in Branson (in no particular order)...
1. Willow Ridge Resort – a popular, chic and family-friendly mountain resort close to local attractions
This premium resort is the perfect hub to explore the Live Entertainment Capital of the World. Marriott’s Willow Ridge Resort boasts stylish, spacious villa lodging options, as well as a comprehensive array of family-friendly amenities including fully equipped kitchens, separate dining spaces, and furnished balconies and patios.
The Canopy Cove indoor pool provides year-round fun, while the seasonal Cascades outdoor pool offers a cooling oasis amid the Missouri summer.
The Clubhouse is an ideal haven to keep the kids entertained, while adults can make use of the state-of-the-art fitness centre. The on-site ‘Marketplace Express’ boasts an assortment of sundry items, and offers snacks, treats, and Starbucks coffee which you can take with you on your adventures around Branson.
- To book, check prices or availability for Marriott’s Willow Ridge Resort
2. Lodge of the Ozarks – a charming rustic-chic lodge set in the heart of Branson
Lodge of the Ozarks sets the tone for a charismatic Branson welcome, owing to its quaint lounge area filled with beautiful wood furnishings.
The stone fireplace and large chandelier add ambient light, and a homey feel is evoked through its woodland-inspired rugs. All of its 184 guestrooms feature lodge-style décor, granite countertops, and mini-fridges, while some also have jetted tubs.
Plush upholstered chairs and plaid bed runners contribute to the guestrooms’ sense of quirkiness, while the outdoor courtyard boasts a gazebo, lush greenery, and blissful lounging areas. A delightful indoor pool has an adjoining outdoor sundeck, offering an optimum spot for relaxation.
- To book, check prices or availability for Lodge of the Ozarks
3. Table Rock Resorts at Indian Point – a chic resort with modern decor that boasts a great outdoor area that includes a marina with boat rentals
A waterfront resort spread across 24 acres of lush grounds, Table Rock Resorts features newly renovated condos and lavish cabins ranging from 1 to 7 bedrooms.
Relishing a premier lake location with a gentle slope to the water’s edge, there are many activities on offer at this stunning property. Guests can cruise the crystal-clear waters of Table Rock Lake in a sparkling tri-toon, or enjoy free kayak rentals to head out on an adventure-filled day.
Boat rentals, paddle boards, and fishing platforms add to the fun-filled atmosphere here, and the on-site facilities which include 2 swimming pools, 2 hot tubs, and a community fire pit, offer all-embracing opportunities to unwind and soak up the peaceful ambiance.
- To book, check prices or availability for Table Rock Resorts at Indian Point
4. Stormy Point Village Lakeside – a fun, upbeat and trendy resort perfect for families
Overlooking the beautiful Table Rock Lake from the Ozark Mountains, Stormy Point Village Lakeside is an enchanting resort suffused by a stunning design which shares a nod to the lush elegance of a timeless Cape Cod fishing village.
With a total of 16 one- and two-bedroom units, guests can enjoy a peaceful reprieve accompanied by top-of-the-range kitchen appliances, 48-inch flat-screen TVs, and panoramic balcony views.
The accommodations are embellished by minimalist design hues and leather sofas to offer an optimum living environment.
The seasonal outdoor pool is dotted with comfy deck chairs, while the on-site restaurant and bar presents a chic ambiance with quirky décor to compliment your evening socials.
- To book, check prices or availability for Stormy Point Village Lakeside
5. Branson’s Nantucket – one of the coolest aparthotels to stay in Branson perfect for fun-loving Millennials and Gen Zs
More than just a vacation getaway, Branson’s Nantucket is a place where friends and loved ones come to create new memories, and capture special moments.
This Cape-Cod-themed getaway showcases a blissful essence of untouched beauty emanating refined heritage, and is backdropped by serene lake views.
Conveniently located between Branson’s Theatre and Entertainment District and the heavenly waters of Table Rock Lake, the luxurious villas at Nantucket invite guests to escape the stresses of life and focus purely on reconnection.
Located on the 10th floor, Captain’s Quarters offers a unique and eventful dining experience, featuring a full-service bar, and both indoor and outdoor seating to accommodate for guests and locals alike.
- To book, check prices or availability for Branson’s Nantucket
6. Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa and Convention Center – an iconic lakeside resort that features French-country furnishings
This iconic resort is housed in a grand chateau, and showcases a stunning selection of newly refurbished rooms and suites. Classic comfort is offered in these captivating accommodations, through bespoke French furnishings and warm wood accents.
Upscale amenities including flat-screen HDTVs, Keurig coffee makers, and plush bedding offer a touch of opulence, while the granite countertops, Kohler massaging shower heads, and luxe bath amenities radiate this essence into the bathrooms.
You can savour fine dining at the illustrious Chateau Grille, while snacks can be enjoyed poolside, and a casual lunch is served in the Atrium Café.
A striking outdoor Roman bath with a waterfall and a gigantic Swarovski crystal chandelier set the scene for a lavish spa experience in this one-of-a-kind resort.
- To book, check prices or availability for Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa and Convention Center
7. The Village At Indian Point Resort – a quirky rustic-chic resort that offers a private boat dock
As you enter between the mossy stone waterfalls, The Village at Indian Point Resort greets you with rustic log siding, huge stone fireplaces, and quirky décor, emanating the charm of the magical lakeside setting.
All lodges and condominiums are individually appointed, with unique furnishings and locally inspired embellishments. Stone wood burning fireplaces and stunning private decks add an elegant overtone to this AAA Three Diamond experience.
Located only 5 miles west of the theatre and shopping district, you are close enough to enjoy the electric epicentre of downtown Branson, whilst far enough away to experience the level of tranquillity synonymous with the Ozark Mountains.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Village At Indian Point Resort
8. Overlook at Eagles Nest Resort – a modern and stylish hotel that provides a children’s playground
Here we have an exuberant vacation experience drenched in soft tones and opulent furniture drenched in dark wood accents.
The interiors are minimalist yet exude comfort, with marble countertops beautifully contrasting the plush seating areas in the guestrooms. With large windows allowing the natural light to beam through, and a birds-eye view over the lake from the private decks and patios, at the Overlook you can lavish in soothing comfort while letting the stresses of life melt away in front of sweeping panoramas.
The resort features a children’s playground, and is nestled in the sumptuous peripheries of Branson yet just a short drive from all of the city’s gems.
- To book, check prices or availability for Overlook at Eagles Nest Resort
9. Branson King Resort & Suites – a colorful, kitsch, and fun party hotel to stay in Branson
Combining heritage-infused elegance with an eccentric character, this quirky vacation destination is designed to fill your hearts with a thrilling sensation.
Only here can you have such an eclectic choice of whimsical-themed rooms. From the Conway Twitty & Loretta Lynn rooms to the John Wayne and Ronald Reagan rooms, each uniquely designed accommodation blends a lavish sleeping experience with bespoke character-inspired furniture.
If your taste leans more to the Rock n Roll flavour, the Elvis suite, penthouse, and king condo pays homage to the eventful past of one of the world’s most loved icons.
The hotel further boasts a classic wedding chapel which exudes romanticism and creativity and is set atop sloping lawns in a serene setting.
- To book, check prices or availability for Branson King Resort & Suites
10. Still Waters Resort – a fun and trendy water resort that offers a full-service marina
Echoing the mantra of the surrounding region, Still Waters Resort is all about the great outdoors. The hotel’s brick exterior strays from the typical lodge aesthetic of the area, and the clean, welcoming lobby is polished with hardwood floors, leather sofas, and palm tree wallpaper.
The bright, spacious condos themselves are formed by attractive dark wood shingles, and most of them open to private patios or balconies. The hotel boasts a seasonal marina with five covered boat docks and a fleet of rental boats, including waverunners, pontoons, and motorboats for water skiing.
On the resort grounds, there are three regular pools with hot tubs and hammocks, as well as a 15-foot, walk-through waterfall, and a waterslide that is open seasonally.
- To book, check prices or availability for Still Waters Resort
11. The Branson Hotel – a charming and unique boutique-style hotel that offers complimentary attractions daily
Boasting Branson’s first library, the hotel housed Harold Bell Wright as he was writing his renown novel ‘Shepherd of the Hills’, and the lobby’s front desk contains a letter signed by Harold himself.
The adults-only property has been lovingly restored to provide a character-filled base to create memories with loved ones.
Surrounded by the rich history of the 1900’s yet fully restored in the luxury of the 21st century, the graceful staff pull out all of the stops to ensure your stay is an unforgettable one.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Branson Hotel
12. Bradford House Bed and Breakfast – a historic Victorian-style guest house that features a sun terrace
Offering a welcoming change of pace, Bradford House is set in a place of serenity and elegance, topped with good old-fashioned hospitality.
Embracing you with a family feel, an individual Victorian-styled room awaits you with wonderful pillow-topped mattresses, lavish décor, and a whole host of tech-savvy amenities.
The 15 rooms are decorated with attentiveness and care, radiating the graceful charm of this stellar Missouri city.
Every day is kickstarted with a delicious homemade breakfast served in the beautiful dining room, and a beverage service is open at all times complete with fresh teas, hot chocolates, and French vanilla Cappuccino’s.
- To book, check prices or availability for Bradford House Bed and Breakfast
13. Woodpecker Watchtower – a contemporary and charming hotel ideal for a romantic stay
A gorgeous antique feel permeates this elegant property, through dark wood tones and old-fashioned furniture. All of the seating areas are embellished by colourful cushions and lamps, while bespoke artwork and ambient lighting set the tone for a relaxed visit.
The bedrooms are the perfect blend of style and comfort, and some boast private balconies adorned with a table and chairs, overlooking the lush landscape.
Located a short distance from Silver Dollar City, Deer Run Family Fun Park, and Indian Point Zipline, guests can embark on breath-taking days out on bikes, before returning to this charming haven to lay rest for a blissful night’s sleep.
- To book, check prices or availability for Woodpecker Watchtower
14. Reunion Lodges at Thousand Hills – a top-rated resort that boasts amazing amenities including a golf clubhouse
Built to accommodate large groups, the Reunion lodges feature a seven-bedroom house and a large holiday home, both offering rooms with large double beds, and bunk beds.
With beautiful views of the Thousand Hills golf course from two private decks, both of these luxury lodges feature two common areas, an expansive kitchen area, a large living area with a fireplace, and a dining room.
While visiting the Reunion Lodges, you’ll have the opportunity to rent clubs and hit the links on one of Missouri’s most unique golf course layouts, which offers a plethora of difficulty stages fit for all levels.
The Reunion Lodges provide a restaurant, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a children’s playground, and a stunning garden.
- To book, check prices or availability for Reunion Lodges at Thousand Hills
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Scott started his travelling life back in 1999, when he headed off on a solo jaunt to South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia with just a backpack, a camera and a spirit for adventure. After that, the travel bug bit hard and now he is always seeking to head off somewhere new. Over the years he has lived in Italy, Qatar, Ireland, UK and the US but his spiritual home will always be Rome as this is the city which most satisfies his unrelenting craving for culture, good food and great football. Scott loves nothing better than to be behind the camera and also runs his own blog and Instagram page. He also counts Melbourne, Cape Town and Tel Aviv among his favourite places. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @scottbalaam